The CEO's Ex-Wife Is A Famous Doctor

~Lilhyz~

©️SⓂ️S/©️🅰️🅰️🅰️

Chapter 1: Divorce

“I want a divorce! I am now the CEO of the Thompson Group of Companies- the master of the Thompsons. My father can no longer control me. I am done with your selfishness!” Evan Thompson, her husband, towered over her as he yelled. “I thought I knew you. I thought you would change, but I was wrong to think that you deserved a chance!” “Evan, please,” Shantelle’s words broke in and out. This wasn’t the first time her husband had brought up the divorce in the past few months, but now he had the divorce papers in his hand. Fear crept into Shantelle’s heart, knowing how serious he was this time. She reasoned, “I thought you were cheating on me. So I did every married woman would do and confront a mistress whom you have been housing in a luxury apartment -” “I was only helping her!” Evan insisted. “She isn’t a mistress! Why are you so insecure?” “Nicole has no one. I brought her here to Rose Hills, and she is my responsibility. Two years ago, Nicole quit her job in Lockwood to be with me. She has no one. Do you hear me? No one. You and father ensured she could not get a decent job!” Evan shot back. With a frown, Shantelle said back, “She could have gotten a decent job ifnshe stayed away from Rose Hills -”

“And with what? No money – in a new town without anyone she knows?” Evan retorted. “Then, she could go back to Lockwood -” Shantelle tried to reason, but hencutnher off again. “That’s not the point, Shantelle! Haven’t you realized it? I do not like to be dictated!” Evan said. He pointed at her and described, “You think you can control my life? Who do I want to be acquainted with?” “That’s never going to happen, Shantelle! Never! I only permitted thismarriage because of my father – because he threatened me with my inheritance, my birthright!” Evan added. “You realized how unfair that was for me?” “And what if I cheated? Why would it matter to you? You forced yourself into this marriage – conspired with my father to trap me in this situation! You knew that I had my eye on Nicole, but did that matter to you? No! You had to squeeze yourself into my life!” Evan shot back, his voice strengthening. ‘Forced myself into his life?’ Shantelle silently asked. ‘But we have known each other longer!’ Shantelle and Evan had been married for two years. Their parents were close friends and had always said that she and Evan were bound to get married.Evan was the gentle older brother she looked up to when they were young.He treated her kindly and even blushed at her claims of marrying him. She was five years younger than Evan, so her thirteen-year-old self did not hold back in expressing her love for him back then. Sadly, the time came when Evan had to leave Rose Hills City for his college and master’s degree.

Evan only visited Rose Hills during holidays since he was often busy, taking two majors in college and managing an off-shore branch near Lockwood City. When Evan fully returned to Rose Hills, he was already twenty-five years old,ready to take on more responsibility in his father’s company. He was mature, more brilliant, taller, better built, and absolutely good-looking. However, when he came back, he brought someone with him, a friend whom he introduced as a potential girlfriend, Nicole Lively.Shantelle never saw the signs. Whenever Evan visited Rose Hills, they chatted like old times. She was always very transparent about her attraction towards him, yet he never shut her down. Imagine her surprise and dismay when he returned with a woman he was casually dating at that time.The oddest part was how Nicole Lively looked somewhat similar to her. Nicole had long blonde hair, amber-colored eyes, and the same nose. If not for Shantelle’s blue orbs, more prominent jawlines, and tall figure, they were almost the same. It wasn’t just Shantelle who was disappointed when Evan brought home a girl. His father, Erick Thompson, was so furious that he tried to push Nicole away. He paid her off to leave the city, but she never took the bait. After some time, Evan’s father forced him to marry Shantelle. He would have been disowned if he had not. It was Erick’s way of declaring that Nicole Lively had no place in their family.

Yes, Shantelle was selfish. The thought of Evan being with another woman made her incredibly resentful. So when Evan’s father insisted on their marriage, she… willingly agreed.Shantelle was only twenty when she married Evan, still studying biochemistry at a local university that her father co-founded, but that did not stop her from being with the man she had loved. She thought this was her chance. Eventually, he i would love her. She loved Evan so much and would do anything for him – to be with him, including working with Erick Thompson to keep Nicole Lively away. Erick and Shantelle tried everything. With her own family’s influence, they banned Nicole from entering the city. For over a year, Nicole was out of the picture. However, Shantelle had to admit the woman had her ways! Nicole found her way back to Rose Hills with Evan’s help. “Now that I hold power and my father can no longer run the company, I can finally make this decision with no one to threaten me,” Evan coldly said. “I want you out of my life, Shantelle!” “But Evan, I love you,” she admitted, water welled in her eyes this time. “I did everything for you to love me. Since I was young, you knew I have always loved you.” She kneeled in front of Evan and wrapped her arms around his knees. She begged, “Please don’t leave me. I love you so much.”

“BUT! I DON’T. LOVE YOU! I never did!” Evan forced his frame away from her.He then slammed the papers against the living room table. With how strongly he struck the table, Shantelle shuddered, feeling chills down

her spine. For seconds, she remained silent, gawking at the document.‘This is it. It has come to this. Despite everything I had done to earn his love,’ Shantelle said to herself. Her breathing became labored as tears finally rolled down her face. Shantelle felt utterly defeated. Her mouth parted, yet no words left her lips. Before she could respond, Evan groaned, saying, “You are unbelievable! What happened to the Shantelle I used to know?” ‘What does he mean? I am still the same Shantelle, except I tried to fight for what I thought was right for me – him – his love!’ She pondered deeply. “Fuck!” He clenched his jaws before saying, “I’m leaving. I have better things to do than deal with you.” Pointing to the divorce agreement, he said, “I’ll give you one week. One week to sign that document.” He stood up and put on his coat. As he did, Shantelle asked, “Where?” She gulped. “Where are you going?” “None of your business.” He took a few steps forward and then purposely said, “Maybe I’ll stay at Nicole’s apartment – anywhere but here.” The next thing Shantelle heard was the loud banging of their double doors

Chapter 2: The Letter

Selfish? Yes, that was true. It was because she loved Evan so much. Insecure? How could she not be? Knowing that Nicole Lively was at arm’s length, Shantelle’s insecurity grew. Shantelle and Evan had a relatively tranquil marriage for more than a year. It wasn’t fruitful or romantic – the dream marriage she wished for, but at least they were civil. Occasionally, they spent quality time as a married couple. Occasionally, they had made love. Shantelle could tell that Evan had tried. However, six months ago, she received an anonymous message, tipping her of Nicole Lively’s return. She became paranoid. She kept prying, infuriating Evan with her constant interrogating and snooping. He started bringing up a divorce since. Eventually, whoever gave her clues sent her photos of Evan and Nicole together, having lunch or taking her to a luxury apartment building. That was when Shantelle pursued to know where Nicole lived. So when she found out that Evan was paying for the apartment, she stormed into the apartment building and gave Nicole a piece of her mind. Shantelle made sure Everyone in the building knew that Nicole was a mistress! Naturally, Evan found out about it. That was how they wound up in their most noteworthy argument, within the living room of their villa. So yes, she was selfish and insecure, but that was all because of her love for Evan. What hurt Shantelle the most, however, were Evan’s words. ‘I DON’T. LOVE

YOU! I never did!’ She thought, if there was no ounce of affection for her, then why? Why would he touch her? She ridiculed herself, still sitting on the floor. She muttered, “I guess I’m just a convenient partner.”

“Of course, Shantelle. You already know this,” she added. Evan had never told he loved her. He never even said he liked her. She was just someone his father forced him to marry.Shantelle got up from the floor when she realized the maids were staring at her. ‘They must have overheard. How shameful. How pathetic.’ She picked up the divorce papers and went to the master’s bedroom. It was then she read the terms of the contract. To set Evan free, she would get ten million dollars as alimony. Shantelle set the document aside and stood in front of a full-length mirror. Watching the stain on her face, the bags around her eyes, and her skinny frame, she murmured, “How pitiful.” Before she became Misses Thompson, she was once the most sought-after young girl in college. She could not count the number of men who confessed their love for her, yet she chose to be with a man who did not love her. “How pathetic.” She told herself. “Shantelle, you are so pathetic!” It’s fair to say that love can turn one into someone foolish. Shantelle was only twenty-two years old. She graduated at the top of her class in biochemistry, finishing her degree in seven semesters. She wasn’t supposed to be someone who felt unloved and unwanted. She was meant to be greater!

After finishing college, she was so hung up, knowing that Nicole was just around the corner, that she did not even think about herself or her career. She had always wanted to become a doctor – a surgeon, but that would mean leaving the city to pursue medicine – allowing Nicole to see her husband freely! Thus, she gave up on that idea. After studying herself in the mirror, Shantelle looked around the room. Her eyes landed on the portrait of her and Evan. It was a picture of them on their wedding day. She noted how she was so happy. Her eyes were gleaming in the photo, but as she glanced at Evan’s face, her heart sank. In that photo, there was only hurt in Evan’s expression. Guilt washed over her. Then, after some time, she laughed. The kind of laughter that was mixed with misery. Indeed, she was pathetic. She was at fault for marrying Evan against his will. If she had said no back then, he would have been free to choose, and she would not be in such a wretched state. Shantelle did not know for how long she reflected on her decisions in life, but Before dozing off to sleep that night, she admitted, “You are right, Evan. You are right. I am to blame for this.”

“Mrs. Thompson, have dinner. You barely ate for two days,” Mrs. Shaw, their the house caretaker walked in the door, forcing Shantelle to get up from the bed.

Shantelle did not know how, but she managed with only water and bread for two days. That was how depressed she had become after Evan gave her the divorce papers. “I brought your dinner instead, so you don’t have to go out,” Mrs. Shaw said. Mrs. Shaw urged Shantelle to eat. She did not leave, making sure Shantelle filled her stomach. After Shantelle finished half her plate, she smiled and said, “Mrs. Shaw, thank you for taking care of me. Thank you for being my constant companion here at home, but -” The words were stuck in her throat, and she cried, saying, “I’m afraid I must leave. I’m afraid I have pushed myself too hard on Evan’s life that he hates me -” “Shhh. Mrs. Thompson. You are a good person. You just need to learn that love cannot be forced,” Mrs. Shaw said. “If you love something, set it free. If it comes back, it’s yours. If it doesn’t, then it never was.” Shantelle smiled at Mrs. Shaw. She acknowledged, “Thank you, Mrs. Shaw. I i guess I know that already. I was… really hoping he would love me one day.” Mrs. Shaw nodded. She had been working with Evan’s family for years. When Evan moved to his marital home, the Thompsons asked her to take care of the newlywed couple. She had known Shantelle since she was in high school. The Scotts were

constant visitors to the Thompson’s home. Thus, Mrs. Shaw was aware of her kind nature, but Shantelle slowly changed since she married Evan. Mrs. Shaw tried to mind her own business, but this time, she could not help but give Shantelle her advice. If they were both unhappy with the marriage, why stay? “Have you decided?” Mrs. Shaw asked. Shantelle nodded and faintly replied, “Yes, I have.” After Mrs. Shaw left, Shantelle first took out a paper and pen. Evan has been bringing up the divorce since four months ago, but it was only in the past twenty-four hours that Shantelle gave it enough thought. She sucked in a breath and wrote a letter to Evan: [My Dearest Evan, You first helped me with my math homework when I was ten. Your technique for mastering mathematics was excellent. I thought you were so brilliant. Remember when my parents were so busy because of a doctor’s conference My father had to attend? Mom and Dad had to leave me in your house, and we made a mess of the kitchen, making pancakes. I enjoyed those happy times with you.

When I was twelve, our families went camping by the lake, and you saved me after falling into the water. That was the first time I felt I truly liked you. Even if I i was just a kid, I was crazy about you. I only told you about how I felt when I was thirteen because I knew you were

leaving for college. Evan, my love for you is not shallow. It goes deeper than you can imagine, but I was wrong about how I showed my love. You are right. I should not have agreed to the marriage and trapped you into such a commitment. I’ve heard this line many times, but I have always denied it. Loving someone means setting them free. So, here it is. I have already signed the divorce papers. I hope you and Nicole will find happiness. I’m sorry to have come between the two of you. Forgive me for being selfish. Forgive my childish ways. Goodbye, Evan. Take care. Love, Shantelle.

Chapter 3: The Anonymous Number Dark circles formed around her eyes as Shantelle packed her bags at five in the morning. She kept returning to the closet and deciding on what to bring. Evan bought her a few dresses. Even if they were in a loveless marriage, somehow, he had thought about her. “I think it’s better not to bring anything that would remind me of Evan,” she mumbled and resumed packing only those she bought with her father’s money. When she was done, she called for her father’s driver and asked him to pick her up. Only then did she read the terms of their divorce. She read it once and twice until it all sunk into her head.

“You are getting a divorce, Shanty. You are getting a divorce,” she repeated. “No more crying. Cry later when you are at home.” “Ten million dollars.” She reread. Evan would give her ten million dollars as alimony for accepting the divorce terms. Shantelle marked out the alimony. She affixed her signature on the correction. Afterward, she cautiously signed her name on every page and at the last part. She felt a knife stab her heart as she affixed her signature next to Evan’s. For a moment, she wondered when he had signed this contract. When Shantelle was done, her shaking hands placed the same document beside the table, and she sadly removed her wedding ring. Tears threatened to fall again, but she held back. Shantelle allowed herself a few minutes to take it all in. Just as she was sitting on the bed, her phone buzzed. Immediately, she assumed it was her father’s driver. To her surprise, it was the same anonymous number that had been telling her about Evan and Nicole. However, the the message was bolder this time, declaring herself. Her eyes widened at what she saw, and her heart galloped! On her screen was a picture of Evan having coffee at an unfamiliar dining area. From the photo, Shantelle could tell that Evan had just woken up. His hair was messy, and he wore his usual office attire, except it was all wrinkled. The message on her phone read: [No matter what you do, he will come back to me. He never loved you. Give up.] Shantelle’s face turned ghostly white. She could not believe her eyes! Apparently, her mysterious tipper was none other than Nicole Lively herself! How brazen! Her mouth fell open as she threw her head back on the sheets. She laughed and laughed while tears streamed down her face.

After what felt like ten minutes of laughing and crying, her heart out, she replied to the message, saying: [So it was you all along, Nicole. I would never have thought. Well, you can have him. I accept my defeat.] Either way, Shantelle had already signed the divorce papers and earnestly accepted that Evan did not love her. For seconds, she contemplated what to do. Still, she thought it was necessary to let Evan know what Nicole had done. She took a screenshot of Nicole’s message. Then she sent it to Evan. Shantelle typed her message: [I agree to the divorce. You can have your ten million dollars. I don’t need the money, Evan. I am Shantelle Scott, daughter of the world-famous cardiac surgeon, Doctor William Scott. Thank you for everything, Evan, and I’m sorry. I’m sorry for everything.] Before leaving, Shantelle made sure that Evan would get her message clearly. She wrote added instructions in her letter: [By the way, I marked out the alimony and countersigned it. As I said in my text, you don’t need to give me any money. And, I’m sorry about the picture message I sent you. I just thought you should know.] The next call she received was that of her father’s driver. She gave her room one last look before finally leaving her marital home.

Last night, in a private room in an exclusive club, Evan was spending time with his friends. His brown-colored eyes narrowed at his drink. His perfectly sculpted and slightly bearded jaws clenched before gulping down a full glass of hard liquor. After settling the glass on the table, he ran his fingers through his dark brown hair and announced, “I’m divorcing Shantelle.” Dead air fell upon the room, but soon, one of his friends, Sean, asked, “I can’t believe this. Are you serious, Evan?”

“He is dead serious, man. We all knew he was always envious of our single-blessed life,” Wendell remarked before gulping down a full glass of wine. “What’s going on?” Keith arrived, curious about the purpose of their gathering. Sean Ross, Keith Henderson, and Wendell Franco have been good friends with Evan since high school. They parted ways when they studied at different colleges, but they had always communicated with each other. Sean and Wendell first glanced at Evan. Seeing he was seriously drinking his liquor, Wendell revealed, “Evan is divorcing our beautiful Shanty.” “What?” Keith asked with a frown. He sat next to Evan and poured himself a glass of wine. “Why?” “Why not?” Evan said back. “I never wanted to get married two years ago. I was twenty-five then, at the prime of my life. I had many plans. It was all my father’s doing, and she rode in on it. She is not that innocent!” “But I thought you both were fine last year?” Sean asked. “Weren’t you going out on occasional dates?” “A few. A few dinner dates were just a front to appease my father.” Evan scoffed. His response was his way of justifying his decision. “I just endured it. But now that father no longer has the stamina to run the corporation, and he has no choice but to hand me the full authority, I am free to make my own choices.” “Besides, I have had enough of her being constantly jealous and insecure!” Evan added. There was silence between the four friends, but eventually, Keith sought, “Is this because of Nicole Lively?” “I don’t know, man. I mean, you have been spending time with Nicole lately. Plus, you kept that a secret from Shanty. It’s natural for Shanty to be jealous,” Wendell suggested. “Who I make friends with is none of her business,” Evan curtly pointed out and then indulged himself in another glass of

alcohol. “Whose side are you on?” The temperature in their room dropped instantly. It took minutes and a few more drinks for Sean to break the ice. He asked, “So you are only interested in becoming friends with Nicole? Or are you planning to make her your girlfriend after the divorce?” Evan thought deeply about it. That was the plan before he was forced into marriage. Now, many things had changed, but Of course, he still felt responsible for Nicole’s well-being. Nevertheless, he wasn’t sure how he felt about it. Despite his uncertainties, he retorted, “Why not? I brought Nicole to Rose Hills two years ago with that intention.” Evan immediately noticed the varied expressions of his friends. Keith scoffed. Sean sneered. Wendell bit his lip. All the more irritation filled his heart. “What the hell is wrong with all of you?” Evan cast them an intimidating glare as he questioned. “Nothing, Evan. It’s just that.” Sean cautiously looked at Wendell and Keith. When he confirmed their minds were synched, He said, “We don’t get you, Evan.” Keith nodded. He, for one, had known Shantelle and Evan since they were young. Evan used to cherish Shantelle, and their families always knew they would end up together. Everything changed when he came home one day and brought Nicole Lively. “What do you mean you don’t get me?” Evan, in his stern voice, sought. “Sure, they have similarities, but if you look closely, they are so far apart. And it’s not just the look; it’s everything else; Shantelle’s background, her character.” Shaking his head, Keith said, “Let me show you, Evan.” With his left hand raised above his head, he said, “This is Shantelle.” Then, he lowered his right hand below his waist and suggested, “This is Nicole Lively.” “That’s the difference between the two of them. Any man would want Shantelle over Nicole. We don’t get how you like

Nicole over your wife,” Keith said in a sarcastic tone. “Then!” Evan yelled, “Why don’t you marry her?!” Angered by his friend’s idea, Evan pushed the liquor bottles off the table, spilling the contents on the tiles. He got up and fixed his coat and acted to leave. Just when he had heard enough from his friends, Keith said back, “Are you sure about that, Evan? Because if you are not interested in Shanty, I’d be more than happy to pursue her!” The thought of Keith wooing his wife filled his heart with fury. Keith was a known playboy. He dated women left and right! He did not deserve someone like Shantelle. He said back, “Don’t even think about it!”

Chapter 4: Nicole Lively For an hour, Evan drove around town aimlessly, thinking about the divorce. Thanks to his so-called friends, he was second-guessing his decision. It was past midnight when he still had no specific direction where to go. He thought about going to a hotel or his office, but suddenly, he remembered one person who could understand him, Nicole. Thus, he drove to Nicole’s apartment. When Evan arrived at the apartment, he rang the doorbell several times. Finally, when the door opened, he saw Nicole’s a smiling face. She was surprised to see him, and he could tell by how her eyes widened and gleamed. Faintly, she said, “Evan, you are here!” “I need someone to talk to,” Evan revealed. “I hope you don’t mind.” Nicole quickly let him in and guided him to the living room. She said, “What’s bothering you, Evan?” Then she frowned, and with a sad expression, she asked, “Did you fight with Shantelle? I’m sorry. I don’t know how she

learned that I had returned. I was surprised when she came barging into my door last Tuesday.” Nicole quickly cried and said, “I should have never come back here and make trouble for you and Shantelle -” “I’ve asked for a divorce,” Evan revealed. “What?” She asked in shock. “I told Shantelle I want a divorce. Since my father stepped down at the company, he can no longer force me to stay married to Shantelle,” Evan revealed, looking past Nicole. “Are -are you sure?” Nicole inquired. Evan groaned. He lowered his head and rested his face against his palms, saying, “It has to be done. I want out. This wasn’t how I wanted my life to be.” Nicole stretched her hands to rub Evan’s shoulder. She said, “I know how you feel, Evan. It’s hard when everything is taken from you – like how your father deprived me of getting an opportunity here in Rose Hills. You and I both know what it feels like being stuck in a situation you can’t escape.” In a caring tone, she added, “I wholeheartedly support your decision. You deserve to make your own choices.” To Evan, Nicole was a good listener, and that always gave him a sense of comfort. It reminded him of how he became friends with Nicole in the first place. When Evan was still taking his master’s degree at Lockwood University, he met Nicole while borrowing a book from the library. She was working as a librarian there. At first, she quickly caught his attention because her back looked like Shantelle’s. Besides that, Nicole was very efficient in giving Evan the books required for his research. Then, every time he visited the library, they would chat briefly. Evan and Nicole seemed to like the same things. Outside the library, they often bumped into each other, especially in the places where Evan spent his free time. It was as if fate was bringing them together that Evan casually dated her. So when

it was time for Evan to take on a more prominent role at the company, he offered to bring Nicole to Rose Hills. He wasn’t sure yet of how he felt about her back then. Nicole did not have friends or family, and Evan felt sorry for her. Evan thought, with his connections in Rose Hills, Nicole would have a better life in the city of his birth. Unfortunately for Evan, he forgot about one thing. Shantelle Scott. He failed to factor in Shantelle in his decision to bring a woman to Rose Hills. How could he forget that his parents had always wanted him to marry Shantelle? Evan could only blame the distance. He was technically gone for seven years, returning only a few days every year and forgetting about that verbal arrangement between their families. However, before Evan could consider things thoroughly, his father acted harshly against Nicole. He looked down at her and tried to pay her off. When it did not work, and Nicole remained in the city, his father forced him to marry Shantelle. Evan let out all his frustrations with Nicole. Feeling relieved, he said, “Thank you for hearing me out, Nicole. I’m glad I i came here. Is it okay if I sleep in the guest room?” “Of course, Evan. Technically, this is your house,” Nicole replied. Evan guided himself into the guest room. He smiled at Nicole, who was standing outside the door. He said, “Goodnight, Nicole.” “Goodnight, Evan,” Nicole answered with an amiable smile. When the door slammed shut, Nicole frowned. She was very disappointed that Evan did not let her in. She walked closer and even tried to open the door. However, it was locked from the inside. She cussed but reminded herself of how Evan was divorcing Shantelle! She made her way to her room and mumbled, “Be patient, Nicole. In due time. The wait is all worth it.”

In the morning, Nicole prepared breakfast for Evan. Then, recalling how Even complained about Shantelle’s paranoia, she took a picture of him while drinking his coffee. Over the past few months, she had secretly sent clues to Shantelle that Evan had been seeing her. The photos did not have to suggest that they were in a relationship. Nicole knew Shantelle had always been insecure when it came to her. Since Evan was divorcing Shantelle, she no longer hid her identity. ‘Soon, Evan will be mine, like it should have been two years ago, bitch!’ Nicole smirked as she sent the photo to Shantelle. She gave Evan her back and awaited Shantelle’s reaction. After a few minutes, she received a response, and oh, how it was favorable to her. A sinister grin became painted on her face with the realization that Shantelle had given up! She imagined herself living with Evan, sleeping beside him in the bed, and finally making love. Her relationship with Evan had always been ambiguous. When they were casually dating back in Lockwood City, they had kissed, but they had never gone beyond that. Evan never gave her a title, whether a girlfriend or a fling. When Evan married Shantelle, everything changed. Evan held back with her and put a distance between them. It was worse when Evan’s father banned her from the city. She could not get a job, and Erick’s men constantly threatened her away. Nicole had no choice but to stay away for over a year. Once in a while, she would reach out to Evan, but their communication was minimal. Finally, with her back in Rose Hills and with Evan holding the CEO position of the Thompson Group of Companies, Nicole was more determined to be with Evan. She smirked as she thought, ‘Soon, with Shantelle gone, Evan will remember who He truly likes me, and that’s me. I did not sacrifice so many years to fail!’

“Thanks for breakfast, Nicole. I better head back and remember, you have an interview at the public library. Don’t worry. Father would not interfere from now on. He has become tired of fighting me.” “Really?” Nicole asked. “That’s good news. That means I can finally pay you back for all the help you gave me.” “No, don’t pay me back. I owe you for what my father did.” Evan suggested. He then turned in the direction of the common restroom and asked, “Can I use the toilet?” “Sure, Evan,” Nicole said with a smile. She watched as Evan first attended to some of his messages. He left his phone on the table before going to the restroom. Nicole was cleaning the table when she saw Shantelle’s message. Her hands itched to see what Shantelle had to say, especially since she had revealed herself to her. Thus, she opened the text. Thankfully, Evan’s mobile was still open from his earlier use. She did not need his password at that point. When she saw that Shantelle had sent a screenshot or her picture message, Nicole panicked. Even if she had used an alternate number, it was obvious that the picture came from her. The angle of where the photo was taken gave it away. ‘Evan can’t know!’ She quickly deleted the screenshot Shantelle sent, including the message where she had agreed to the divorce. “Bitch! Do you think that will work?” She laughed. She rolled her eyes and said, “Sorry, Evan will never know about it. You are such a loser, Shantelle Scott.”

Chapter 5: She Left

“Sweetheart, if he can’t appreciate you, then he doesn’t deserve you,” Doctor William Scott said. “I’m glad you have come to that decision.” William and Eleanor Scott embraced their weeping daughter inside the Scott's family mansion. “I loved him, dad, mom. How I wish it did not have to end this way -” Shantelle expressed, but her mother cut her off. “But more importantly, you have to love yourself,” Eleanor suggested. As Shantelle pulled away from her parents, her father suggested, “It’s time to put yourself first, my dearest Shanty.” “When you married Evan, you lost yourself – your dreams and aspirations. I know you loved Evan, but there’s more to life than that boy.” William lifted Shantelle’s chin and suggested, “You deserve better.” If it were two years ago, William would have wanted Evan as a son-in-law, but since Shantelle married him, he saw through her sadness. In the first few months of their marriage, his daughter was still elated at being with Evan. However, As the months passed, he could see Shantelle’s longing to be loved. Recently, she has been crying more often. She lost so much weight and was never interested in anything else but following Evan around. It pained William to see his daughter this way. Shantelle was never lacking in love. Everyone around her loved her! For his daughter to feel so unwanted – to become doubtful of herself hurting William the most. He had long been asking Shantelle to get a divorce, but she always insisted that Their marriage was getting better, day by day. Of course, that was not what he saw. Finally, they were going to be separated. He did not care who initiated it. What mattered most was how his daughter would be free to live her life. He urged, “Let’s leave this town. Let’s relocate to where you can pursue medicine.” William smiled and suggested, “Become a surgeon like me.”

In William’s view, taking Shantelle away was the best solution. His daughter may appear strong right now, decided on the separation, but he knew well that Evan was her weakness. She could easily crawl back into his arms, and it wasn’t because his daughter had no brain. She was too in love with Evan, and it clouded her judgment. Shantelle sighed and contemplated. After some time, she weakly replied, “Okay, father. I agree with your plans.” “I’m glad you approve,” William answered. “Then your mother and I will prepare for everything. I’ll have the house for sale. I don’t want us coming back here, even if it means cutting my friendship with the Thompsons.” “But, dad. That would mean – your work?” Shantelle asked. “I will resign from St. Dominique’s Hospital as their director. I will sell my shares at the university. I can easily find work elsewhere, being the best cardio surgeon in the world,” William suggested. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. I’ll take care of you.” “I have a city in mind. Warlington. They have the best training facility for Surgeons,” he revealed. “As soon as I can find a home, I’ll move you out of Rose Hills.”

Days passed. “Mr. Thompson, sir. I’m very sorry, but my mother was admitted to the hospital because of pneumonia the the other day. May I please be allowed to review the documents at the hospital?” James, Evan’s assistant, asked. “I will bring my laptop with me.” “Will you bring your laptop to the hospital?” Evan leaned back and sighed. He finally understood why his assistant had i've been so exhausted recently. He shook his head and suggested, “Take two days off and attend to your mother. I’ll ask Sherly to cover your work. Get some proper sleep while you are at it.”

James’ eyes lit up. He quickly bowed and said, “Thank you, sir Thompson. Thank you so much. I will give Sherly my

endorsements.” Evan brushed off his assistant with a hand, saying, “Go. Take care of your mother.” “Sir, since you allowed me to take a leave,” James said. “May I recommend that you also get a good sleep yourself?” Evan froze. Was it obvious how he had been struggling to rest for many nights? He glanced at his private room next to the office and gasped. Maybe he needed a good sleep – at home, the same home he shared with Shantelle. Again, he sucked in a breath, knowing it was finally time to deal with the divorce. Evan had yet to return home for more than a week. It was beyond the time that he gave Shantelle. ‘Could she have already signed the divorce papers?’ There was only one way to find out. He turned to James and said, “You are right. Thank you, James.” “You are welcome, sir. Goodnight,” James said before leaving the CEO’s office.

“Mrs. Shaw? I have several clothes from the office in need of laundry. Kindly take care of them,” Evan said as soon as he entered the villa. “Oh, my. Mister Thompson, you have been staying too much in the office. You used up all your spare clothes!” Mrs. Shaw said. “Have you eaten dinner? I can make one very quickly.” When Mrs. Shaw suggested she prepare his dinner, he frowned and asked, “Shanty did not make my dinner?” Sure, he gave Shantelle divorce papers, but she had always attended to his needs, even when they were arguing. The the fact that she did not cook dinner was surprising to him. Mrs. Shaw was taken aback by Evan’s probing. She knotted her brows and asked, “But, Sir, aren’t you getting a divorce? She left three days after you and the Misses quarreled in the living room last week.” Immediately, Mrs. Shaw lowered her head, saying, “I’m sorry to pry. Your voices were so loud it was hard not to listen.”

“I see.” Evan frowned. He could not believe it. “She left?” “Yes, Sir. She has left some papers on your bedside table,” Mrs. Shaw revealed. Evan skipped dinner altogether. He went straight to the bedroom and saw the papers, exactly as Mrs. Shaw had disclosed. When he moved closer, he understood it was the divorce agreement. He was surprised that Shantelle signed it, even without making a drama. She did not go to his office. She did not call or send him any messages these past few days. Evan did not also get a call from his father, which meant his family had not learned about his decision to divorce Shantelle. Evan picked up the two-toned wedding ring that was meant for Shantelle. He unwittingly studied the ring on his finger and muttered, “She signed it. She really signed it.” His brows met. Evan thought he would be relieved, but why did it feel like his chest was heavy? He was about to remove his wedding ring when he discovered another paper underneath the divorce agreement. He picked it up and recognized it was a letter addressed to him. Lazily, he flipped the paper open and read it. [My Dearest Evan…] The weight on Evan’s chest felt heavier in each line of the letter. Shantelle recounted the years when they were young. Somehow, it also reminded Evan of how close they were back then. Eventually, his eyes landed on the last words, which appeared to have been written as a follow-up. It read: [By the way, I marked out the alimony and countersigned it. As I said in my text, you don’t need to give me any money. And, I’m sorry about the picture message I sent you. I just thought you should know.] He raised a brow and wondered, “A message? She sent a message?” Evan found it strange because he had never received a single message from her.

Chapter 6: Divorce Celebration “Good morning, Evan. I love you.” Evan smiled in his dream, hearing Shantelle repeat those words. She never got tired of expressing how she felt. In his dream, he did not respond, but he sensed the warmth in his heart. Suddenly, he heard his phone buzz. It was his wake-up call. “Shanty, can you turn off the alarm, please? I want to sleep longer. It’s Saturday,” Evan groaned in his sleep. “Shants. Shanty?” His eyes opened, realizing he was calling out his wife’s name. He sat up and turned to the empty side of the bed. Then his gaze landed on the bedside table. When he saw the divorce papers and the letter she wrote, it dawned on him how Shantelle was already gone. “Right. She left,” Evan said under his breath. Again, this was supposed to be his happiest moment. He was free! All he needed to do was to formalize the divorce, and he would be officially a single man, but why was his chest still feeling heavy? It had not felt any better since he learned about Shantelle’s leaving. He noticed his phone was ringing. He checked it and saw it was Nicole calling. He ignored it at first and just lay on the bed. When his phone continued to ring, he groaned in irritation and answered it, “Nicole.” “I got the job from the public library! It’s like what you said. Your father did not interfere!” There was a smile in her tone

when Nicole added, “Evan, I can’t thank you enough. How about we have dinner to celebrate? I can cook for you?” “I.” Evan glanced at the bedside table. Then he replied, “I can’t. I have to hand to my lawyers the divorce papers – ” “Oh, did Shantelle sign it?” Nicole probe. “Yes. Yes, she did,” Evan blandly answered. There was not a hint of happiness in his voice. “That’s even more reason to celebrate. Come on, Evan. Let’s have lunch together,” Nicole kept insisting. Evan sighed and responded, “I’m sorry, Nicole, but I have things to do. Next time.” He ended the call without letting Nicole finish, and then he started staring at his phone, going through his messages. Recalling Shantelle’s letter, he wondered, “Which message was she referring to?” From one app to another, Evan checked all his messengers, but he did not find any recent texts or messages from Shantelle. He frowned and pondered what she meant. Soon, he attempted to call Shantelle’s phone. “The person you are calling is out of reach.” Again and again, he called. Since he could not get through, he sent her a message: [Shanty, I got your letter. Thank you for signing the divorce papers. I know you said you did not want the alimony, but I will still transfer the funds to you. By the anyway, I did not get any message from you, despite what you have written in your letter.] Evan spent an hour waiting in bed, but Shantelle did not reply. He went down to have his late breakfast. When Shantelle still did not respond, he sent another message: [Shanty, we could still be friends. We have known each other since we were young. We don’t need to be strangers.] He bathed and changed into a new set of clothes. Evan left to meet his lawyers and, after handing in the divorce papers, He decided to pay his father and mother a visit.

When he entered the gates to the old Thompsons’ mansion, Evan felt tense. It was about time for him to tell his parents of his decision to divorce Shantelle. He did not know how they would take it. His parents, Erick and Clara Thompsons, genuinely loved Shantelle as their daughter-in-law. “Are my parents here?” Evan asked. “Yes, Sir. They are in the garden with Misses – I mean, Miss Scott,” the maid said. Instantly, Evan knew what was going on. He looked outside and realized that the Scotts’ car was parked next to his father’s. Shantelle was here to report their divorce! Many possibilities played in his head. Yet again, he was angered. He was prepared to defend himself should his father retort by threatening him again. Evan marched with heavy steps until he found himself in the gardens. What he saw broke his heart. He could make out how the news saddened his parents. Erick and Clara were embracing Shantelle with tears in their eyes. His wife was doing the same, weeping. “Evan,” Clara, his mother, called. “You are here.” The embrace between the three broke off, and Evan could finally see Shantelle. It was obvious that she had been crying, observing the bags around her eyes. “Shantelle tells me you have finally divorced?” Clara said in a soft tone. Then, to Evan’s surprise, his father said, “I guess it’s better. I’m tired of forcing this onto you both.” “Don’t worry, Evan. Shantelle had told me it was her decision. So I respect it,” Erick said. ‘What?’ That came as an amazement to Evan. If his father knew it was his decision, a debate would happen again! He secretly thanked Shantelle for that. “Aunt, Uncle. I have to go,” Shantelle sniffed her tears away and said, “Goodbye.”

“Goodbye, Shanty. We love you, dear. Good luck with everything,” Clara said, waving goodbye. Shantelle walked past Evan, not minding him for a second. It wasn’t like her at all. Evan asked silently, ‘Did she just ignore me?’ A big part of Evan was dumbfounded. She never ignored him. Noticing how she kept walking without glancing at him, he said, “I tried calling you.” “Hmmm?” Shantelle raised a brow and softly replied, “I changed my number.” And just like that, Shantelle walked away. She did not even say goodbye or give Evan her new number.

A month passed. “Miss Shanty said thank you for the divorce certificate,” Howard, the Thompsons family driver, said in front of Evan. Everything You Need to Know With his money and connection, Evan quickly got the divorce certificates done. Officially, he was already a free man. Clearing his throat, Evan asked, “Is that it? Did she say… anything else?” “Nothing, sir. She just accepted it and returned to whatever it was she was doing. The Scotts appeared to be busy.” Howard shrugged. “Their maids were walking in and out of the house, carrying boxes. Maybe they were cleaning the house.” “I see,” Evan replied, inwardly disappointed. “Thank you, Howard – oh, and -” Evan reached for a gift box inside his drawers and gave it to Howard, “This is for your son.” He smiled and added, “I i remember he liked baseball. Wendell sold some of his card collections.” “I figured Clark would love this,” Evan added. Howard had a huge smile on his face. He answered, “Thank you, sir. You are very thoughtful.”

“Don’t mention it. I just remembered,” Evan replied, and Howard left his office. Half bothered by Shantelle’s pure silence, Evan went about his work. As he did, he kept reminding himself how this was his decision and that it was best for both of them; him and Shantelle. In the evening, he received an invitation from his friend, Sean. They wanted to have drinks at the club. At the same time, he received a text from Nicole. She said, “Evan, let’s celebrate. I got my first salary from the library, but I i don't have any friends to celebrate it with. Please, Evan.” Evan felt responsible altogether. He had been busy with work and had not also visited Nicole. Thus, he wound up inviting her to the club. Instead of a private room, like they usually had, Sean booked a secluded booth at the club. Keith and Wendell were already there. “Hey, Eva -” Sean’s mouth fell open when he saw Nicole. He said, “Oh, hey, Nicole.” “Hi guys, I hope you don’t mind that I join you?” Nicole said, giving off that amiable smile. “Sure. It’s fine,” Sean responded awkwardly. “You remember Wendell and Keith, right?” “Hi everyone, nice to see you again,” Nicole replied. The music was on at the club. The DJ played the most upbeat tune, and a few guests started dancing. On the other hand, Evan’s group enjoyed their drinks, discussing businesses, and whatnot. “You know, Nicole, I honestly thought you were so familiar, even during the first time Evan brought you to our circle,” Wendell suggested. “Have we met before?” “I see. Maybe it’s just me, but I thought your eyes were familiar,” Wendell added. Nicole smiled and said, “No, it can’t be. It was my first time to be here in Rose Hills two years ago.” “Woah, isn’t that Shanty?” Sean asked, seeing a girl in a sexy white dress that hugged her body, her blonde hair bouncing

as she danced with three other girls. “Woah!” Wendell hissed. Keith, on the other hand, whistled. “Damn, I knew she had a sexy body beneath those jeans and long dresses!” “Announcement, everyone!” Another girl with short black hair took the microphone from the DJ. She said, “Meet my girl, Shantelle Scott! We are celebrating her divorce! She is a hot sexy ass who is single and ready to mingle!” Evan’s nose flared. His eyes widened in shock.

Chapter 7: Take Me Home “Shanty! Are you excited about your going away party!” Karise said with glee. Her short black hair bounced as she jumped at the idea. Shantelle had just arrived at her best friend‘s home. She had called her days before, informing her that her family was leaving Rose Hills permanently. They cried over the phone, but soon, they covered the bright future ahead of Shantelle. It was more than enough to lighten up their mood. “Shants!” Celeste, another girl with red hair, exclaimed. “I can‘t believe I‘m taking my prim and proper girl out to a club!” Felice, Shantelle‘s other friend, flew all the way from another city to see her that day. She said, “I am going to teach you how to dance, bitch!”

Karise, Celeste, and Felice were Shantelle‘s college friends, which she had neglected since her marriage with Evan. Her the world revolved around Evan, and she missed out on all the good fun during her last year in college. The four friends changed into dresses and put on their makeup at Karise‘s house. After which, they left for the most exclusive club in town, LEX. Immediately, when they found a table, they all ordered their drinks. Shantelle wasn‘t much of a drinker, but her friends were, especially Felice and Karise. “Here‘s some mojito!” Felice handed her another glass. “Get some courage, girl. We will find you a fine young man – yes, That's right, a younger man. Evan is old. You deserve someone hotter!” “Yeah, he may be the richest man in town, but he ain‘t the hottest!” Karise remarked, encouraging laughter in their group. “I‘m so happy you are finally going to take medicine, Shanty. Come back when you become a famous surgeon and show Evan what he lost!” Celeste suggested. “Uh Uh!” The three girls said in unison. “I don‘t know, guys. Maybe, when that time comes, I won‘t even care,” Shantelle faintly said. Then she smiled, “But to making him drool over me would be great!” “That’s my girl!” Karise encouraged. “Cheers!” They all drank up while the music in the club roared. It did not take long for the girls to hit the dance floor. All of them had the boost of confidence they needed. Karise, who made it her ultimate goal to get Shantelle a good overnight fling, went to the DJ and took his microphone. She said, “Announcement, everyone!” Karise pointed at Shantelle and said, “Meet my girl, Shantelle Scott! We are celebrating her divorce! She is a hot sexy ass who is single and ready to mingle!” “Woohoo!” Shantelle‘s friends hooted, making her flush thoroughly. Soon, a tall man

with dirty blond hair came up to Shantelle. He had striking features; inviting gray–colored eyes and chiseled jaws. The the same man asked, “May I have this dance?” When Shantelle turned, she gasped. Her eyes widened, “Keith! What – what are you doing here?” Keith laughed. He replied, “Same as you, enjoying my single life.” He winked at her and said,” Congratulations. You are free again. May I say you married too young? Don‘t ever think this divorce was such a waste.” “Oooh, hottie. Nice pick, Shanty. Still, he looks old,” Felice remarked. Shantelle laughed. She snorted as she replied, “He is Evan‘s friend. So, yeah, he is a bit old.” She danced along with Keith. The man shook his head as he said, “I don‘t look that old. I look so much more handsome than your… ex–husband. We should date now that you are free.” Another laugh escaped her lips. Shantelle replied, “That would be scandalous – dating your friend‘s ex–wife. Besides, we i just got divorced. It would be inappropriate to be dating right away – “Evan has moved on.” Keith purposely tilted his head in the direction of his friends, and so when Shantelle saw Nicole sitting next to Evan, her face paled. “Eyes, here pretty,” Keith instructed. “Don‘t give him a bit of your attention. It will only boost his confidence. He is that way because he knows you will always be there for him, but that‘s going to change, right?” “You should get used to seeing me more often instead,” Keith added with a sly grin. Shantelle narrowed her eyes at him. She asked, “Why?” “Because I‘ll be seeing you in Warlington,” Keith said with a smirk. “Who do you think recommended Doctor Scott to Warrington Hospital?” Shantelle‘s eyes widened. Then, she realized the Henderson‘s were in the health insurance business. Keith or his father could easily connect her father to any hospital in the country. She sucked in a breath and shook her head, unable to grasp

what she heard. ‘Why was Evan‘s friend helping us to relocate?‘ Keith warned her against gazing at Evan, but she could not help it. She was leaving the next day. She glanced at Evan, maintaining her gaze for seconds longer. When she noticed Nicole move closer to Evan, she turned her attention back to Keith. she asked, “You won‘t tell him, will you?” “Never! I won‘t tell him,” Keith said. “Then again, it might be unnecessary. He might not look for you at all… He already has Nicole.” Shantelle fell silent. ‘That‘s right. Evan already dared to take Nicole out in public.’ “What‘s that long face, girl?” Felice jumped in, handing Shantelle another glass of liquor.” Drink up your sorrow, and you will feel much better!” Recognizing Keith‘s words, Shantelle wound up drinking three more glasses of cocktails that, at the end of her dance with Evan‘s friend, she was ready to retire for the night! She turned to her friends and said, “I think I am drunk! I want to go home!” “I‘ll take you home,” Keith offered. “Nice try, lover boy,” Karise said. “But, we will take her home.” “No, I‘ll take her home. You guys have fun!” Keith urged. Shantelle found it entertaining how her friends and Keith were arguing about who will drive her home. In her drunken self, she yelled, “Haha! Who else wants to take me home – Ahhh!” To everyone‘s shock, Evan had carried Shantelle over his shoulder. He turned to Shantelle‘s friends and Keith, saying, “I‘ll take her home. She is my wife.” “Excuse me, but you are already divorced! I thought Mister Thompson was a smart man. Let me spell it out for you,” Karise said. “D.I.V.O.R.C.E.D! As in past tense –""She is a long–time family friend. She is still my responsibility. I‘ll take her home!” Evan insisted. “Evan, you seem to be forgetting about your date,” Keith suggested, his head tilting toward Nicole. “I‘ll take Shantelle home.” “I feel dizzy,” Shantelle complained while being swung from side to side. “I want to go home! Keith, take me home –” “I‘ll

take you home!” Evan turned to Shantelle‘s friends, saying, “I‘ll take her home. I’d never harm her!” Then, he ordered Keith, “You take Nicole home!” Keith let out a sarcastic laugh. He said, “I‘m sorry, man.” He looked over at Nicole, who was standing there, listening. He described, “I don‘t settle for second best. You take Nicole home – Without warning, Evan marched into the exit, leaving Nicole, Keith, and Shantelle‘s friends behind. “Evan!” “Evan, let her go!” While Shantelle‘s friends chased after Evan, Keith hissed. He fished for his wallet and turned to Nicole. He gave her a hundred–dollar bill and said, “Find your way home.”

Chapter 8: Ignored Evan could not believe his eyes. Shantelle had always been conservative. Evan liked to think of it that she preserved herself for him. He was her first, and oddly, he had never been intimate with anyone, other than his now ex–wife. Shantelle was never the kind to go out in a club, nor did she enjoy dancing in the middle of a crowd, wearing a skirt above her knees. She was fashionable, but she rarely showed off her skin in public. To Evan, Shantelle did not have to wear sexy clothes to i know she had a gorgeous body. Seeing Shantelle wear a laced dress that hugged her frame, Evan ‘sucked in a breath. His eyes studied how her golden hair bounced from side to side, her hips swaying as she danced with her friends.

Evan was familiar with Shantelle‘s companions, especially Karise. One thing he was relieved about was the fact that she did not come into the club with a man. He already guessed this night out was something Karise had decided upon. “Our Shanty is really beautiful,” Wendeļl remarked. “That, she is,” Keith said. Then he stood up and announced, “Well, I better dance with the most beautiful girl in the club.” “What are you doing, Kieth?” Evan asked in irritation. “What? Can‘t I dance with a friend?” Keith suggested with a sly grin. Then he gave Evan his back and walked to the dance floor, finding Shantelle. Evan eyed as Keith and Shantelle spoke to each other. He saw her smile. Instantly, he felt his heart being squeezed by a hand. How long has it been since Shantelle smiled that way? She used to have that glowing face, a smile that could launch a thousand ships. Yet, that all faded through the latter part of their marriage. “They look good together,” Nicole remarked, her eyes fixed on Shantelle and Keith. She turned to Evan and tried to get his opinion. “Don‘t you think so, Evan?” As Evan frowned, Sean spat out his drink. He laughed at the idea of Keith and Shantelle being together. Sean said, “That would be… a dream come true for Keith.” ‘What? What did Sean fucking say?‘ He sought in his head. ‘Does – does Keith like Shantelle?‘ Suddenly, Evan noticed Shantelle staring at them. Immediately, guilt washed over him, like he was caught cheating. Evan knew how Shantelle had always been hurt by his closeness with Nicole. He saw that again when their eyes briefly met. ‘No,‘ he thought. He did not want Shantelle to misunderstand why he was out with Nicole. “Evan, I want to dance. Can we dance?” Nicole asked. “Please.” 1 Turning to Nicole, Evan said, “I don‘t want to dance. You go and dance.”

He kept drinking while observing Keith and Shantelle. He had no idea what they were talking about, but it was making him uneasy. ‘What if Keith really liked Shantelle? Why am I so upset about it?‘ ‘Furi. Why do I even feel this way?’ He asked himself as his eyes narrowed on the dance floor, The next thing he knew, Shantelle was enjoying herself in Keith‘s company, dancing, and chatting. Her friends kept giving her drinks, which also concerned him. While Evan was studying Shantelle, Nicole was enraged inside. She tried her best to act calm. to pretend that Evan‘s attention towards Shantelle did not affect her, but how could she not? Evan was practically ignoring her! “That bitch! This is all her fault!’ She screamed in her head. Oh, how she wanted to walk to the dance floor and scratch Shantelle‘s face! Nicole hated Shantelle so much, especially her godly looking face! Once in a while, Nicole studied Evan. How he looked at Shantelle made her wonder if he had fallen in love with her. At the possibility, she frowned. ‘No, that cannot be. Otherwise, he would not ask for a divorce.‘ After an hour of just sitting next to Evan, drinking while being ignored, Nicole tried again,” Evan, I want to da –” Before she could finish her words, Evan marched into the center of the dance floor and suddenly carried Shantelle over his shoulder! Her mouth hung open in shock. She turned to Sean and Wendell, who were both smirking at Evan‘s actions. Then they turned to her, giving her a pitiful look. She was angered! Nicole could not believe how Evan had left her just like that. Trying to prove she carried greater weight in Evan‘s heart, she paced to where he was. “I‘ll take Shantelle home,” Nicole heard Keith say. With her head down and legs over Evan‘s shoulder, Shantelle tried to reason, “I want to go home. Keith, take me home –” “I‘ll take you home!” Evan suggested.

So, apparently, they were arguing about who should take Shantelle home. Nicole quickly made herself visible in Evan‘s view, just in case he forgot how she was there all along. However, she heard Evan instruct Keith, “You take Nicole home!” Nicole‘s face paled, but the dimmed lights at the club hid the pained expression on her face. “Evan. Evan, let Keith take her.” Her voice could not even be heard against the calling of Shantelle‘s friends. “Evan!” “Evan, let her go!” What made her situation worse was how Evan‘s friend, Keith, treated her. Keith fucking Henderson gave her a hundred– dollar bill and said, “Find your way home.” She was infuriated! All the more, she hated Shantelle! ‘Bitch!‘

“Evan? Evan? Why did you leave me here?” Nicole kept calling Evan, but it only got routed to his voicemail. All she could i left him a bunch of messages. “Evan, please come back Chapter 8: Ignored after you send Shantelle home. I‘m scared. I don’t know anyone here. Keith refused to send me back.” What bothered Nicole further was how Evan was spending time with Shantelle. Anything could happen between them, and she could not allow it. Again and again, she called Evan. Much to her dismay, Evan never called back. In the alley where the club was located, Nicole waited and waited until her patience grew thin. She saw a bunch of horny teenagers looking at her maliciously. Seeing the boys continue leering at her, she knew exactly what to do. A smirk formed on her face very quickly. She eyed the surroundings, and after making sure none of Evan‘s friends were present, she called on to the group of teens, “Hey, boys. Do you want to make good money?” ‘After this,‘ Nicole thought. ‘Evan would feel obligated to keep me by his side. Then Evan will be in love with me.‘

A luxury sports car was speeding on the road. Evan narrowed his eyes, recounting how Keith wanted to take Shantelle home. He said, “Shanty –” “Window –window!” Shantelle was jumping in her seat. Her hand covered her mouth.” Luhh!”

Chapter 9: One Last Time Evan managed to flee from Shantell‘s friends. Unfortunately, his beloved sports car did not escape Shantelle‘s vomit. “Urgh. This is awful!” Shantelle said in disgust after throwing up on the side of Evan‘s car. Her dress got partly stained, and she absolutely reeked of alcohol.“I’m never going to drink again.” ‘Damn, my favorite car.‘ Evan was behind the wheel. His other hand stretched to Shantelle‘s back. He stroked her back, saying, “You are never drinking again, Shanty. You got that?! You can‘t hold your liquor.” “Ha! It‘s your fault I‘m drinking, you asshole!” She unwittingly said before heaving. She rolled back the car windows and emptied the contents of her stomach. Yes, she puked on the empty streets as Evan drove through the night. “I‘m not taking you to your parents like that,” Evan announced before taking another turn. After thirty minutes, they arrived at their villa. Evan carried Shantelle, princess style. Aş he paced into the house, Shantelle kept spouting nonsense. “Oh, home sweet home. I‘ll never see you again. Will you miss me?” “Oh, it‘s the Misses!” Mrs. Shaw walked up to Evan. “Can you make chicken soup for Shanty, Mrs. Shaw? Bring it up to the room when it‘s ready,” Evan requested. After seeing a nod, he hurriedly took Shantelle to their room. Evan settled her in the chair while he prepared the bath. After achieving the proper water temperature, he returned to Shantelle carried her into the tub.

“You need to take a bath, Shanty,” he suggested. “I‘ll ask Mrs. Shaw to help you –.” Before he could do as he thought, Shantelle had already removed her clothes. “I stink. I stink – ah, my bath! I miss my bath! My favorite bathtub. I will never see you again, “Shantelle said as she carelessly lay on the tub. Evan had no choice but to aid her. He figured, since they had already been intimate a few times, there was no harm in seeing her fully naked. “Are you okay continuing by yourself?” Evan asked. “Hmmm.” Shantelle lifted her face, and with narrowed eyes, she said, “I can take a bath, hubby.” Reluctantly, Evan stepped back. He said, “Okay, I‘ll check on you once in a while.” It took half an hour for Shantelle to finish. By that time, Mrs. Shaw had already brought the chicken broth and placed it on the room‘s coffee table. Evan instructed her, “Can you help the Misses out of the bath?” “Certainly, Mr. Thompson,” Mrs. Shaw confirmed. After some Shantelle came out with a robe over her body. Mrs. Shaw guided her to the coffee table and encouraged, “Have some soup, Misses. It will help you feel better.” Since Evan carried Shantelle, he also had puke on his clothes. He decided to bathe while Mrs. Shaw was feeding Shantelle. When he came out of the bathroom, Shantelle was already sleeping on the bed. Mrs. Shaw had also left their room. Evan changed into his pajamas. He sat in front of Shantelle with a chair and studied her sleeping features. Her face was red from all the drinking she had done. Her eyes, without makeup, were back to being puffed. Immediately, it reminded Evan of how she had probably cried so much. It made Evan feel tightness in his chest, knowing He was the root of her cries. He caressed her face and pushed back her hair, saying, “Shanty, what am I going to do with you?”

Evan gazed at Shantelle for almost an hour, just contemplating. When he felt his eyes helplessly falling, he climbed onto the other side of the bed. He covered Shantelle and himself with a blanket and pulled her into his arms. He shut his eyes and easily wandered off to sleep. “Evan, don‘t leave me!” In the middle of the night, Shantelle said in her sleep. “Shant. Shanty, I‘m here.” Evan woke up, hushing her cries. “Evan, please,” Shantelle cried again. “Eva –” “Shanty, wake up,” Evan pulled her up, pressed her against his chest, and soothed her back, saying, “I‘m here.” He clenched his jaws, saying, “I’m sorry, Shanty. I’m sorry.” Soon Shantelle awoke and realized she was in Evan‘s arms. She cried for real. She said, “I‘m going to miss you, Evan. I‘m going to miss you.” “Shanty, we live in the same city. We are still going to see each other,” he said, but Shantelle kept weeping until she was out of breath. In the next few minutes, Shantelle was silent. Then she looked up at Evan and faintly asked,” Evan, make love to me one last time.” Evan gulped. “Shanty, I –” “Please, one last time. One last time,” she begged. Looking into Shantelle‘s blue orbs, Evan blinked. How could he say no to this beautiful woman? He nodded, saying, “Okay.” In the next half an hour, two naked bodies were on top of each other, moaning and wailing their desires. Their lips were hungry for each other, not wanting to let go. To Evan, there was something special about the way they were in bed that night. He seemed to have poured more emotions into their kiss and how he entered her. It was probably the best sex they have ever had to think they had already parted ways. When Evan came, he threw his head back, relishing the moment. When his eyes returned to Shantelle, he saw a tear down her face, which made him speculate there was something

wrong. Evan rolled on his back and sought, “Is there something you need to tell me, Shanty?” Shaking her head, she replied, “Nothing, Evan. Nothing.” Evan struggled to sleep that night. The girl resting on his arm shed tears; he knew it was for

2/3 .

a One last line him. Besides the guilt consuming him, he was surprised by how intimate they were. They had sex in the past, but it was nothing like this. The closeness between them was far different. He meticulously studied Shantelle‘s face and acknowledged her elegance. Shantelle had long lashes, a long pointed nose, and very fair and youthful skin. Indeed, she would have been a wife any man would want. ‘Do I truly want this?‘ One thing was for sure; Evan wanted his freedom. Maybe if he was not forced into the marriage, he could have seen her in that way–that way, exactly how he looked at her with admiration. He moved closer and pecked Shantelle‘s forehead. He noticed her do the same. He assumed she was still awake. Thus, he whispered, “Shanty, nothing is going on between Nicole and I. I promise you that. I might have considered it before, but everything has changed now.” Why was he even telling her this? Evan was unwilling to admit anything. He simply wanted her to know the truth about where Nicole stood in his life. After some time, he realized that Shantelle was indeed asleep. ‘Did she hear me?‘ With a sigh, he said, “Shanty, Goodnight.”

Chapter 10: Goodbye Evan

When morning came, Evan woke up to find Shantelle dressed in one of her clothes. She had not brought home all of her dresses. Those that he had given her in the past remained in their closet. For a second, he studied her slender frame. He admitted she had a beautiful body. “Do you want me to have Howard send all of your clothes?” Evan asked, referring to the Thompson‘s family driver. He sat up, showing off his well–defined chest. Shantelle had just zipped up her dress. She did not turn to Evan when she answered, “I won’t need them.” Shaking his head, he said, “Shanty. Don‘t be like this –” “I won‘t need them,” she repeated firmly, finally looking at him. “I better go, Evan. My parents are waiting for me.” “I‘ll take you,” Evan offered. “No.” Shantelle pursed her lips and suggested. “It‘s not a good idea. I can take a cab.” Evan furrowed his brows. He suggested, “If you don‘t want me, then I can have Howard –” “No, I can take a cab,” she repeated. “Okay. If you insist,” Evan responded with a pained expression. He observed as Shantelle was about to leave, then he recalled something important. He cleared his throat and reminded,” Shanty, you are still taking contraceptives, right? Last night, I –” He raked his fingers through his hair, saying, “Given our situation, it would be best that you do not get pregnant. We are no longer… husband and wife.” “Right,” she answered promptly. “I know that. Don‘t worry. I took my pills.” 1 She lied. Shantelle had been so occupied these days that she forgot to take her pills. It wasn‘t a problem, though. She meant to take the emergency pill. Unlike last night, Evan noticed her indifference. It made him uncomfortable that he brought up her special day. He said,

“Shanty, it‘s your birthday in two months. Do you want to go somewhere? I remember you always wanted to go to Paris. I can take you there.” Instantly, Shantelle stiffened in her stance. Evan quickly noticed how her breathing became labored. Eventually, she answered, “Wow. that would be nice, Evan, but I don‘t know my plans yet.” Shantelle turned to Evan. She forced a smile and said, “Thanks anyway, Evan.” “Of course,” Evan said. “I‘ll visit you when I can. Thank you again, Shant, for signing the divorce agreement. I‘ll send you the alimony –” “I don‘t need the alimony. I marked it out, remember?” She said, “I sent you that text, remember?” “About that message. I never received any. What else did you say in your message?” He asked with a brow raised. Chapter 10 Goodbye Evan Shaking her head, Shantelle dismissed it. She replied, “It‘s not important. Don‘t send me any money.” “Take care of yourself. I hope you‘ll be happy with Nicole. Goodbye, Evan,” She added, forcing a smile. Evan did not trouble correcting her understanding of his relationship with Nicole. He was more bothered by how Shantelle‘s goodbye gave him a sense of emptiness. “Shanty.” “Goodbye,” She said again before dashing to the stairs, her feet heavy against the floor. “Shant?!” Evan could not fathom the uneasiness of his chest. It was with the way Shantelle said it and the way she looked into his eyes that he felt there was more to her words. He quickly changed into his pajamas and chased after Shantelle. “Shanty! Shanty!” When he made it out of the villa‘s gate, Shantelle had already taken a taxi. Evan groaned and ran his fingers through his hair. He rushed back inside and grabbed his phone, hoping to call Shantelle. Then, he realized he did not have her new number.

He was about to call Doctor William Scott when his phone rang. It was an unknown number. With a frown, Evan answered the call. He heard someone say, “Mister Thompson, this is from St. Benedict Hospital. A a patient by the name of Nicole Lively was admitted last night. She was violated by thugs downtown. She named you as a contact person? I hope you can come to see her soon. She said, "You are the only family she has?” “What?” Evan groaned. He was conflicted about whether to follow Shantelle or go to the hospital. In the end, he felt obligated to attend to Nicole, given her circumstance. He left for the hospital with a heavy heart.

“Shanty, given by the dress you are wearing, I think I know where you came from,” Shantelle‘s mother asked, seeing her daughter arrived later in the morning, wearing a dress her ex–husband gave her. “I thought you were supposed to be with Karise, but she called me to check if you were already home.” “Sorry, mom. I made another stupid mistake,” Shantelle admitted. While allowing Shantelle into the house, Eleanor said, “I hate it when you say that because you only make such mistakes with Evan!” Eleanor let out a heavy sigh, saying, “I‘m glad we are leaving Rose Hills. As much as I love this city, we should keep you away from Evan.” “I know, mom. I know,” Shantelle admitted. Earlier, when Evan asked her about her birthday, she was this close to giving in – to giving up on their plans of moving. ‘Why would Evan offer to treat me on my birthday? Was he trying to lead me on?‘ The idea just irked her. Thank goodness she found the courage to leave the villa. “Go, call back your friends. They were worried sick about you. The maids have already brought down your luggage. We will leave in two hours,” Eleanor instructed. Shantelle quickly called her friends and instructed them to meet her at the airport.

Two hours came and went. Shantelle and her parents arrived at the airport. A private jet was L‘anter TU Goodbye Ivan meant to take her and her parents to Warlington. She was happy her friends met her one last time, knowing it would be long before she would see them again. “I‘m going to miss you, guys,” Shantelle said to her friends. She hugged them one by one and added, “Visit me sometime, okay?” “We will try,” Felice said. “Either way, there is always the internet.” “I love you, my girl,” Karise said. “I will miss you.” “Bye, Shant. Live your dreams,” Celeste said. “Call us anytime.” “Don‘t ever think of Evan,” Felice suggested. “Don‘t look back. Just keep moving forward.” “You can do this, girl. You are not Shantelle Scott for no reason. Remember, one day, you‘ll be called Doctor Shantelle Scott,” Karise reminded. The group of friends formed a circle as they hugged each other. Soon, however, it was finally time for Shantelle and her parents to leave. She smiled at them and said, “I have to go. I‘ll miss you guys like crazy. Goodbye.” “Bye Shanty!” “We Love you, Shants! Bye!” “Bye Mrs. Scott!” “Bye Doctor Scott!” After Shantelle‘s friends gave their last goodbyes, she and her parents rode on the jet. When the aircraft took off, Shantelle stared at Rose Hills City, the place of her birth. She had many memories of her home, happy ones and sad ones. Shantelle knew she would never forget Rose Hills, but she had to say goodbye. A tear fell down her cheek as she said, “Goodbye, Evan. Goodbye.”

Chapter 11: Nicole‘s Request Evan was staring blankly at the glass window of the hospital room, wondering how Shantelle was. He fished his mobile from his trouser pocket and gawked at his phone. “Fuck.” He still had no means of communicating with her. “Evan, the doctor said I can go home in two days,” he heard a female voice say behind him. He lazily turned and looked at the source of the voice and realized it was Nicole. Yes, that‘s right. How could he forget he had visited her at the hospital and had been for more than a week? Instantly, Evan felt regretful about how Nicole looked. She had cuts and bruises on her face. A bunch of thugs violated Nicole in the streets, all because he left her at the LEX club. Keith, his friend, did not even bother apologizing in person for not taking Nicole home. While he was being intimate with Shantelle, Nicole suffered in the streets. All the more, Evan felt obligated to aid Nicole. He paid for her medical expenses and found time to visit the hospital daily. “Evan? Did you hear me? The doctor said I could finally be discharged in two days,” Nicole repeated. “That‘s good news,” Evan answered. “Since you are feeling better, how about we have the police visit you today? Your statement would help capture those who did this to you.”

“Evan.” Nicole was suddenly teary–eyed. She said, “I don‘t want to. I can‘t. I can‘t bear to recount what happened to me. I know the heavens will take care of them – punish them for what they did to me.” 1 “I don‘t want to press charges. I don‘t want people to look at me in a dirty way – to look down at me and pity me.” Nicole howled further in tears as she added, “All I need… is you, Evan. You are all I need.”

“Don‘t remotely leave me behind again – anywhere. I‘m afraid of what might happen to me next, Evan.” She lifted her hand, suggesting she wanted to hold Evan‘s hand. Evan reluctantly took her hand. He sat next to Nicole and said, “But, they have to be punished “Karma will get to them,” Nicole insisted. “Evan, all I need is you now, please. Please. Let‘s forget about what happened.” Evan frowned. He just could not let it go. Given that Nicole was ashamed, what about other women who may be violated? All because such scums can walk around the city? “Okay. For now, I’ll let you recuperate first.” While Evan appeared to agree, he still meant to follow up with the police. As necessary, he can have someone privately look into it. Besides, Evan thought that in cases of violence and abuse, the the city's prosecutor would always pursue the case, even if the victim chose not to press charges. 2 “Evan, I‘m scared to be on my own. This would not have happened if you had not left me at the club.” Nicole looked up at him with pitiful eyes and said, “What happened was so traumatizing, I don‘t know if – if I could sleep at night.” “Even here in the hospital, with the nurses and doctors – it‘s been hard resting. I could only rest when you come and visit me after your work,” with her lips trembling, Nicole resumed.” With all this, maybe I – I can live with you temporarily? I feel much better, and with you near, I could sleep better.” “Can – can I stay at your villa?” She added. ‘Live in my villa? Our villa?‘ Evan‘s eyes widened, referring to his marital home with Shantelle. His brow raised, and his mouth parted, but before he could answer, his phone rang. He used this as an excuse and stepped out of the room. When he returned to Nicole‘s room, he revealed, “There is a problem at the company. If I can‘t come tomorrow, I‘ll send someone to look after you.” He left, not wanting to entertain her request to stay with him in the villa.

(Evan, why is your maid here? Aren‘t you coming to take care of me?] The next day, Evan received a message from Nicole. He did not want to speak to or see her, especially after she suggested staying with him in the villa. Moreover, there were problems at the company that he had to deal with. His schedule was bound to be busy up until the the next day, he needed to get home and rest for the night. He figured he would respond to Nicole later – much later. It was already past eight in the evening when Howard, the Thompson family driver, picked him up at the office. Often, Howard would drive him when he was entirely out, exhausted from a day‘s work They drove past a boutique selling formal wear, and a long white evening gown on display caught his attention. “Howard, stop.” Sarah Kate. It was a dress designed by a fashion designer in Braeton City. Evan recalled how Shantelle liked the designer‘s dresses. He stepped out of the car and went into the shop. 3 “Sir, we are sorry, but we are already closed,” a store manager said. She had just flipped the signboard over when Evan walked in. “Please, I‘m Evan Thompson. My wife is your regular customer here,” he said. “I can pay you any amount.” 2 “Ah, yes, Miss Shantelle.” The store manager frowned and said, “I haven‘t seen her in a while. “Looking up at Evan, she asked, “What can I do for you, Mister Thompson?” “That gown at the front. Is that a limited design?” He asked. “Yes, sir. It‘s a limited edition. There are only four of the same design. The owner of the brand, Misses Sarah Kate, has one. One had already been bought. The other is in London, still available for sale,” the lady proudly said. “Then, I want that for Shantelle,” Evan said. “But not now. Send it to her next month, please. It will be her birthday this coming December.” “You know her size, right?” Even asked. “Ah, yes, Mister Thompson. Miss Shantelle has lost a lot of weight over the past few

months. It has been more than a month since she last came here. She looked very sad. I hope she is okay now, though,” the store attendant muttered unknowingly. This made Evan feel unhappy. He gulped and replied, “I – yes, of course. Problems in business. Please adjust the gown as necessary according to your last recorded size of Shantelle.” He gave the lady his card and said, “Thank you for arranging everything. My assistant will be in contact to make sure the delivery happens.” Recalling how the store may send it to the villa, he added, “And… you‘ll need to send to a different address.” Before leaving the shop, Evan glanced at the dress displayed in the window. A smile formed on his face as he pictured Shantelle wearing it on her birthday.

Another day had passed, and Evan was busier than ever. The Thompson Group of Companies had several businesses. Their biggest one was the E&E Shipping Lines. Recently, They acquired a Russian client, moving cars from a nearby coast to Russia. It was their most noteworthy deal yet, but also the most challenging. The client was very demanding and often asked for huge shipping discounts. The client went to see Evan personally to get the required adjustment. Evan had to take the client for a tour, showing and explaining why they could not lower the shipping cost.

After dealing with the Russian client, Evan returned to his office. He was reading one document to another when Mrs. Shaw called. Remembering how he had sent Mrs. Shaw to attend to Nicole, he frowned. Then, Mrs. Shaw would never bother him unless it was an emergency. Thus, Evan answered the call.

On the other line, Mrs. Shaw said, “Mister Evans, Miss Lively is in the villa. She insisted on coming here after her discharge from the hospital. She said you had agreed to let her live here. I reluctantly followed her instructions, but now Miss Lively is inside your room. She has removed Miss Shanty‘s clothes and replaced them with hers.” Evan‘s eyes darkened in irritation. He wondered, ‘Did I ever make her think she could replace Shanty?

Chapter 12: Misunderstand The double doors abruptly opened, resulting in them banging against the wall. Mrs. Shaw and Nicole snapped their heads in Evan‘s direction. Evan.” Nicole jolted in her stance as she called his name. “You – you startled us! Thank goodness you returned early.” Nicole still had a butterfly tape on her cheek. Part of her eye bag was still swollen with a purple tint on her skin. The crack on her lips had dried. Overall, she was better compared to how she was severely battered over a week ago. She pointed to the clothes scattered on the sofa and then to an empty box, saying, “You were probably too busy that you failed to pack Shantelle‘s clothes. So I did it for you.” When Evan did not answer, Nicole walked up to him and described, “The villa is amazing. It will be a good environment for me to heal better. With you –”

“What are you doing here, Nicole?!” In an ice–cold tone, Evan asked. His voice raised while he was at it. “Evan? We – we talked about this, right?” Nicole said. “Evan, I was raped and assaulted because you left me at the club! I need a nurturing environment to get better. Aside from my wounds, my emotional trauma –” “I never said that! That you could live here!” Evan shot back, the veins on his neck protruding as he spoke. “This is mine and Shantelle‘s home!” Nicole was taken aback. Her eyes widened at Evan‘s words. Her voice broke in and out as she replied, “Shantelle? But, Evan, you already divorced her.” “It doesn‘t change the fact that this was our home. My father bought this as our marital home! Out of respect for Shantelle, I would never let another woman live here!” Evan announced. “And whoever told you I wanted Shantelle‘s clothes out of our bedroom? Did you really put your clothes in there?!” “For one, I did not even agree that you live with me. I avoided answering your request because it was my way of politely rejecting it! Can‘t you take a hint?” Evan added. His eyes immediately shifted to the direction of the stairs, and he marched into the second level of the villa, finding his way to the master‘s bedroom. Evan was horrified when he looked at the contents of the walk–in closet. Nicole‘s clothes were certainly there! Evan gulped. His brows met as he thought, ‘Just… What was Nicole thinking?‘ “Evan! Evan, I can explain,” Nicole had chased after him. Standing behind

Evan, she reasoned, “Evan, I told you I was traumatized, and I only felt safe around you. I can sleep on the floor. I don‘t mind. I put my clothes there, so it‘s more convenient –” “Enough,” Evan said. He turned to Nicole and ordered, “I want you to get your things out. I‘ll ask Howard to take you to your apartment.” Nicole‘s eyes widened. She said, “But Evan, I‘m afraid. I‘m afraid of being alone. I might have nightmares about how I was badly beaten and raped! We went out at the club together, but you ended up leaving me for Shantelle! Why? You have already divorced her, and she was with her friends! Whereas, I – I was alone.” Suddenly, Nicole collapsed on the floor, saying, “Evan, I would not be like this if you had not left me at the club. I was in an unfamiliar place – Evan, please. Don‘t you feel sorry for me at all?” Yet again, Evan felt guilty, but he also thought, ‘So I have to sacrifice my personal life because of that mistake?‘ Moreover, Evan considered how he had just gotten a divorce. He wanted his freedom, his time alone, and to experience a single life with his friends while holding the most powerful seat in his father‘s company. He did not want Nicole or any woman sleeping in the same house as him, much more, his marital home with Shantelle! Evan groaned as he stabbed his hair with his fingers. He clenched his jaws and

finally said, “I can‘t – I can‘t repay you for that mistake with my personal life – my private space. Please go to your apartment. I will hire a caregiver and security guard for you. I‘ll ask my assistant to find the best therapist who can help you return to your old mental and emotional health, but I‘m sorry, Nicole… You cannot live with me.”

Nicole gave Evan one last glance. Her eyes watered as she entered the private car of the Thompsons. Evan could tell Nicole hoped he would change his mind, but he would never. He did not judge Nicole just yet, but why did it feel like she was using the assault incident to force her way into his life? When the car disappeared into the road, Evan returned to the villa. Seeing the maids, he instructed, “Please help Mrs. Shaw return Shanty‘s clothes to the room.” “Yes, sir,” one maid replied. “Mr. Thompson, there is something else you should know,” Mrs. Shaw reported. Evan‘s brows met. He turned to Mrs. Shaw with his heart racing. ‘What else could it be?‘ He absolutely did not like the worried expression of Mrs. Shaw. Mrs. Shaw pressed her lips. Then, she revealed, “Just before you arrived, the Misses.” She still resumed addressing Shantelle as the “Misses” of the house. Strangely, Evan did not seem to mind it at all. “The Misses called the landline,” Mrs. Shaw revealed. “Shanty told me about a

ring she ordered, but we never finished our conversation.” Mrs. Shaw frowned. She added, “Because Miss Lively took the phone and said something to the Misses. I‘m afraid Shanty will misunderstand.” “What did Nicole say to Shanty?” Evan asked as calmly as he could, but inside, his heart was drumming against his ribcage. “Miss Lively suggested that you are living together now – here in this home,” Mrs. Shaw described. Silence fell upon the living room. The other maid looked at Mrs. Shaw before she also said, “I – I also heard it, Mr. –” Evan rushed outside the villa, heading to his car without letting the maid finish. More than an hour ago, at Warlington, Shantelle was completing her information online for medical school. She went back and forth from an old email to a new one, transferring files when a specific email reminder caught her attention. Subject line: Winning Bidder for Jade Prosperity Ring. Her eyes widened, remembering how she had bid for a twenty–four–carat male‘s ring with a jadeite head. The ring was supposed to be her belated gift to Evan – to congratulate him for taking the CEO seat of his father‘s company. She had forgotten all about it since she and Evan had been arguing a lot before the divorce. Shantelle carefully read the email and confirmed that she had won the bid and had twenty four hours to complete the payment. She thought about canceling the order, but then again, she considered how the the ring would look good on Evan. In the end, Shantelle decided to push through

with the order and gave delivery instructions. She did not dare to speak to Evan. Instead, she made a long–distance call to the villa‘s home phone in Rose Hills. When Mrs. Shaw picked up the call, Shantelle said, “Mrs. Shaw, I‘m glad it‘s you.” “Oh, Misses! How are you, dearest Shanty?” Mrs. Shaw asked. “It‘s so nice to hear your voice.” “I‘m… coping, Mrs. Shaw. Your voice also brings me joy,” Shantelle answered. “Anyway, Mrs. Shaw, I ordered a ring for –” “Is that Shantelle?” Shantelle heard a woman‘s voice. The next thing she knew, the same woman took over the call, and she introduced herself,” Shantelle, this is Nicole. Evan and I are living together now. Thank you for setting Evan free. We can finally be together the way it should have been… two years ago.” It was Nicole Lively, and she was living with Evan in their marital home! Learning of this, Shantelle cried. The news broke her heart completely. Shantelle was certain Nicole sensed her weeping as well. Still, remembering that she was the woman who came in between Nicole and Evan, she faintly replied, “Congratulations, Nicole. You have already won. Take care of Evan. Goodbye.”

Meanwhile, in a private community within Rose Hills, Evan was ringing the gates to the Scotts ‘mansion. 1 “Shanty! Shanty!”

Chapter 13: Deleted Message “Shanty! Shanty!” Evan had been calling out in front of the locked gates of the Scotts‘ mansion. His eyes narrowed as he looked around the estate. The lights from the gates and the lights on the fences were on, but the house was completely dark. “Is there no one inside?” Despite knowing he may end up facing his former father–in–law‘s anger, Evan courageously drove to the Scotts‘ home, wanting to clear any misunderstanding with Shantelle. Something inside him wanted to set the record straight with her, especially about Nicole. “Shanty? Shanty!” He called again. He wasn‘t even sure if anyone was inside the house who could hear his voice. Since he was getting no response, Evan decided to ring Doctor Scott. The phone rang once, and then it went straight to voicemail. He called again, and the same thing happened. A groan escaped his lips with the realization that Doctor William Scott, Shantelle‘s father, had blocked his number. He also called Eleanor Scott, but she had also blocked his number. After some time of studying the estate, a security guard called his attention. “Sir, a neighbor had reported you making noises out here.” The guard looked at the house number on the gate, and after seeing it was 21117, he added,” Do you know the house owners?” “Yes, they are –” Evan paused and then made a white lie. “My in–laws.” Knowing how it may have looked to the neighbors, Evan took out his wallet and shared his driver‘s license, calling card, and community pass. He said, “I‘m Evan Thompson, CEO of the Thompson Group of Companies. I‘m sorry if I alerted the neighbors. I was hoping to speak to my in–laws.”

“Wouldn‘t a phone call work?” The guard asked. “Ah, they were not answering,” Evan reasoned. He glanced at his car and was ready to leave. Then, he returned his attention to the guard and asked, “Have you seen Doctor Scott around, though? Did they leave the house?” The security guard shrugged and answered, “I‘m afraid I‘m new here, Sir. I started just three days ago. I don‘t know the owners of this house, but.” The guard returned to his patrol car, and after confirming his notes, he said to Evan, “According to the homeowners‘ association, the owners of house 21117 will be here in two weeks.” “Maybe they took a vacation, Sir. I have seen no one since I started working here. The roving guards are the ones who switch the lights on every night in this house,” the man revealed.” The maids may also be on leave.” “I see.” Evan frowned. He supposed that also addressed his question why Shantelle had not contacted him since that night at the villa, when they were intimate. That also explained why he had not also seen Doctor Scott at the hospital. Shantelle‘s father always had patients at nearly all hospitals in the city. When Nicole was admitted, he had prepared himself for an encounter with Doctor William Scott, but he never saw him. Evan smiled weakly in the guard‘s direction and clarified, “Two weeks, you said.” “Yes, sir,” the guard confirmed. “Then I’ll try to call them again later. I best be on my way,” Evan said before hopping into his car. He immediately assumed Shantelle had called the villa from wherever they had taken a short vacation. As he drove away from the private community, he muttered, “Two weeks. I’ll see Shanty in two weeks.”

“Mr. Thompson, it’s a pleasure doing business with you, and I look forward to seeing you in Russia next month,” Mr. Romanov, a client of the E&E Shipping lines, said. Evan took his hand and responded, “I am equally thrilled to visit you in Russia, Mr. Romanov.” Seeing his assistant, Evan ordered, “James, please walk Mr. Romanov down to the lobby.” “Yes, sir,” James acknowledged. A sigh of relief escaped Evan’s lips. The problems with the shipping lines have been resolved. He slumped against his couch and said, “Finally, a breather.” Evan was about to check his emails when his phone rang again. It was Nicole. It had been four days since Nicole was discharged from the hospital. Nicole had been calling Evan day and night, but Evan did not answer her calls. Evan has yet to confront Nicole about how she had suggested to Shantelle they were living together. Work had to come first. Furthermore, he feared he could control his temper in front of her. Since that day at the villa, Evan found himself completely irritated by Nicole despite knowing she was already pitiful enough, having been raped and battered. Avoiding Nicole, for now, was his best solution. Still, it did not change the fact that he blamed himself for how Nicole got violated in the streets, that he sent a caregiver and a security guard to help her feel secure. After he ignored yet another call from Nicole, Evan received a text from her. At the same time, another message came through from one of his directors. He opened his phone and saw the initial text from Nicole. It read: [Evan, I’m sorry. I didn't mean to assume things. I am i'm so depressed now. I want to …)] He shook his head and decided to delete her message, but instead of Nicole’s message, he deleted his director’s text! “Damnit, Nicole!” Evan cursed as he carelessly rechecked his messages. When he realized his mistake, he went to his

cloud backup to retrieve the text. Evan knew this director was on an important trip to another city, seeking a potential investment. The signal was relatively poor due to weather conditions, and the same person only communicated updates via emails or texts. Evan quickly found the recently deleted text messages. He thanked the heavens for having backed up his phone with an android cloud. He selected the important message and restored it. As he did, he caught sight of a text from Shantelle. It appeared to be… a picture message. A frown formed on his face when he thought back recently. He had not deleted any of Shantelle’s messages, but why was this message in his cloud backup? He opened Shantelle’s message. He first read about her text, telling him she did not want the alimony. Then he looked at the screenshot closely. One second passed. Two seconds passed. Three seconds passed. Evan’s hand slammed firmly against the surface of his table. His entire body trembled, understanding the content of the screenshot. It was a picture of him having coffee inside Nicole’s apartment. This same picture was sent to Shantelle for one purpose, and that was to anger her. He read Shantelle’s reply on the screenshot: [So it was you all along, Nicole. I would never have thought. Well, you can have him. I accept my defeat. With his jaws clenched, Evan said, “Nicole. Nicole!” There was no one else who might have touched his phone that day. No one else got closed, and no one else would dare to. Evan recounted the last time he went to Nicole’s apartment and the day that he read Shantelle’s letter. She sent him a message. That was what she had said, but someone deleted it on purpose!

“Nicole!” Evan could not believe it! He earnestly thought Nicole was a simple and gullible librarian. Who would have thought she had it in her? Rage filled his heart. He was about to leave his office and berate Nicole for what she had done when James walked in, pushing his office doors loudly. “Sir,” James called. “The security at Miss Lively’s apartment called. She – Miss Lively, she tried to take her life! She tried to commit suicide! The caregiver and the guard rushed her to the hospital!” ‘Suicide?‘ Even did not feel any remorse. With his voice raised, he said, “I meant to see her, anyway!”

Chapter 14: Doubting Nicole “I want a background check on Nicole Lively – everything you can find out about her, and I want it ASAP!” Evan ordered his contact on the phone. He was walking back and forth in a secluded area of the hospital‘s corridor. “And what‘s the progress on the rape investigation? Have you found out anything?” “Sir, we have leads, but it wasn‘t enough. We have yet to comb through several surveillance videos around the club and within a few blocks away, and going downtown,” said the man on the other line. Evan had hired a private investigator since last week. He did not mean to rush, but knowing what he knew now, Evan was in a hurry to find answers “You see, Mister Thompson, we found a surveillance video of Miss Lively leaving with a few teenagers right in front of the club. It did not corroborate her story. So, I took the liberty of digging further,” the investigator said.

Evan acknowledged. Nicole did say she walked alone for several blocks, hoping to get a taxi. He thought about it deeply and assumed that maybe this was the reason why she never wanted to press charges in the first place. A hiss escaped his lips before he instructed, “For now, give that information to the police. I‘ll also make a phone call so the authorities will be on top of the case.” “Then! Send me a copy of the video,” he added. After speaking to the private investigator, he marched back to Nicole‘s room. A doctor stepped outside and quickly found Evan. “Mr. Thompson, the patient is resting. I did not think she lost that much blood, but her body must be weak. She is still unconscious,” the doctor revealed. “It‘s normal for rape victims to be suicidal. It‘s good that Miss Lively has someone like you to help her get through this.” “I‘ll be on my way now,” the doctor said. “Best to let her rest for now.” Evan did not count the hours that he was there. He could not even work! He doubted his decisions about Nicole and was beginning to hate himself. Finally, Nicole woke up. She appeared weak and hurt. She glanced at Evan once and turned to give him her back. She faintly said, “You should have let me die.” She sniffed, and her chest heaved again and again. “This is all your fault, Evan. First, you brought me here to Rose Hills only to be cast aside and humiliated by your father. Then you left me alone at the club.” Nicole sobbed as she added, ” I’m broken, Evan… Don‘t you realize this was all your fault? Yet, you could not

even comfort me? You would not even answer your phone. You should have let me die –” “Was it my fault, Nicole?” Evan interrupted her. “If it were a few days ago, Maybe I would feel guilty all over again, but not today. No.” Immediately Nicole turned her frame to face Evan. She asked, “What – what do you mean, Evan?” “I accidentally deleted an important message today,” Evan revealed. His jaws clenched, trying to control his anger. “I wound up checking my android cloud backup. Can you guess what I found?” Nicole’s eyes widened. Suddenly, she seemed to be more alert than a few seconds ago. “I – I –” Evan tapped on his phone and then showed her the message from Shantelle. He said, “Only you could have sent this. Why did you? Why?!” “You were the one who kept provoking Shantelle all along? Why did you do it? Why?!” At that point, he could not help but raise his voice. “And don’t you think I would not know how you told Shantelle on the phone that we were living together?! Did you assume I’d go along with it?” Nicole’s face turned white as a ghost. Her eyes rounded in horror. ‘A cloud backup?‘ She did not expect that. ‘And Mrs. Shaw? That maid actually reported her speaking to Shantelle? Who does she think she is!‘ This was the second time Evan raised his voice at Nicole. The first time was at the villa. Nicole admitted that she had gone overboard. She was so excited to

be with Evan that she tricked Mrs. Shaw into taking her to the villa. That was her biggest mistake. She thought that since Shantelle and Evan were already divorced, he would eventually let her stay there. Besides, he owed her. She blamed Evan for what had happened to her, and she saw through how he felt utterly responsible. To her dismay, she miscalculated how Evan unknowingly valued Shantelle. He may have actually liked her, maybe even loved her! At that thought, Nicole knew she had to speed up her plans. What better way to do it then to make him feel guilty again? Making Evan feel responsible for her misery had always worked like a charm! Beyond his overbearing exterior, deep inside, Nicole had always known how thoughtful of a person Evan was. She imagined how Evan would feel sorry for her again. She acted suicidal and slashed her wrist! He wanted to let him realize that her depression was real and that he was the root cause! Nicole imagined how Evan would rush to her and ask for her forgiveness. But What is this? After more than a month, Nicole never expected Evan to retrieve that deleted text! Instead of asking for forgiveness, he looked at her with utter hatred! Nicole frantically fished through her brain. She cried and said, “Evan – Evan, I’m sorry.” Tears quickly flooded her face as she declared, “I love you! I did all that

because I love you. I hated Shantelle for getting in between us! Even before, she was always the apple of your eye “What?!” Evan snapped. His brows met when he asked, “What did you mean before?” “I Nicole quickly bit her lip. Her lips trembled as she replied, “Before! You had talked about her in Lockwood! You did not recognize it!” “Then, when I came to Rose Hills, I expected us to be together. Evan, I gave up my life in Lockwood to be with you! Instead, your father and Shantelle took you away from me,” she described. “It was unfair to me, Evan, unfair to us!” “I wanted to show Shantelle that your heart belonged to me, even if she was married to you! Evan, she would not have agreed to divorce you if I had not done that! Don’t you see? She needed to see the truth!” Nicole resumed. “My methods were wrong, but we both got what we wanted in the end. She is out of your life, Evan! We can finally be together exactly how it should have been two years ago!” “Whatever gave you that idea?! My heart never belonged to you!” Evan shot back in anger. “I was wrong to think you were a good person, Nicole. Shantelle may have worked with my father into our marriage, but at least she was always honest and upfront with me! On the other hand, you made secret and underhanded methods – a scheming woman!” “What else have you done that I haven’t uncovered, Nicole? What else? Does it have to do with you being raped?” Evan asked. He then quickly played the video the private investigator sent him and showed it to Nicole.

“Didn’t you say you walked alone down the streets searching for a taxi?” Evan pointed out. When Nicole fell silent, he suggested, “Don’t worry, I already forwarded this video to the police.” He put his phone back inside and revealed, “It won’t be long now. Those teenagers will be interrogated. We will know the truth, eventually.” Evan left, not allowing Nicole to give any explanation whatsoever. Nicole was left alone, her mouth agape, thinking of what to do next. She muttered, “He’s going to find out.” She jerked out from the hospital bed and frantically took off her IV. “I have to leave. Evan can’t know. He can’t know.” She thanked the caregiver Evan had hired for being so responsible. She had clothes inside the room’s closet. After changing into a dress, she attempted to flee. However, after she opened the door, a man blocked her way and asked, “Where are you going, Miss Lively?”

Chapter 15: Guilt–tripping “This is imprisonment! You can‘t force me in here! I refuse to receive treatment! Let me go!” Nicole screamed at the top of her lungs while inside her hospital room, but no matter what, the security guard Evan assigned to watch her remained unchanged. The private guard said, “I‘m sorry, Miss Lively, but Mr. Thompson instructed me not to let you out of my sight. You can‘t leave until the

police investigation of your rape case has been cleared.” “No! No!” Nicole tried to reason with the guard. She pleaded to the nurses who checked on her inside the room. However, it was futile. None of them listened to her plea. It had been over twenty–four hours since she was admitted due to a suicide attempt. Evan had not visited her since, and she could only speculate that time was running out for her. Evan would find out sooner or later, and she would be doomed. Nicole had no choice but to make a phone call. She called a number, and when the person on the other line picked up, she said, “Dad, I need help.”

Later in the day, at the police station, Evan stood before a one–way glass mirror of the interrogation room. He listened as a private investigator questioned one of The four teenagers caught on camera with Nicole on the night of her assault. “Admit it. You raped her!” The police insinuated. “We did not fucking rape her! She i wanted it rough!” The teen said. “You can ask my friends. All our stories will check out! Fucking bitch! No wonder she gave us all that money!” “Check the hotel we stayed in! There should be fucking cameras!” The teen added. “She wanted us to hit her! She even directed us where to hit. She did not want us to punch her nose since she had a nose fucking job!” 1 0 Evan had been listening for the past hour, but the said teenager never changed His story. It was the same with his friends. He was completely and utterly

disgusted with what he had learned. Nicole had invited a group of teens to have sex. She instructed them to play rough with her to the point that she was severely battered. What kind of woman would do that to herself? A nutcase! Evan had invited a crazy woman into Rose Hills, into his life, and let the same woman get between his relationship with his father and Shantelle! His hands clenched into fists, thinking how Nicole acted so innocently, so incapable of protecting herself, Evan shielded her. It was all fake – a sham! All along, Nicole abused his sympathy hy guilt–tripping him! How conniving! How manipulative! Evan recounted all those times when she would make him feel responsible. “Evan, I can‘t find a job here. I should have never left Lockwood. Your father banned me from getting any job! I can‘t even get past being a waitress.” “My neighbors seriously think I am a mistress. I should not have come back here to Rose Hills. Now, Shantelle thinks wrongly of me. I should never have left Lockwood! Why did you bring me here in the first place?” “I have no friends here. It was better in Lockwood, but you are here for me, Evan, right?” “Evan. I‘m scared to be on my own. This would not have happened if you had not left me at the club. I feel much better, and with you near, I could sleep better. Can – can I stay at your villa?”

Oh, how wrong it was to believe her. But how could he have known? She was a simple librarian in Lockwood. Afrown formed on Evan‘s face. He then realized how convenient it was for Nicole and him to have bumped into each other many times in Lockwood. Back then, Nicole would often say,” Wow! What a coincidence! I guess this is fate!” ‘Fate? Was it fate?‘ Now he utterly doubted it. Moments later, Evan went with the police to the hotel the teenagers were referring to. It took an hour, but ultimately, they found the video in which Nicole arrived at the lobby with the teens. Nicole was the one who booked the room, and they all went to the elevators together. Another video showed how they all stepped out of the lift on the tenth floor. There was no video of them entering the room together. However, the next day‘s surveillance cameras captured the teens leaving early. An hour after, Nicole came out, limping, with bruises on her face. The front desk who processed her hotel check out called the police, but she refused help. Nicole left the hotel before the police arrived. Yet again, Evan was enraged by what he saw. His hands shivered as he took out his phone and called his friend Wendell. When his friend answered, he asked, “I i need your help. Ask your father to pursue a legal case against Nicole.” “Against Nicole?” Wendell asked on the other line. “Or the thugs who raped her?” “Again, Nicole!” Evan repeated. “She needs to be punished for wasting police hours – for perverting the course of justice!” In the next few minutes, Evan

explained everything to Wendell. His friend was utterly shocked. Wendell‘s father was Rose Hills‘ presiding prosecutor. If anyone could help put Nicole behind bars quickly, It was Wendell‘s father. “Fuck, Evan! I thought she was a timid one. I guess the silent ones are dreadful,” Wendell remarked. “I‘m sorry to hear about this, Evan. On another note, though, Keith would be happy to learn that he did nothing wrong by not sending Nicole home.” “I‘ll speak to my father. In the meantime, make sure she doesn‘t… get away,” Wendell suggested. “I WON‘T! let her,” Evan firmly answered. After his phone conversation with Wendell, he asked more men to watch Nicole at the hospital. A formal complaint has yet to be filed for Nicole. It will take at least twenty–four hours for an arrest warrant to become available. However, to his dismay, the security guard in charge of Nicole called with bad news. Evan was about to leave the police station when he accepted the call. The man said, “Sir, I‘m sorry, but Miss Lively‘s father came here to fetch her. He brought a lawyer with him and demanded Miss Lively‘s release.” “I did not have the time to call you or analyze the situation since it happened so fast, and the hospital was afraid that the accusations of illegal detention were true. Their security forced me away from the door,” the man said. “Miss Lively got away.” “What?” Evan could not believe his

ears. ‘Didn‘t Nicole say she was alone? She had no friends or family? How was it that her father suddenly appeared at the hospital? Just who is… Nicole Lively?‘

Chapter 16: Evan‘s Plan Wendell was driving out from his home in the evening when he noticed the mansion across from theirs had the gates opened and a car was driving in. It would not have surprised him, except the house had been empty for about nine years. Only caretakers come and go during weekends. “Hmmm.” Wendell said, “The Campbells are back?” At the thought of the Campbells, Wendelle sneered. He remembered their daughter had this crush on Evan back in high school. She became so jealous of how Shantelle and Evan were close that the same girl tried hurting Shantelle. Recalling the past, Wendell scoffed as he drove away, heading toward Evan‘s office. His friend needed him.

“Did you find her?” Wendell asked. He passed on a glass of liquor to Evan and said. “Rough day, huh?” This time around, they were all in Evan‘s office. Sean and Wendell had arrived earlier. Evan came an hour after. Since Nicole‘s escape, Evan barely had rest. He was driving back and forth, speaking to the authorities while making sure every private transport company was aware of who they were going up against should they let Nicole Lively flee the city.

“No, not yet,” Evan responded as he took the glass. He gulped it all down and said, “But she isn‘t going anywhere!” With the help of Evan‘s connections, especially Wendell‘s family, the police searched for Nicole. The borders were secured, and the airport had been warned. Nicole could only hide, but she wasn‘t leaving Rose Hills. “Where is Keith?” Evan asked, seeing his other friend missing. “He left town last week after you had an argument with him,” Sean revealed. “He‘ll be back.” Evan nodded. When Nicole was first admitted due to being supposedly raped, he quarreled with Keith on the phone. Now, with how everything was unfolding, Evan was the one who needed to apologize to Keith. With a nod, Evan replied, “I‘ll speak to him when he arrives.” “Damn, man. The chick digs you to the point of obsession,” Sean suggested with a smirk. “Not funny, Sean,” Evan said as he sat on one sofa seat. Evan‘s office had a mini living room set up. It was connected to his private room, where he sometimes rested. “Has your investigator returned with Nicole‘s profile?” Wendell sought. Evan groaned and replied, “In a day or two. The investigator went to Lockwood to check her family‘s background. Whoever her family, they will pay the price for crossing me!” “Don‘t worry, Evan. Once she is caught, my father won‘t let her off too,” Wendell revealed. The group of friends chatted, all while covering Nicole‘s manipulative ways. The three could not believe such a woman existed! “She has an ID, right?” Sean sought. “Of course!” Evan replied. “I, at least, checked if all her identifications were valid back in Lockwood, and they were! She had a bank account under her name. There was no reason for me to suspect her identity.” “She would not get the librarian job if she did not have proper documents to show,” Wendell also pointed out.

“We can speculate all evening, but I supposed we will find out soon enough,” Sean suggested. With a sigh, Evan said, “I can‘t fucking wait!” “On a side note, our neighbor is back in town,” Wendell suddenly said. “Who?” Sean asked. “Remember the high school cheerleader who was head over heels for Evan?” Wendell reminded. “Oh, Melody Campbell? How could I forget? She pushed Shanty into the road! Shanty nearly got hit by the school bus.” Sean asked. “I remember. Didn‘t her family leave town before Melody finished high school?” “Correction,” Wendell reminded me. “She was expelled!” “I remember my father imposed a business ban against the Campbells too,” Evan said out of the blue. “They had no choice but to leave the city.” Evan shrugged and reminded, “You know how my old man adored Shanty.” There was silence in the room before Sean suggested, “Actually, Evan. Back in high school, it wasn‘t just your father. You valued Shanty too.” “Yeah,” Wendell echoed. “You always had that smile when she would rush towards you at school.” “Shantelle… Shantell,” Evan said under his breath. The thought of his ex–wife somehow relieved him of his current stress. “Yes, we were close, but I was young – we were both young back then. Also, I was gone from Rose Hills for too long. I i guess time changes you. Time makes you forget.” “It‘s just a shame, Evan. Because if you had not returned to Rose Hills with Nicole, maybe,” Wendell implied. “Maybe you and Shanty would have hit it off… naturally. No forced marriage; you probably ended up dating and married voluntarily.” Silence fell upon them. Evan wound up resting his head on the sofa‘s back. His mind wandered back to the days when he i was young. The image of the young Shantelle running across the school grounds popped into his head. Every after her dismissal, she

would run to the high school grounds to say goodbye to Evan. There were also times when Doctor Scott would ask Evan to drive Shantelle home. Their families were that close. The Scotts entrusted Shantelle to the Thompsons, and Evan‘s parents cherished her. When Evan was in college, he rarely returned to Rose Hills, but he remembered a few occasions when he and Shantelle met. Each time he saw her, she became more and more of a lady, no longer that youth who was like a sister to him. Thinking of what Wendell said, he was also reminded of how Shantelle became so insecure because of Nicole, and how She was so jealous. Inwardly, he cussed at Nicole. He shut his eyes, calling her name silently, ‘Shanty. I‘m sorry. I‘ll make it up to you, I promise. I‘ll take you to Paris, just like I said.’ Opening his eyes, Evan revealed his plan, one that had been on his head since he last saw Shantelle. “I have been thinking of this for some time… I want to… reestablish that closeness I had with Shanty.” He sucked in a breath and added, “First, I need to ensure Nicole is behind bars.” Sean‘s mouth fell to the floor, whereas Wendell nodded approvingly.

Earlier that day, in Warlington, Shantelle had started her first day in medical school. She took a picture of herself from the front lawn of the building and posted the photo on her social media account. Shantelle never had to worry about Evan finding out. She had her account in a private mode, and Evan never had a personal social media account. He always said He never had the time. On her wall, she posted: (It wasn‘t long before I said goodbye. Today, I say hello. The past is done. It‘s time to move on. If anything I have learned in life, it‘s the fact that it goes on. Live it! ) 1 Her friends were quick to like her post, giving her words of encouragement. Shantelle smiled as she walked into the

building, but just as she was about to enter her first class, she received a notification on her phone. There was a comment from a man, and it read: [ You‘ll never know. I might just be… “Hello.“) It was Keith Henderson, Evan‘s friend. She could not believe her eyes. She did not even remember when Keith had followed her on social media!

Chapter 17: Forget Evan “How was the first day in medical school?” Shantelle was beyond shocked to find Keith Henderson leaning against a BMW sports car in front of her school. He looked striking in a white Chinese–collared shirt, gray coat, and trousers. His dirty blond hair was brushed up neatly, and his face was clean–shaven. “I look great, don’t I?” He teased me. Seeing how Shantelle studied him closely, a sly grin formed on his face. “What – what are you doing here?” She asked, ignoring his comment. “I am on a business trip. Prima MedCare has over ten thousand policyholders in Warrington, and I plan to strengthen our company’s hold here in the city,” Keith revealed. When Shantelle raised a brow at him, he chuckled. He said, “Oh, you mean, here? In front of your school?” “I asked Doctor Scott where you were. I was going to see him anyway, so I decided to pick you up. I know your father has yet to hire a driver,” Keith said. “I’m in town for two months. I can be your driver.” Shantelle shook her head and said, “You don’t need to. I can get a taxi –”

“I’m heading to Warrington Hospital. You can ride in a taxi, pay a taxi fare and put your trust in a stranger, or you can ride with me… for free,” Keith pointed out. “Fine.” Surrendering to Keith’s offer, she rolled her eyes and went straight to the car’s passenger side. While on the road, they were silent. When they were nearing the hospital, Keith announced, There is something you should know about Nicole –”

11

“That she is living with Evan in our marital home? I know,” Shantelle said while looking out the window. “What?!” That information took Keith aback. He answered, “I don’t think –” “I heard it loud and clear. Nicole picked up the landline when I called Mrs. Shaw, our house caretaker,” Shantelle reported, still avoiding his gaze. Keith sneered. He said, “I don’t know about that, but –” “I don’t want to know anymore, Keith. Please, stop. I came here to forget Evan, not to remember him all over again.” Shantelle thought back to when she found out about Nicole living in their villa. She cried for hours, feeling the pain in her chest coming back all over again. She could not count how many times she said she would no longer cry over Evan. Better said than done. The things that love does to you. “But, Shanty –” Keith tried again. However, Shantelle cut her off.

2

“Please. You promised me, Keith. Back at the club. You would not tell Evan where I am, and here in Warlington, let’s not talk about him either,” She reminded me. “We did not agree on the latter, but if you insist,” Keith replied. “I don’t want to change my mind about Evan and Rose Hills. This is my life now, here in Warlington,” Shantelle expounded. “So, whatever you want to say, don’t.” 2 Silence stretched between them. Eventually, Shantelle reasoned, “I love him, Keith, but loving him is too painful. Again, I

i came here to forget. Soon, I won’t love him anymore.” “I understand, Shanty,” Keith answered, fixing his eyes on the road. “I know exactly how I feel.” you Dead air fell upon them once again. When they were nearing the hospital, Shantelle took the opportunity to ask, “When – when did you start following me on social media, by the way?” “I have always followed you since you turned eighteen. Remember, your father invited us to your debut,” Keith reminded. “Besides, we’ve known each other since we were young. Like the Thompsons, we are locals in Rose Hills. Sean and Wendell only moved to the city in high school.” “Oh, right, I forgot about that,” Shantelle replied. “You were at my eighteenth birthday party.” Keith laughed as he turned off the engine. He answered, “That’s fine. I’m used to it. You forget about other people… except for Evan.” “Doctor Scott, it is our honor to have you on our list of doctors in Warlington,” Keith said, smiling after William Scott signed the documents. “This is an ex–deal, Keith,” William responded. He looked out the glass door of his office and seeing Shantelle sitting in the waiting area and reading a book, he emphasized, “Remember our arrangement.” “I won’t tell anyone in Rose Hills,” Keith confirmed. It had been over a year since Keith had been poaching Shantelle’s father to be part of their company’s accredited doctors. He honestly thought it was impossible until over a month ago. Doctor Scott called him, asking if he could connect him with Warrington Hospital. So when Keith found out the same hospital was in need of a new medical director, he recommended Doctor Scott. In return, Shantelle’s father conceded to cooperate with their insurance company. Part of their agreement included, his full silence about the Scott’s relocation. “And you should not update Shanty of Evan’s life,” William reminded. “It was a risk for me to trust someone close to Evan,

but you promised, and your offer was very attractive.” Immediately, Keith felt regretful. Earlier, he was this close to telling Shantelle about how Nicole turned out to be a psycho who had staged her rape to blame him and Evan. He had left Rose Hills for over a week, but Sean had updated him about everything. Within his group of friends, it was Sean who knew him best. “Keith, my daughter, had given up so much to be with Evan. Yet, he did not see through her sacrifices. Yes, Erick and I are partly to be blamed – me for allowing the marriage and Erick for forcing it on them, but to me, Evan could have tried harder,” William expressed his inner thoughts. “Now, Shanty is back on the right track, and I want no one to interfere in her plans. She is talented, and she took a lot from me. We both have the same dream: to save people’s lives. Shanty has to become a doctor. If anything is going on in Rose Hills that you think would tempt my daughter to return, I want you to keep it to yourself,” William instructed. “We are never going back to Rose Hills… unless it’s a matter of life and death,” William added. Shantelle’s father then looked at Keith, and seeing him think deeply, he asked, “What’s on your mind, Keith?” Keith had been reflecting on what Doctor Scott said. When Shantelle’s father noticed, he decided to give his two cents on the matter. “Doctor Scott. If I were Evan, I would have cherished Shanty, but Evan – he – He cleared his throat and added, “He never wanted to get married at twenty–five.” “When he returned to Rose Hills, he had many plans, especially him and Wendell. He was going to travel across the country and establish branches for their financial entity. We were going to attend most, if not all, Grand Prixs. We were

going to travel to the Bahamas – but that all changed when he was forced to marry Shanty,” Keith explained. “I don’t agree with Evan’s decision of divorcing Shanty, but –” Keith paused before resuming, “A part of me understood why did he wanted to be free of marriage.” 2 Keith leaned back in his seat and added, “I think you and Uncle Erick should have just… let nature take its course –” 1 “Well, that’s why I am changing things now,” William interrupted Keith. “I acknowledge where we made a mistake in the past. That is why my daughter should just… forget about Evan.” A day passed. Back in Rose Hills, Wendell was driving back to his family’s home in the middle of the day. He went past a checkpoint the authorities had set up nearing their community. He chuckled, realizing how serious Evan was about catching Nicole. It wasn’t like Nicole had committed a heinous crime to have all the police stations bow down to Evan’s request. However, Evan was Evan. He was Erick Thompson’s son, and the city was indebted to the Thompsons. If not for the most impressive corporation in the city, many locals would be jobless. If not for Evan’s recent initiatives, the Thompson Group of Companies would not be as thriving as it was today. Last, Evan was a generous soul deep down. He supported charity events and donated to the city’s public hospital. Arriving at the Franco residence, Wendell noticed the same car that entered the Campbells‘ estate the other day. He drove past the car and proceeded to his family’s mansion. While at the entrance to their home, the gate’s automated system incurred problems. Wendell had to open the gate manually. After doing so, Wendell walked back to his car. Just then, he saw Campbell's car return. He frowned, thinking, ‘Didn’t do they just leave? Why are they back so soon?‘ There weren’t any establishments nearby. It was rows and rows of houses up until the checkpoint.

Then, he saw an older man. He was cursing as he stepped out of the car and opened the gates to their home. Someone’s head popped out on the other side of the vehicle but retreated quickly as soon as the man scolded. “Mister Campbell. It’s been a long time. Here on a short visit?” Wendell asked. He strengthened his voice to make himself known. He saw the frightful look of Thomas Campbell. It was as if he saw a ghost in Wendell. “Excuse me?” Thomas asked with a frown. “Wendell Franco. We were neighbors until your family left town,” Wendell reminded. He walked across the street to let Thomas sees him clearly. “I was a schoolmate of Melody back in high school.” Briefly, Wendell locked eyes with Mister Campbell. He had amber–colored eyes, a striking eye color that somehow he thought was familiar. It wasn’t just the eye color, though, but also the shape of his eyes – how downtrend it was. “Oh, Wendell Franco. Right!” Thomas Campbell said. “Sorry, Wendell. It has indeed been a while. I am just here on a short visit, yes. It was an emergency.” “I see,” Wendell said, his eyes studying the silhouette frame inside the tinted car. “That’s Melody. She came with me on this trip, but we should be leaving this week,” Thomas said. “Excuse me, Wendell.” Wendell simply nodded. He also entered his car. However, as he drove into the driveway of their home, he thought, realizing the girl he saw was a blonde. He raised a brow and remarked, “I guess she didn’t enjoy being a brunette.”

Chapter 18: Nicole’s Past “You only had one thing to do: make Evan Thompson marry you.” An older man spoke coldly to his daughter in a private home. “Now, we could not even get out of the city. If Evan ever finds out, we will lose everything. Have you forgotten what the Thompsons did to us back then? This was your chance to redeem yourself!” Glancing at her father, Nicole replied, “I – I’m sorry, dad. I – I was careless. I failed.” The man shook his head, saying, “You waited many years for nothing.” Her father was not screaming, but his tone was glacial enough to send shivers down her spine. “We are done with Evan. It’s getting too dangerous –” “But, dad –” Nicole tried to retort, but his father seethingly approached her, thrusting his hand back. He was this close to hitting her, but he halted mid–way. He said, “I went along with your plan, thinking you could do it, but in the end… you are still no match for Shantelle Scott!” Her father turned around and marched to another room. He came back quickly and threw an envelope containing old documents, saying, “I’ll go out and buy hair color. For now, we will have to make use of that old ID. Let’s hope the police won’t suspect us with you, holding on to a mere high school ID and an old birth certificate!” “Forget Nicole Lively! You are back to being Melody Campbell!” Her father said before pacing out of her room and down the stairs of their old home.

Alone in her room, Nicole wept, thinking about her situation. After many years of planning, stalking, and studying Evan from afar, she still failed. After changing herself completely, to become someone Evan would appreciate, she still could not win his love. Everything was going according to plan when Evan brought her back to Rose Hills, but alas, his father forced him to marry Shantelle! Then, even after she successfully made Evan divorce Shantelle, she was still no match for her! Evan did not have to say it, but Nicole saw how he left her at the club to be with Shantelle. He defended their marital home and kept her clothes in their closet. He did not even realize it, but until now, Evan still wore his wedding ring! – “This is all Shantelle’s fault! Shantelle! I hate you! You ruined everything – everything! Nine years have passed, and you are still the same person who ruined my life!” She barked, thinking about the past. “I really hate you, Shantelle! I hate you so much!” 2 FLASHBACK: 9 YEARS AGO A girl with amber–colored eyes saw Evan and his friends coming her way. A smirk formed on her face as she held her books tightly against her chest. When Evan walked past her, she purposely let all her books fall to the floor. Evan was the first one to pick up the pieces. His friends soon followed. “Here, be careful next time, Melody,” Evan said. “You are always very careless with your things. “Thank you, Evan,” said the girl. Her name was Melody Campbell, a junior at the same school as Evan and a neighbor of Wendell Franco. “You are welcome,” Evan plainly replied before walking away with his friends. That day, Melody wore the latest fashion trend. She had her hair done at the salon. They were silky smooth and smelled

of lavender. Like always, when she created opportunities for Evan to aid her, he helped, but she got nothing more than what was required. “Um. Evan. Evan?” She called and chased after the group of friends. “There is a small gathering at my house tonight. Just a few girlfriends of mine and maybe.” She smiled brightly and suggested, “Maybe, your friends? There is free beer?” “You are not eighteen yet,” Evan said. “Oh, but it’s my house. So, it should be okay,” the girl said. Evan frowned. He answered, “I don’t know –” “Sounds like fun,” Keith said. “We could go for an hour or two.‘ “Yeah. I don’t have to drive myself back home,” Wendell remarked, and Sean laughed. Before Evan could answer, Shantelle rushed in their direction. The girl already knew Shantelle Scott. She was the daughter of a cardio surgeon, Doctor William Scott, and her rival in Evan’s attention. “Evan! Evan! Dad has a meeting at the hospital. As usual, mom will be with him to help. Dad asked if you could take me home, but I want to go to the beach. It’s plankton season!” Shantelle squeaked in excitement. “Wait. Wait. Shanty, didn’t uncle William say you should go home?” Evan asked. It was as if no one was around them. His full attention was on Shantelle. A laugh escaped Shantelle’s lips before she revealed, “But it’s plankton season!” “I don’t know.” Evan frowned at the idea. “Come on, Evan! Don’t you want to see the ocean wonder of bioluminescence? The sea sparkling in neon blue?” Shantelle encouraged, her eyes gleaming as she described. Evan laughed, and his eyes sparkled altogether. It made him look handsome, but that smile was only meant for Shantelle. He shook his head and said, “Shanty, what am I going to do with you?”

“Say yes, and let’s see nature’s wonders!” Shantelle beamed as she insisted on her plan. “You and your biology,” Evan complained. He sighed and said, “Fine. Planktons, here we come –” “But, what about the party?” Melody sought. Her earlier smile faded after Shantelle came into the picture. Shantelle easily convinced Evan to take her to whatever it was she was talking about. ‘Planton? Phantom? Plakons? Whatever!‘ “Um, the boys can go,” Evan said, referring to his friends. “Well, if you are not going, then we aren’t,” Sean revealed. Even Melody’s next–door neighbor declined. As Evan walked away with Shanty, Melody’s blood boiled. A mere thirteen–year–old defeated her! For a year, she had been trying to catch Evan’s attention. She observed how Evan was always helpful, so she faked many encounters with him. One time, Melody tripped on purpose, knowing Evan was behind her. He aided her up, but then, he just left. Shanty came rushing to him, and Melody was ignored. On another occasion, she saw Evan in the library. She pretended to be interested in books and was about to approach him when she realized the same young girl was with him. They were studying together. Last month, she pretended to faint from sickness in front of Evan. He helped her to the clinic. However, after that, Evan was yet again rushing to where this little Shanty was! Melody brewed hate for Shantelle, and in their subsequent encounter, she made sure her message was clear. One afternoon, Melody saw Shantelle talking with her friends outside the school gates. She rolled her eyes as she moved closer to Shantelle. She smirked at the thought of Shantelle sprawled on the ground. Thus, with her right hand, she pushed Shanty onto the road. Melody laughed and said, “Oops! sorry –”

The screeching of the school bus stopping in front of Shantelle shocked Melody and everyone around her. She did not realized it then as her back faced the arriving vehicle. Melody had just pushed Shantelle to the road where a bus was moving in the same direction! The worst part was how Evan was apparently nearby. He carried Shantelle in his arms and held a murderous look in his eyes. “Melody! How dare you? You are going to get punished for what you did to Shanty!” Melody was expelled the next day. Evan’s parents, who held the most power in the city, ensured it. Not only that, Erick Thompson announced a business ban against her family, and they were forced out of Rose Hills. Her family lost many business opportunities while she struggled to enter a new school. To Melody, her life turned into shambles, all because of Shantelle Scott. She hated Shantelle so much that she made it a mission to take what was hers, especially Evan Thompson. After a series of plastic surgery, trying to look like Shantelle, she became Nicole Lively. She used part of her family’s wealth to get her a new name instead of going by Melody Campbell. END OF FLASHBACK

Chapter 19: Melody? Or Nicole! Melody’s hair was back to its rich dark brown color. She had carelessly cut her hair and wore sunglasses despite leaving in the middle of the night. She wore a jacket and a hoodie over her head.

From that night onwards, she was no longer Nicole Lively. She was back to being Melody Campbell. She settled at the back of their car while her father, Thomas Campbell, drove to the exit of the private community. This was their chance to escape. “At least this time, with your hair changed back, they won’t look into you closely,” her father suggested. True enough, when they arrived at the nearest checkpoint, presented with Melody’s old school ID, a mere birth certificate, The police did not look into the car closely. They simply asked Melody to roll down the car window, and seeing her dark– colored hair; the police returned to his post. “I think they bought it,” Melody said nervously. The officer who took their identification was speaking through a radio transceiver from a distance. After some time, the the same officer approached their vehicle and returned their ID. He asked, “Why does Melody not have a valid ID?” “We lost it when we arrived,” Thomas Campbell replied. “We are going to get her new ones.” “I see,” the police officer replied. “And where are you headed tonight?” “Um.. we are driving early to the next state,” Thomas replied. “We are meeting some friends there.” Next, the police officer’s radio called him in. He had to step aside and exchange with whoever was commanding him. “Yes, sir. Got it.” When he returned to Thomas and Melody, the police said, “You may now… leave.” He smiled, but to Thomas, the way the the officer smiled and appeared to have a meaning behind it. Still, Thomas was relieved. He hurriedly drove off to the main road. “We got out. There may still be another checkpoint, but getting through the first meant Evan has not identified us.” “Oh, my god. We are going to get out, dad!” Melody was equally relieved that she was teary- eyed. “Wendell did not suspect us at all, and Evan, he – he was never able to connect

to my real identity!” Melody still could not believe it. With Evan’s power, she thought Evan would have already learned! She exhaled, saying, “Luck is on our side.” After making it a kilometer away from their neighborhood, Melody thought about Evan again. She inwardly said, ‘I’ll come back for you, Evan. When I do, I’ll be prettier, and I won’t make the same mistakes again.‘ The two of them drove for half an hour more, making their way to the middle of the city, when they encountered another inspection. This time, they were more confident. Yet again, they surrendered their identification. The officer in front of them smiled courteously. They noticed two private vehicles arrived a few yards behind them, but since they were only private cars, they assumed they had been pulled over for inspection too. Seeing how the officer in front of them was so collected, Thomas and Melody suspected nothing. The father and daughter exchanged approving nods. Out of nowhere, the police declared, “Mr. Campbell, someone is here to see you. Can you and your daughter please step out of the car?” “Excuse me?” Thomas asked. “Is there something wrong?” Melody had her eyes widened. She turned to look out the back window and saw figures stepping out of the vehicles. However, it was so dark she could not decipher who they were. “Please, step out of the car, sir,” the officer insisted, leaving Melody and Thomas with no choice. Soon the two were outside, leaning against their car. Thomas kept asking the officer what the problem was, while Melody did her best to hide her face. “Good evening, Mister Campbell.” Eventually, they heard a man’s ice–cold tone calling out to them. The voice came from

Evan Thompson, and he was pacing towards them with his friends, Wendell and Sean. When Evan stood before them, Melody quickly looked down. She repeatedly gulped air down her throat. Whereas, Thomas spoke to Evan defensively. It was already midnight. The air was cold, but with the sudden arrival of Evan Thompson, Melody and Thomas felt the the temperature dropped to near zero degrees. Melody’s knees were shaking, and Thomas could not contain the drumming of his heart. “Evan, what is the meaning of this? Were you not satisfied that your family nearly ruined us over a simple fit of teenage argument?” Thomas reacted defensively. “A fit of teenage argument?” Evan asked. “Really? Pushing Shanty onto the road was just a fit of teenage argument? Shanty did not even fight back. Something! Is it seriously wrong with your daughter? Have you considered having her head checked?” Thomas gulped. He answered, “Stop holding grudges of the past! That was a long time ago, and Shantelle was not hurt! We don’t want any trouble. We want to leave – Melody and I.” “Melody?!” Evan said the name with complete sarcasm. “Melody. Melody. Melody!” Evan glowered significantly and moved closer to Melody. He left only a few inches away, his frame towering over her. He was breathing loudly, almost like he was purring in anger. Behind him, Wendell was shaking his head, and Sean was narrowing his eyes at the woman. “Or should I say… Nicole Lively!” Evan announced, his voice strengthening. “Do you honestly think I would not connect the dots, Melody?” Behind Evan, Wendell said. “I knew you looked familiar. Even with your face changed. Your eyes remained the same!” “What?” After hearing Wendell, Melody unwittingly looked up. “I – I don’t know what you are talking about! Who is this Nicole Lively?”

It was earlier that evening that Wendell came to Evan’s office. He discussed his inkling about his neighbor. Shortly after, Evan’s private investigator returned with the news! They confirmed that Nicole Lively was Melody Campbell! After learning the truth, they set the plan in motion. With the help of the authorities, they allowed the father and daughter to believe they had gotten away, but Even just wanted them to have a taste of freedom, knowing it would leave them more frustrated. Regardless of their route, the police already had the entire city surrounded! “Nicole Lively, you are under arrest for perverting the course of justice by claiming to have been raped. You will also be charged for fraud, for falsely misleading Mister Thompson about your identity,” another police officer said behind Evan. “You are mistaken –” Melody tried to deny it, but the police kept speaking. “And Mister Thompson? You are also under arrest for conspiring with your daughter,” the police added.

2

“No -no. This can’t be.” Thomas was shocked. He never expected to be pinned down together with his daughter. “You don’t need to deny it, Nicole or fucking Melody!” Evan barked. “We already know how you changed your name and face. I had you investigated!” “No! No, that’s not true!” Melody said back. “What nonsense are you spouting about, Evan?!” Thomas countered. Throughout the entire arrest, the father and daughter denied the accusations. They fought back, physically and verbally, to the point where the officers had to force them into a police car. Ultimately, Melody and Thomas Campbell were brought to the police station for questioning.

“Mister Thompson’s private investigator traced your previous apartment in Lockwood. The landlady gave up the storage room you had rented for the right price. So now we have this,” the man said. Inside the interrogation room, the police sat in front of Melody and opened an envelope containing the pieces of evidence. There were several pictures of Evan, taken from his later years in college until he was taking his master’s degree. Some photos showed Evan relaxing during his free time. “You hired a private investigator yourself. Isn’t that right? You stalked Mister Thompson for years. You knew where he ate breakfast, lunch, dinner, where he bought his coffee, and where he spent most of his time studying – at the library,” the the officer pointed out. Another document showed how she changed her name. “You paid off a judge in Lockwood to allow your name change, and then you planned your meeting with Mister Thompson.” “Of course, this was after you had a series of surgery to look like Miss Shantelle Scott,” the police added. “You were so jealous of Miss Scott that you tried to look like her. Isn’t that right, Miss Campbell?” “I – am not jealous of Shantelle! I don’t know what you are another set of photos on the table, Melody jumped in her seat. “When the police slammed The following photos were of Shantelle. Each one had a big red “X” mark on them. It was clear to the officer that whoever drew the marks on the pictures had deep–rooted anger toward Shantelle. Next, the police showed Melody a video of the teenagers‘ statements and the recording from the hotel. The police took a pen and paper. He pushed it toward Melody and suggested, “We can go all night and day at this. You can keep denying it, or you can admit to everything. Either way, the pieces of evidence against you are solid.”

“The choice is yours, Miss Campbell, the easy or the hard way?” The police added. There was a long silence as Melody gawked at the documents and photos. After nearly five minutes, she turned to look at the one–way glass mirror. She knew exactly who was behind that mirror. “Evan!” She howled in tears, her palms pressed against the glass. “Evan, forgive me. I won’t do it again. I promise! I’ll leave Rose Hills!” Water flooded her cheeks as she described, “Don’t forget, I listened to you. I was that person you leaned on. I was your friend too. You must have cared for me at some point.” Melody pleaded, but nothing changed after hours of standing behind the glass mirror. She kneeled and begged, but nothing happened. The officer behind her remained unchanged. The police said, “Mister Thompson left the station two hours ago. Your begging is pointless. Besides, it’s out of his hands. The prosecutor is determined to file a case against you. You will definitely be locked behind bars.”

Chapter 20: Evan Hoped Days passed. With the help of Wendell’s father, Evan had Melody, and her father locked up. Although Thomas Campbell’s charges were less severe, and he was bound to be set free, he did not escape Evan’s wrath. Thomas‘ unpaid property taxes surfaced, and the local government issued a memo to seize his mansion in Rose Hills. His illicit transactions with politicians in Rose Hills and in Lockwood were spread through the internet, and the truth about his failing business came to light.

Like what his father did in the past, Evan also announced a business ban against the Campbells. No one wanted to be associated with Thomas Campbell, and no private lawyer represented him. He was left to choose a public defender, who wasn’t that keen to support him as well. Evan had never been angered in the same manner all his life that he made sure Thomas and Melody Campbell would learn to fear him. He used up all his influence, and he did not hold back. However, despite receiving justice, despite going all out on Melody’s punishment, Evan’s heart was not at ease. He was angry at Melody, but he was more… mad at himself. For days, he had been staying at his office, barely sleeping, and simply putting all his effort into his work and following up with the authorities. He hoped that by tiring himself, the heavens would forgive him for his oversight. He had not spoken to his parents, and he avoided his friends. His Assistant, James, was also sensitive enough never to mention Nicole Lively or Melody Campbell in the office. One afternoon, Wendell came to see Evan. Evan had dark circles around his eyes. He had not shaved his face for days and appeared troubled. “What’s wrong with you, Evan? Nicole slash Melody is already behind bars,” Wendell asked.” Why are you killing yourself with work?” Evan continued signing the contract in front of him. When he was done, he sucked in a breath. He shut his eyes and finally revealed what was bothering him. “Wendell, I don’t know what else to do. I don’t know what to say to my parents.” His mouth parted as he gawked in no particular direction. He felt a lump in his throat, which was very difficult to gulp down. Eventually, he resumed, “I – I don’t know how to apologize to Shanty. Her family should be back from vacation, but I don’t have a face to show her. It was Nicole who provoked her the whole time.”

“I brought that woman back to this town! I caused my parents and I to quarrel!” He groaned and added, “If Nicole Lively did not happen, my father would not have forced me into marrying Shantelle, and maybe things would have been different.” 2 “Evan, please. Shanty loves you. She always has. Speak to her about it, and she’ll forgive you. Besides, it wasn’t directly your fault,” Wendell suggested. “As for your parents, you have every reason to be upset after taking away your will to choose.” “Although.” Wendell frowned and reluctantly described, “Uncle Erick did choose well for Shanty is great.” you. Evan repeatedly took deep breaths, doubtful. Thus, Wendell asked, “What I’d like to know is what you want from Shanty, Evan? Do you want her forgiveness because Nicole turned her into that insecure person you talked about? Or do you want more from her? Without Nicole – I mean, Melody, can you see distinctly now? How do you feel about Shanty?” Observing how his friend had no definite answer. Wendell suggested, “Don’t you have to go to Russia? Use that time to Think through and plan for what you want. When you return, and your head has cleared, speak to Shanty. She’ll never turn you away. Shanty is Shanty.” Evan gasped. The Scotts should have already returned from their vacation a few days ago, but he did not dare to see Shantelle. To admit that he brought an insane woman into their lives was not something he could easily swallow. He was ashamed. Even if he never cheated on Shantelle during their marriage, Nicole Lively was the reason for her paranoia, hence their periodic fighting during the last few months of their marriage. While Evan had long desired his freedom, their constant arguing had pressed him to ask for a divorce once and for all.

‘What do I want from Shanty?‘ Evan could not put a finger to it. He once told Shantelle how he wanted her out of his life. When it finally happened, however, it never made him content. Shantelle’s absence and utter silence left an uncomfortable feeling deep inside him, one that he had not deciphered. it Evan shifted his gaze to his friend and confirmed, “You are right. I need time to think this through.” In the afternoon, Evan prepared to leave for Russia. He returned to the villa late at night and packed his bags. The next one day, he was ready to go when Mrs. Shaw rushed to the driveway, giving him a gift box. “Sir, this arrived yesterday for you,” Mrs. Shaw said with a smile. “What is it?” Evan asked. “It’s a gift.” Mrs. Shaw pursed her lips before showing the box with a blue ribbon. “It’s from Shanty.” Evan froze. ‘A gift from Shanty?‘ For seconds, he stilled. Suddenly, Evan saw hope. Perhaps, what was broken could still be fixed. The Scotts were a family friend. Their ties did not have to end due to their unfortunate divorce. A smile became painted on Evan’s face when he accepted the gift and hopped into the car. As Howard drove him to the airport, warmth filled his heart. He was constantly studying the gift box, his head full of Shantelle’s smiling face. Under his breath, he muttered, “She gave me a gift.” Because his flight would leave in an hour, he could not see Shantelle that day, but he would see her upon his return – on Shantelle’s birthday. Minutes into the road, he opened the gift and breathed in at the sight of the jadeite prosperity ring. He saw a note that said: [Evan. This is my belated gift for your promotion. I wish you prosperity in life. Shanty.] Evan was elated, but after reading Shantelle’s note, he felt heaviness in his chest that he could not fathom. His eyes felt

watery. Evan had to sniff it back, overwhelmed by what was happening to him. Despite everything that had happened between them, Shantelle still thought of him. Guilt washed over him. He gripped the ring tightly in his fist before attempting to put it on. As he did, his eyes widened when he realized he still wore his wedding ring! It had been part of his daily wear for two years, and he could not bear to remove it. For a second, he gawked at his wedding ring, thinking, ‘Was it really that hard to remove? Why didn’t I take this off?‘ Evan laughed slightly. He doubted his reasons. Finally, after putting on the prosperity ring, he said under his breath, “Thank you, Shanty. I’ll see you when I return.”

21-35

Chapter 21: Missing Shanty “Evan, tomorrow, we can strike another deal,” Mr. Romanov suggested. “It’s good that you decided to visit. At least you I can see how serious I am being a client in the many years to come. Mr. Romanov had taken Evan for a tour, driving from one showroom to another. “I expect over a hundred shipments to

happen next year, so we can agree on a fair price where we both will be happy.” Evan laughed. He replied, “Yes, that we should do.” They were talking while walking around Mr. Romanov’s enormous car showroom when a woman with dark brown hair approached them. She was tall, slender, and had an elegant face, with chocolate brown eyes. “Ah, Alina,” Mr. Romanov called, “Come meet Mr. Thompson.” “Mr. Thompson, since you have already divorced, it would be good to meet other women then, “Mr. Romanov said. “Alina is one of our primary models for the “I’m not interested in seeing anyone, Mr. Romanov,” Evan quickly interrupted. “Oh, come on.” Mr. Romanov pointed at the girl, saying, “Isn’t she gorgeous?” Evan glanced at the girl and saw her smiling his way. He studied her clothes and disapproved of how revealing it was. He returned his attention to Mr. Romanov, saying, “I prefer a conservative one.” It had been a few days since Evan was in Russia. The trip was primarily for business, but he also used the time to think things through, especially about Shantelle. Now and then, Mr. Romanov would introduce him to a woman, whether an employee or an acquaintance, but he found himself comparing them to Shantelle. “I don’t find her attractive at all.” “I prefer who can cook. My ex–wife used to prepare my meals.” “I see, are you interested in fashion? My ex–wife is interested in biology.” No matter how attractive or achieved the women seemed, Evan could not bring himself to like any of them. It was as if they could not compare to his ex–wife! On another occasion, Mr. Romanov invited Evan to dinner with his family. He met his son, who, after dinner, required help with his homework.

Evan and Mr. Romanov were drinking coffee when the boy walked in. “Dad, Mom, doesn’t know this, and I was sick last week, so I missed the lesson. It’s biology!” “What about your nanny?” Mr. Romanov said. “I have a guest, son.” “She doesn’t know this,” Valentin complained. Mr. Romanov tried to help his son, but having missed school for a long time, all he could say was, “Try… the internet.” Evan laughed from across the table. He offered, “Let me try. What’s your homework about?” “Biological molecules,” said the young man. “Ah, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids,” Evan suggested. “Let me see how I can help.” Minutes went by, and Evan shared his knowledge about biological molecules. “Proteins repair and build your body’s tissues, allow metabolic reactions, and coordinate bodily functions. Which is why getting protein into your diet is very important.” As Valentin took notes, Mr. Romanov nodded approvingly. After the boy was done, he smiled and thanked Evan. Then, he left to put his homework together. “Thank you, Evan. I did not know you were very keen on biology,” Mr. Romanov remarked. “It was my wife – I mean, my ex–wife.” Evan paused. Then, he added, “She always incorporated biology into our daily life. She was stern with my diet and reminded me of how each body molecule works. Every day was a new lesson learned with her.” “She um. She would have pursued medicine if we did not marry early,” Evan added. Evan remembered when Shantelle would talk about photosynthesis as she directed where the plants around the garden should go. Back then, he felt it was unnecessary, but their villa wound up having a good amount of floral blooms that neighbors were always jealous of. “She

must be quite a woman,” Mr. Romanov revealed. “No wonder you are still so hung up on your ex–wife. Too bad you are already divorced.” Evan leaned back. He said inwardly, ‘Me? Hung–up on Shanty?‘ He had to admit that part of him wanted to see her, and he definitely did not like how she cut all communications with him. ‘I guess… I miss her?‘ ‘I miss her,‘ he repeated in his head. He recognized he had never been this way with any other woman, even with Nicole, whom he thought he liked in the past. He felt sorry for Nicole, but other than that, he never missed her or longed for her. Evan rarely dated in his college years. When he went out with a girl, it was only for a simple dinner. He never asked for a second date. Following this realization, Evan was more determined to see Shantelle upon his return. He wanted to understand what he was going through. After ending his dinner with Mr. Romanov, Evan called his assistant back in Rose Hills. When James answered, he directed, “James, send a bouquet or roses to Shanty at the Scotts‘ address. He gulped before adding, “Ask the florist to add an ‘I’m Sorry‘ card.” Silence stretched for seconds before James answered, “Oh, Sir. That’s good to hear. I thought Miss Shanty was lovely. I’ll do that first thing in the morning.” The next day, Evan had an entire day of meeting with Mister Romanov and his executives, but when he was done, he immediately called his assistant. On the other line, James said, “Sir, the flower shop said there was no Shantelle Scott at the address I gave him. I’ll deliver –” “It’s fine. You don’t have to. You have a lot on your plate with me being gone. They probably went to the wrong house. Ask then send it again. I’ll be preparing for my flight tomorrow.‘

Evan said. “Call the Sarah Kate boutique and have the gown I ordered for Shanty delivered.” “Yes, Sir,” James confirmed. “Announce to the company that I’ll take a week’s leave upon my return. Book me and Shanty a package to Paris. I want the best hotel, first–class tickets, and excursions to the Louvre Museum and the Eiffel Tower,” Evan added. “Yes, Sir. That’s well noted,” James replied with enthusiasm, for he wholeheartedly supported his boss‘ change of heart. Another day came, but Evan received bad news. “The flower shop insisted that there was no Shantelle Scott at the house, Sir. Maybe I should deliver this myself,” James reported. “What?” Evan was on his way to the airport when James called. “It’s fine. Ask for a new bouquet by tomorrow. I’ll personally go to the Scotts and give Shantelle the flowers. Have it sent to the villa. It’s about time that I speak to Shantelle,” Evan instructed. “And the gown?” “Sarah Kate will deliver the gown today, Sir,” James confirmed. “And the tickets to Paris have already been booked, including your 5–star accommodation in the city.” “Good,” Evan answered. “Send me the booking details, and I’ll print them when I get home.” Evan knew he was thinking ahead. There was always that possibility that Shantelle would reject the trip to Paris, but he did not care. He had to try. Buying the tickets and reserving the rooms was his way of showing Shantelle his sincerity to spend time with her. Soon, Evan boarded the aircraft. He settled in his seat in the first–class cabin and took a nap. Just before shutting his eyes, he thought only of Shantelle. He wanted to dream of her. FLASHBACK * “Evan, let me help you,” Shantelle said as she walked before him. Evan was shaving his face in front of their bathroom mirror when Shantelle insisted she give it a try.

“I am not a child, Shanty,” Evan complained, but Shantelle only giggled and took the shave. Evan and Shantelle were i have already been married for six months. They were harmonious with each other, though; they had not yet been intimate. After their wedding, they left for their honeymoon in the Caribbean but never made love. To Evan, the first six months of their marriage felt like getting to know each other all over again. Having been gone for so Long, he barely knew what went on with Shantelle’s life. “Evan, this is not about being an adult. This is me, your wife, being affectionate,” Shantelle said. Her face flushed from her admittance. While Shantelle shaved the beard on his face, she smiled. Her eyes gleamed at her actions. Meanwhile, Evan could not help but study her closely. Evan silently admitted how Shantelle was magnificent. She had that innocent look on her face when she smiled. It was for the first time that Evan forgot everything. He forgot his anger toward his father and overlooked that Shantelle had worked with his father to marry him. “There, done,” Shantelle said. Her green–colored eyes were glued to his. They both stilled, just doing nothing but looking at each other for seconds. Evan did not show it, but secretly, he admired her beauty and spirit. Evan held Shantelle’s waist, and for the first time Since their marriage, he has leaned and kissed her lips. Heat spread through his body. For the first time, they made love that night. Evan had never reacted to any woman that same way. Despite that fact, he hid his every emotion. At that time, Evan would never admit to being affected by Shantelle, not when he was pushed into their marriage. END OF FLASHBACK “Ladies and gentlemen, Blue Airways welcomes you to Rose Hills. The local time is nine in the evening.” Evan awoke to the announcement. He groaned as he relaxed back in his seat. He was dismayed as he said, “It was a

dream. It was… only a dream.” He wished it wasn’t a dream, and that Shantelle was right before him. ‘Shanty,‘ he said. ‘I miss you.‘ It was late in the evening when Evan arrived, but tomorrow, he would unquestionably drop everything to see Shantelle.

CHAPTER 22 Chapter 22: The Scotts Moved Evan was dressed in his best suit. He applied the perfume Shantelle always encouraged him to use. His hairstylist came to the villa and had his hair trimmed early in the morning. ‘Shantelle would have already received her gown yesterday. I hope she liked it,‘ He thought in his head. After Evan’s haircut, he checked himself in the living room’s mirror. When satisfied with his appearance, he dismissed the hair stylist. He grabbed the printed itinerary of the trip to Paris from his room and went down the stairs, ready to leave. In the living room, he saw that the flowers had already arrived. Evan seized the bouquet and paced to the door when someone rang the doorbell at the villa’s gates. To Evan’s surprise, his assistant, James, made an unexpected visit. He walked out of a car with a huge box in his arms, making Evan frown. It was in the driveway when Evan asked, “James? What are you doing here?” “Sir, I could not reach you last night, and I assumed you were resting, so I did not bother to call the landline. Sarah Kate the boutique sent the gown to your office instead. They said.” James frowned before informing, “They said Miss Shanty no longer lived in that address.” Evan was stunned. He gulped and frowned. Soon, he asked, “What – what do you mean?”

“I don’t know, Sir, but it was what the store manager told me. Whoever was in the house said that Miss Shanty had already moved,” James said before bowing his head. Silence fell upon them, but after a few seconds, Evan cleared his throat. “There must be some mistake. That’s their familial home. Doctor Scott loved that house so much. It was his father’s home. He had just recently renovated it. They – they must have delivered it to the wrong house.” While Evan said this, his heart was uneasy. First, it was the flowers, and now, the gown. ‘Could the Scots have moved? Impossible. Shanty would never leave without saying goodbye.‘ Suddenly, the image of Shantelle leaving the villa flashed into his head. It was two months ago when he last saw her. He remembered how her last words gave him that feeling of emptiness. Back then, she said, “Goodbye, Evan.” He felt the sudden throbbing of his heart that he tried to convince himself. “I’ll go there now. I’m sure it’s just a mistake.” “Yes, Sir. I am sure,” James reluctantly echoed Evan’s words. “Do you want me to go with you, Mister Thompson?” “No, go to the company. I need you there. Howard will drive me,” Evan replied. “Put the gown in the car.”

“Everything, okay, Mister Thompson?” Howard, the Thompson family driver, asked. For the last fifteen minutes, Evan took deep breaths and repeatedly bounced his left leg, all while Howard drove in the direction of the Scotts‘ residence. “Everything is fine, Howard. I appreciate your concern. I am just a little nervous,” Evan suggested. “Do you mind hurrying up?” “Certainly, sir,” Howard confirmed. He understood. This was the first time Evan would see the Scotts after the divorce. Howard assumed Evan was worried about what Doctor Scott and his wife had to say to him.

It did not take long for Evan to turn up at the mansion. It was Howard who rang the gate’s doorbell for Evan. Howard said, “Mister Evan Thompson is here to see Miss Shantelle Scott.” “Um, okay. I guess I better speak to Mister Thompson.” Whoever it was on the other line simply allowed the gates to open, and Howard drove in. Evan was unfamiliar with the voice. He wondered, ‘Was it a new maid?‘ Maybe. He certainly hoped it was the case, for he could not fathom the restlessness of his heart. Something was wrong, and he sensed it. When Howard parked by the mansion driveway, a middle–aged woman with black hair walked out of the house. Just as Evan exited the car with the flowers in his hand, the lady said, “Mister Thompson, it’s good to see the face behind the name.” The lady extended her hand and said, “My name is Kristine Jones. My husband and I are the new owners of this estate. Judging from your recent deliveries, you were not informed that… the Scots have moved.” Evan froze in his stance. He could feel his grip around the flowers loosening by the second. He clarified, “Excuse me?” “Mister Thompson, I allowed you into the property to inform you that the Scots have moved. About two months ago, we bought this estate from Doctor Scott. We just recently moved since we were still preparing for the relocation ourselves,” Kristine repeated. “The Scotts moved.‘ ‘The Scotts moved.‘ “The Scotts moved.‘ The words played in his head over and over again. In each second that passed, he felt his heart becoming heavier. Evan’s breathing sped. His chest was heaving seriously when he asked, “To – to where? Which community is in Rose Hills?”

The lady gave Evan a polite smile and replied, “I’m afraid Doctor Scott did not inform us, Mister Thompson, but from what I know… they were moving out of town permanently. He clearly said they were leaving Rose Hills for good.” Yet again, the image of Shantelle saying goodbye played in his head. He recounted how she said those words, “Goodbye, Evan.” He recalled how Shantelle cried that night at the villa. “I’m going to miss you, Evan.” Seeing the reaction of Evan, Kristine offered, “I’m sorry, Mister Thompson, if this is bad news, but I can show you our deed of sale if you like –” “Shanty!” Evan dropped the flowers on the ground and began to call her name. “Shanty! Shanty, please come out and speak to me. I’m sorry, Shanty!” He barged into the house and looked around. The new homeowner had to follow behind him, saying, “Mister Thompson? They are long gone. Please, this is our property now.” Despite the lady’s objection, Evan kept calling Shantelle’s name, “Shanty, please! Shanty!” He called again and again. Even went as far as checking Shantelle’s room on the third level of the mansion, but he saw an empty room. There was not a hint of Shantelle left in it. Kristine had to go to the study and bring the purchase contract to the property. After showing it to Evan, he finally conceded. She said, “Is this proof enough? I don’t fully know your history with the Scotts, but I knew his daughter was your ex–wife.” “I understand that you are looking for her, and clearly, there are unresolved matters about your marriage. So, Mister Thompson, I will overlook your intruding into our home, but I hope this is the last time you come here without our permission,” the new homeowner added. ” Again, the Scots have already moved.”

“I – I’m sorry. It won’t happen again,” Evan faintly said before leaving the house. As he entered his car, he instructed, “Howard! To the St. Dominique Hospital! To Doctor Scott’s clinic!”

CHAPTER 23 Chapter 23: Never Coming Back Two buttons on Evan’s shirt were undone. He had difficulty breathing and had to open part of his shirt. He could not believe his eyes. A new doctor was now occupying doctor Scott’s clinic! “This can’t be happening.” Evan raked his fingers through his hair and looked around. Seeing several secretaries walk by and others entertaining patients, he asked, “Does anybody know where Doctor Scott moved? Anybody?” “Anybody?!” He asked again. Then, his gaze fell on the secretary across Doctor’s Scott’s previous clinic. He walked inside the room and asked the woman, “You! Do you know where Doctor Scott moved? What about his secretary? Do you know How can I reach her?” “I’m sorry, Mister Thompson, but Eana did not say where they were moving,” the woman said. “Eana was still here last week, finalizing documents for Doctor Scott, but I believe she also left town.‘ Eana was Doctor’s Scott’s long–time secretary. Evan was convinced she would know everything. He asked, “Do you have her number? Please. I need to call her.” Evan got Elana's number, and he quickly made the phone call. He called three times until Eana ultimately answered. Evan said, “Eana, this is Evan Tho –” The next thing he heard was a busy tone. When he tried calling again, his call went to voicemail. It was clear to him that Eana had blocked his number too. From where he was, he tried calling William and Eleanor Scott, but it was the same. All

his calls would only route to voicemail. Desperate to find answers, Evan went to the hospital’s administration building. From there, he spoke to the hospital head. “Doctor Jacob, did Doctor Scott resign?” “Yes, he gave only one month’s notice. It was a struggle on our part, but he was very adamant about moving,” Doctor Jacob responded. “Do you know where they had relocated?” Evan sought. Doctor Jacob sighed. He responded, “No, Mister Thompson, but even if we knew, that information is private – || “Don’t you know me? I am Evan Thompson!” Evan raised his voice, making the doctor shake his head. “I know you very well, Mister Thompson. I know your family’s power and influence in this city, but you forget I am also a professional doctor. I know what is wrong and right. I know I cannot freely give you information about Doctor Scott!” Doctor Jacob said. “Although we honestly do not know. Doctor Scott said he needed to take his daughter out of Rose Hills.” Doctor Jacob shrugged and concluded, “So, he left –” “But what about his patients?” Evan asked calmly this time, knowing that he could not threaten Doctor Jacob. “From what I know, some were referred to a new doctor. I don’t have the full knowledge,” Doctor Jacob replied. “I’m sorry, Mister Thompson, but that’s all the information I can give you. Doctor Scott and his family have left the city.” The rain poured over Evan as he left the hospital with nothing. He could not think straight. Just when he had admitted how he missed Shantelle, he learned she had already left the city! “Mister Thompson! Mister Thompson! Get in the car, Sir!” He heard Howard call his name from behind, but it took seconds to come back to his senses.

Eventually, Evan turned on his heel and lazily entered the car. While inside, his eyes landed on the box containing the white gown he had bought for her birthday. Will he ever see Shantelle in this dress? Will he ever see her again? Was this for real? Many questions played in his head as Howard drove away. Evan said in his head, ‘Shanty, did you want to leave me?‘ The Shantelle that Evan knew would never leave him. The Shantelle that he knew would do anything for him. How did she find the courage to leave Rose Hills? Evan still could not accept it. “Sir? Can I take you to the villa?” Howard asked. “You need to change. You are completely drenched –” “No,” Evan answered. “Take me to UC MED University.” There was one last hope, and that was where Shantelle completed her degree. Doctor Scott was one of the founders of the school. Evan was convinced that Doctor Scott would never give up on his shares. If he did, selling them in just a few months would be close to impossible. Half an hour passed, and Evan arrived at the university. He went straight to the dean’s office to get answers. Upon arriving, he met with professor Arya Dewan. He wasted no time and asked where Doctor Scott had relocated. However, to his dismay, the professor gave him the same answer. “I’m sorry, Mister Thompson, but we don’t know. Doctor Scott did not tell anyone where he was relocating. Even if we knew, we would not share this information with you ” “But, he shares. Surely, he still has his shares,” Evan pointed out. Professor Dewan was frowning in her chair. Not only did Evan soak her sofa seat with his wet clothes, but the information he sought was something she honestly thought the man would know. The professor sucked in a breath and revealed, “Mister Thomspon, Doctor Scott easily sold his shares. Your father bought all of his shares.”

‘What?‘ Evan was beyond shocked. His parents bought Doctor Scott’s shares at the university. It only meant one thing; his parents knew Shantelle was leaving. They knew they were moving out of the city, yet they never told him! From the university, Evan asked Howard to bring him to the old Thompson mansion. His heart was filled with bitterness, knowing his parents knew all along. He thought, ‘How long have they known?‘ The entire drive, Evan was trying to hold back his emotions. He was angry. He was sad, and he was in pain. Oddly, his my heart was aching from the news. He was upset that his parents did not tell him, and he was mad at himself for he knew This was all his fault. “Evan, what have you done? What have you done?” He asked himself as he threw his head back. It did not take long for Evan to arrive at his parent’s home. He briskly walked inside and found his parents having tea on the patio. Evan was catching his breath when he asked, “Did you know?” “What is it, son?” His father, Erick Thompson asked. “Did you know the Scotts were leaving? Is that why you bought Doctor Scott’s shares at the university?” Evan sought. “Why? Tell me why, father?!” “Why?” Erick asked back. “It was the least I could do. I felt guilty because of the divorce. Since they did not want the alimony, I could at least make it easier for William to leave.” “But.” Evan moved closer as he inquired, “But why did you not tell me she was leaving?!” Clara, Evan’s mother, gazed at her husband. Seeing him silent, she directed his gaze to Evan and asked, “Why does it matter, Evan? You and Shanty are already divorced.” It was as though Clara was reminded of the last day Shantelle came to bid goodbye. She was teary–eyed, and her voice

broke in and out as she described, “They cut ties with us, Evan over thirty years of friendship gone to waste. William decided it was best to cut all relations with us. He concluded it was best to take Shantelle away from here to forget everything.” “Evan, it was no secret how Shantelle was brokenhearted with the divorce. You knew she loved you very much,” Erick explained. “William will do anything to make Shantelle heal, and that can only happen if she forgets you. Forgetting you means forgetting about Rose Hills. William said… they were never coming back.” Suddenly, Evan found it hard to breathe. He felt wetness in the corner of his eyes, one he never knew he was capable of having. “What’s wrong, Evan? Isn’t it better?” Erick asked. “Isn’t this what you always wanted? Shanty has finally left you alone.” We recommend you read these novels after this one. Please check them out. We hope you will like them.

CHAPTER 24 Earlier that day, Shantelle was lazily preparing for school. She wasn’t feeling well, but school was school. Every day is vital for medical school. After showering and changing into a pair of faded jeans and a white top, she made her way to the dining area to have breakfast. “Surprise! Happy birthday, Shanty!” Both her parents greeted. Shantelle smiled from ear to ear, seeing her mother, Eleanor, had prepared balloons and a bouquet for her special day. Her father held up her favorite cake, saying, “Happy birthday to my beautiful daughter, Shanty.” Recently, her breakfast usually involved toast

and fruit, but she supposed that day could be an excuse to indulge, since her mother had her favorite dishes on the table. The new maids they hired also cheered her on. Good morning, Shanty! Happy Birthday!” “Maybe I should.” Looking at the mouth watering food, she suggested, “skip school today!” “Hahaha!” Her father laughed. He said, “No skipping school. One of your professors is my subordinate at the hospital. I don’t want him asking about your whereabouts, and he shouldn’t be giving you any special treatment, neither.” Shantelle laughed and said, “Fine.” After her father put the cake on the table, she embraced him and her mother. “Thank you. To the best parents in the world that love me so. Thank you. After having breakfast, Doctor Scott informed her they would have dinner at the best restaurant in town to celebrate her birthday formally. He said, “I invited Anna's family and Keith.” Her father referred to his secretary. Eana and her family relocated with them. Her father entrusted Eana with all of his patient’s personal information. Shantelle’s mother, Eleanor, was her father’s constant aide. She was a nurse surgeon at St. Dominique Hospital in Rose Hills, and that was how they met. She acted as his sole assistant in the past, not just in surgeries, but also during clinic hours and meetings. However, over time, Doctor William’s patients grew in number.

Now, Eana was the one who made patient appointments and managed her father’s clinic. On the other hand, Eleanor screened and scheduled her father’s surgeries. Sometimes, she took part in helping the surgery itself. “We don’t have many friends yet here in town to share your special day,” Eleanor said. “But we have each other.” “Thank you, mom. And, of course, I’d love Anna's family to be there, and I don’t mind. Keith’s presence. He already promised not to talk about Evan,” Shantelle replied. She checked the time and, realizing it was getting late, stood up and said, “I better go.” “Sorry, dear. The driver I hired will start next week. Bear with taking a taxi in the meantime,” her father said before walking her out to the driveway.

At four in the afternoon, Shantelle was exhausted. She walked out of the school with an upset stomach. She groaned, “I should not have eaten so much at breakfast.” 1 “Shanty, over here!” She turned to find Keith, leaning on the side of his car, his hand waving at her. He was holding a bouquet in his hand. He said, “We can go together for your special dinner.” Since Shantelle moved to Warlington, this was the third time Keith fetched her from medical school. In between, he did not bother her nor call her, despite knowing her number. She met him on two other occasions at the hospital. They talked, and he flirted, but then again, it was Keith. It wasn’t a secret to Shantelle how Keith was a ladies’ man in Rose Hills. After a short chat, he would always rush to whatever he

was doing, building his network of doctors. within Warlington. “Happy birthday, Shanty,” he said with a smile. “Thank you for the flowers,” Shantelle said, accepting the bouquet. As she entered Keith’s car, she could feel the jealous eyes of the ladies outside the school. She could not blame them. Keith was gorgeous. He knew how to dress well. He was rich and had a well-toned body. Shantelle buckled her seatbelts just before Keith turned on the engine. Then she shifted to him and said, “You should stop at this. You are going to give the girls at school the wrong ideas. You will miss out on all the potential prospects here in Warlington.” Keith laughed. He shook his head and replied, "I'm not interested in them, and… they are not at all wrong.” Shantelle simply shook her head at his remark, not wanting to dwell on it. Keith was handsome and charismatic, but he was also Evan’s friend. She did not want to go there with him. Moreover, Shantelle did not know if she could ever like someone again. 2 Ten minutes on the road, Shantelle was feeling extremely uncomfortable. She was taking deep breaths and kept gulping down whatever was threatening to come out of her throat! Eventually, she knew she could no longer hold it in. She instructed, “Park at the side of the road. Park at the side of the road. Now!” Keith’s car stopped by the entrance of a park. Shantelle rushed outside and found a tree, where she threw the entire contents of her stomach. When Keith made his way to her, he soothed her back, asking, “Are you okay? Are you fine?”

It took a few minutes for Shantelle to feel better. Keith had to buy warm water from the coffee shop across the street since Shantelle did not feel like drinking beverages. Keith observed how Shantelle was drinking the water slowly, too slowly. She sometimes acted to heaven even with drinking only water. He suddenly felt uneasy. He hated the possibility, but he saw the signs and had to ask, “Shanty… are you… pregnant?” At his probing, Shantelle froze and looked distantly. Soon fear washed over her, and she stood up, looking at her surroundings. When her eyes landed on a pharmacy, she excused herself. “I need to buy something.”

An hour passed, Keith and Shantelle were sitting on a park bench, their faces white as a ghost. Shantelle had taken a pregnancy test, and it came back positive. She used not only one, but five pregnancy test kits. Tears flowed down Shantelle’s face as she hugged herself with her arms. Then, out of nowhere, Keith walked to the nearest tree and punched it with his fist. “Fuck! Fuck!” He kicked the truck with his feet and did so again and again. Most of the time, he said no words, but he grunted and groaned. He was so angry that he did not care how he had cut his knuckles. He only stopped being frantic when he noticed the stares of people passing When Keith returned to the park bench with Shantelle, he rested his elbows against his knees; his hands held his face. He said, “I don’t mean to scare you.” He wanted to explain himself, but no words came out of his mouth. ” It’s just that… this wasn’t what I wanted for

you, Shanty.” His words took Shantelle aback. It was awfully caring for someone who wasn’t really that close to her. Sure, she had known Keith since they were young, but they were never that tight. Silence fell upon them, but soon, Shantelle asked, “What – what do I do now, Keith?” It took some time, but eventually, Keith answered, “Do the right thing, Shanty.” Keith was taking deep breaths. He avoided her gaze for some time, but when he peered back at her, he reminded, “My mother left my father and me for another man when I was eight years old. I’ve always thought it was unfair to me.” “Do what’s right, Shanty,” he faintly said. “I will be here to support you and your family, no matter what.” Shantelle silently understood what he meant. She remained in her seat, just thinking and crying. After ten minutes, she asked, “Please… please don’t tell Evan.” 1 The last time Shantelle saw Evan, she perfectly remembered how he asked her about taking contraceptives. He did not i want a child with her. So, he did not have to know.

CHAPTER 25 Chapter 25: One Day “Oh, my goodness! Not again!” Mrs. Shaw exclaimed, seeing Evan being guided by Wendell into the villa’s entrance at four in the morning. She tried to aid Wendell, but Wendell said, “It’s okay, Mrs. Shaw, I can manage. Please help me open the door to his room.”

More than a week had passed since Evan learned that Shantelle had left the city. After confronting his parents, he locked himself inside his room. Evan did not bother to eat until lunch the next day. He spoke to no one, not his parents, friends, or the villa’s caretakers. Evan only returned to work after three days of isolating himself. In the succeeding days, he spent it at the office, working until midnight. Occasionally, he went to the club with his friends Wendell and Sean. Wendell often drove Evan home since he was usually drunk. Tonight was no exception. Wendell rang the villa’s gates, delivering Evan in a drunken state. Same as the last that he was intoxicated, Evan was talking like Shantelle had never left. “Mrs. Shaw, where are the Misses? Tell her to make my favorite dish.” “Why is she not home yet? It’s already late. Mrs. Shaw, call the Scotts and have Howard pick up Shanty.” “Wendell, call Shanty.” “Yes, Evan. I will. Take a nap first, okay, buddy!” Wendell could only ride on Evan’s gibberish, knowing he was not himself. Generally, the next day, Evan would be back to being silent. Wendell carefully laid Evan on the bed. He turned to Mrs. Shaw and said, “He is fine, Mrs. Shaw.” “Oh, my goodness,” Mrs. Shaw asked. ” How long will he be like this?” 1 “I don’t know, Mrs. Shaw, but it’s different with Evan because he knows he is at fault,” Wendell said. He returned to studying his friend, saying, “Only time will tell.”

“Mr. Thompson?” In the morning, Mrs. Shaw knocked on Evan’s room for the tenth time. It was already past nine, and his assistant had been calling the landline since seven. It wasn’t like Mrs. Shaw to enter the room without permission, but at the same time, she was worried for Evan’s sake.

“Sir, Mister Thompson?” Mrs. Shaw called again while opening the door halfway. To her surprise, there was no one on the bed. “Sir Thompson? Mister Thomson? James has called about an important contract.” There was no answer. She knocked on the bathroom door, but there was no response either. When she opened the bathroom, no one was there. “Where is Mister Thompson?” Mrs. Shaw was confident the man had not left the villa since four in the morning. He was not capable of walking a straight line, much more, have the readiness to leave the house. Mrs. Shaw was about to leave the room when she heard a thud inside the walk-in closet. She frowned and decided to investigate it. After switching the lights to the enormous room, she found Evan sleeping on Shantelle’s side of the closet! He was still in his clothes from last night, curled like a ball on the part where Shantelle’s long dresses were kept. She walked over to Evan with a painful expression. Instantly, Mrs. Shaw fell to her knees, crying. She wound up waking Evan. “Oh, my. Mister Thompson, I’m sorry you and the Misses had to part. If only you had realized how you loved her then, this would not have happened to both of you,” she said, stuttering in her words. All those times when you were together “Her howls became lower as she said, ” All those opportunities were lost.” 5 The words that Mrs. Shaw said stung Evan’s heart. He wasn’t completely sober yet, but he understood her words. Indeed, there were so many opportunities. They were married for two years, and even after their divorce, Evan remembered how he felt empty but never acted on those feelings.

He silently reflected, ‘Did I love her? Did I love Shanty?’ Perhaps, because Evan would not have been so miserable these past few days if it were not the case. He had acknowledged how he missed Shantelle, but had not yet admitted it was love. Evan placed a hand on his chest and clenched it. The pang in his chest was unbearable. He thought, ‘So this is pain… the pain of loving someone. I loved Shanty. Why didn’t I see it before? Was it because she was always there that I took those feelings for granted?’ ‘I loved her… I loved her, but she is gone. How unfortunate,’ Evan mocked himself. For a minute, she listened to Mrs. Shaw cry in front of him. He shut his eyes, stopping his tears from escaping. Finally, Evan massaged his forehead, sensing a headache. He tapped on Mrs. Shaw’s shoulder and softly requested, Please, Mrs. Shaw, prepare some chicken soup for me.” He looked up and studied the white gown he had bought Shantelle for her birthday. Mrs. Shaw had hung the same in the closet a few days back. Then he looked at Shantelle’s other clothes. Mrs. Shaw was still wiping the wetness on her face. She was about to leave the room when Evan instructed, “Please make sure to maintain Shantelle’s clothes.” “When she comes back, she can readily wear them,” he said. He left the walk-in closet and went for a hot bath.

Days went by again. Evan found himself in front of the Scotts’ mansion. This time around, he had spoken to Kristine Jones before visiting. That day, he came with his assistant and a lawyer with an offer. A maid guided them into the living room. Kristine and her husband were waiting for him. “Good Morning, Mister Thompson,” Mister Jones greeted.

“Good morning, Mister and Miss Jones, Evan greeted me. His assistant and lawyer echoed the same. “Welcome to our home,” Kristine said. After Evan and his companions took their seats, she sought, “What brings you here, Mister Thompson?” “I would like to make an offer,” Evan suggested. He turned to his lawyer and presented a document to the Jones couple. Kristine and her husband read the document carefully, flipping from one page to another. When Evan saw their overwhelmed expressions, he explained, “I want to buy back this house twice the amount you paid Doctor Scott. This is… my ex-wife’s home, and I want it to remain the same.” “Please, let me buy this house for her,” he repeated. The Jones couple looked at each other, contemplating. The Scotts’ estate was really lovely, but… Evan’s offer was also very generous. They excused themselves into the library to discuss, and when they returned, Kristine said, “Mister Thompson, you must really love your ex wife. I hope this is all worth it. We agree to sell you the property.” Relief filled Evan’s heart. The house was nowhere close to having Shantelle back, but this was where she had lived for twenty years. Evan thought that one day Shantelle would return. One day, he will give this house back to the Scotts as a gift, and one day, Shantelle will forgive him. One day. No matter how long it would take, Evan would hope for that… one day.

CHAPTER 26 Chapter 26: The Playboy’s Backstory [Sometimes, when things don’t work out the way you planned, something better is coming. It may be difficult to believe

where you stand; often, redirection is a helpful intervention. This is a gift, and I know it. Love and kisses to my girl, Shanty! I’ll see you in a week.] Shantelle smiled, reading Karise’s post on her profile. Soon, her other friends left comments. [I don’t care if I am broke. I’ll see my girl, too] Felice said. Below, Felice, her other friend, Celest, remarked. [I am far more broke, but Karise will pay for my ticket. I love you @ Karise! See you soon, beautiful Shanty!] It made Shantelle smile altogether. Shantelle was leaning against the wall outside the classroom of her last subject of the day, going through her friend’s plans of flying out to Warlington. She sucked in a breath, and after putting her phone back inside her bag, she caressed her growing belly. Two weeks ago, during her birthday, she had told her parents about the pregnancy. It broke their heart because plans were changing now with a new life taken into the equation. However, like the loving parents they were, they accepted the circumstance. Her father began making phone calls, assessing how she could get through medical school faster despite falling pregnant. Shantelle walked out of the school, confident. She knew she could overcome her endeavors with her friends’ and family’s support. One day, she will become one of the best thoracic surgeons. One day. Arriving outside the gates, she was stunned to see Keith Henderson. She looked around and realized the driver her father had been nowhere to be seen. “I told your father I would send you home. I am leaving Warlington and don’t know when I’ll be back. I thought I’d say goodbye,” he said. “Not forever, though.” Then he gave that sexy smirk that made Shantelle shake her head.

“I’m keeping the baby,” Shantelle revealed as they sat in the park bench. Keith had decided to make a stop at where it all unfolded; the Warlington Park. He had bought her camomile tea from the coffee shop while he had an espresso. She saw him nod, and his shoulders lifted and fell for a second. He replied, “It’s the right thing. I hoped that you had pursued medicine right after graduation.” Shantelle lightly laughed. She answered, When I finished college last year, I thought I spend more time with him, you know. Then, a few months later, I discovered that Nicole was back in town. So all that plan of taking medicine went down the drain. Back then, I could not allow Nicole to have her way.” 1 “I was following Evan around, secretly checking his phone, going to his office, and making excuses like bringing him lunch – among other things.” She chuckled and revealed, “I even went to one of Evan’s client meetings at The Hillview restaurant, thinking he was meeting with Nicole.” Shaking her head, she revealed, “He lost that client because of me, and that’s when we started arguing, really, really bad.” “I did stupid things for love, all of which lead me to this day. Can you believe it?” She said, 1 Her statement wasn’t meant to be a question, but an affirmation of her mistakes. However, Keith replied, “I know precisely what you mean. Love can make you do outlandish things.” “Wait, what is that statement? Why do you talk about love, Mister Henderson?” She nodded and suggested, “I doubt Mister Casanova has ever been in love.” Keith chuckled and responded, “Shanty, you should know, every playboy has his backstory.” Shantelle laughed entirely. She snorted as she answered, “Really now? I’m all ears.” For seconds, Keith just looked at the bystanders in the park. Eventually, he revealed, “I started to like this girl when I was

twenty-three. She is younger than me, but unfortunately, she was in love with another man.” 3 “I tried to turn up in front of her, looking sexy, the boy next door type, the hot shot businessman, but nothing. Not a single a version of me attracted her. She never saw me,” he said. “Around two years ago, she broke my heart completely.” “What happened? Did she reject you?” Shantelle asked. “You could say that,” Keith replied. “Oh, was that why you left town for two months without talking to anybody? I remember that. Evan was cussing about it all week,” Shantelle said. “He was cursing about me during your honeymoon?” Keith asked with a frown. “Yeah, something to do with the children’s hospital in Lockwood,’ Shantelle said, lifting her brow. “Oh, that.” Keith sneered. “Well, I took care of those insurance claims when I returned. Evan was being theatrical.” There was an awkward silence that stretched between them. Shantelle never recalled Evan saying something about Keith i like girls. She turned to him, asking, “Is it someone I know?” 1 Keith chuckled. He ran his fingers through his hair, and, without looking at her, he answered, “No. Not really. Maybe in time, I will introduce you to her. I don’t know yet if that time will ever come. “So anyway, that’s when I started -‘ Keith frowned, trying to find the right words. “Serial dating?” Shantelle said before laughing. “I’m pretty sure you dated back then, but I admit, the number of women’s hearts you had broken doubled, if not tripled, in the past two years.” “I wanted to forget her. I know I’ll never have a place in her heart, but I know my methods were wrong,” Keith said in the end. “The idiotic things we do for love, right?” Shantelle just laughed. She remarked, pointing to him with her hand, “This doesn’t suit you at all, Keith.”

Keith chuckled with her and said, “Laugh all you want. You wanted my backstory, so I gave it. How dare you ridicule me?” The two continued to laugh and chat as they finished their drinks, but after some time, Keith received a call. From the out of Shantelle’s eyes, she saw Evan's name on his screen. She quickly looked everywhere, not wanting to appear affected. Keith got up and walked toward a tree, the same trunk he had punched the last time when he learned she was pregnant. After two minutes, he returned, saying, I have to go, Shanty. " I'll take you home?” Shantelle nodded and said, “Need to go back to Rose Hills?” “Nah. Not yet. I need to fly out to Lockwood and meet everyone there,” he said. Then, noticing her curiosity, he explained, “Evan won the bid for the Lockwood National Park.” “Ah,” Shantelle said. “That means one thing, he will buy the Lockwood Children’s Hospital.” “Yes,” Keith acknowledged. “It’s his biggest humanitarian project.” Shantelle smiled as she got up. She expressed, “I may hate Evan for breaking my heart, but I must admit that he can be such a philanthropist.” Keith nodded in agreement. He remarked, “He took a business risk, a big one, but it’s for charitable reasons. “But you are also generous, Keith. I know that you offered insurance coverage to those poor children in Lockwood,” Shantelle said. Keith paused, as if he was thinking. Then he smiled and answered, “Yes, that’s right, Shanty, we can talk more about my humanitarian projects. You might just… fall in love with me.” Shantelle laughed. She replied, “What a sudden shift!” “Can I tell you a little secret?” Keith said as they were walking towards his car. “What?” Shantelle asked.

“I have always thought that single moms are hot!” He teased and winked at her. Shantelle chortled hysterically. She replied, “Your lines won’t work on me, Keith.” 5 “Really? But I wasn’t aiming for your heart. I was aiming for your smile,” he answered, making Shantelle smile from ear to ear.

CHAPTER 27 Chapter 27: Give Me A Chance “Evan, son. Do we really need to go?” Erick Thompson asked. The Thompsons were in the car, heading their way to the airport. They were flying to Lockwood for the formalities of Evan’s recently acquired property. “Of course we do, Erick. Evan wants us to see his plans,” Clara said in the car. “Please, father,” Evan said in a lifeless tone. “I booked a charter flight, so it will be comfortable for everyone. I want you to see the potential of the place.” With a sigh, Erick answered, “Very well.” Evan was on his laptop while in the car, reading emails he had missed the other day. Work had to continue for Evan, being the CEO of his father’s company, but it was obvious that he was unhappy. He lost that glow on his face. He let his beard grow lengthier than usual, and his eyes looked tired. It was clear to everyone how Evan still had not slept properly. While reading one email, he noticed a familiar person walking down the street. His eyes rounded, recalling how his private investigator could not find her new address. She lived in the same city but

proved rather hard to find. “Karise,” Evan said under his breath. His heart raced, seeing hope at last. “Stop the car, Howard. Stop the car!” After the vehicle pulled over on the sidewalk, Evan rushed out and chased after Karise. “Karise! Karise!” He called. “Please stop! I need to speak to you!” Karise heard and glanced his way. He saw how her eyes rounded and how she ran in another area. “Karise! Please, stop!” Eventually, Karise was out of breath, and Evan cornered her in one alley. Karise was taking deep breaths as she comforted her chest with her palm. She barked, "What do you want, Evan?” “Karise,” Evan was also panting. He moved toward her and pleaded, “Please, I beg you. I need to know where Shanty is.” “Why? You are divorced! Let her have her peace!” Karise shot back. “She needs to live her life, Evan. What do you want from her -“‘ “I miss her. I miss her so much. It’s been so hard to live through the day and not think of her – I miss her scent, her smile, her beautiful face, the way she talked about science – everything about her.” Evan did not hesitate to let out his inner thoughts. “I was wrong to ask for a divorce. I need her to know that.” Evan saw Karise was taken aback, but very quickly, her face showed a hint of anger. She countered, “What the hell, Evan? First, you pushed her away, and then you say you miss her? Well, too bad because Shanty doesn’t miss you!” “Where is she? Let her decide for herself, “Evan suggested. “And what about Nicole?” Karise pointed out. “Isn’t it that Shanty stood in your way? Didn’t you love Nicole? Then you could not get over the forced marriage thing, Evan. Tell me, what really went on with your head, huh? Did your pride get

in the way? Did your fucking ego make you blind to see how great Shanty was for you? Almost every man in Rose Hills i was jealous of you, Evan!” “I did not have any relationship with Nicole! And fucking no! I never loved Nicole. I never cheated on Shanty!” Evan maintained, but he did not have the time to explain it all – how Nicole turned out to be Melody Campbell. He was more surprised that Karise did not seem to know. 5 Evan tried to describe his point of view. ” My reasons were more than just about Nicole. Hear me out.” Seeing how Krise paused, he admitted, ” Yes, you are right, Karise. My ego got in the way. I could not get over how my Father pushed me into our marriage. I felt suffocated. I thought I wanted my freedom – I thought that being single, I – would be contented, but I’m fucking miserable, Karise. I miss Shanty so much! Evan tried to reach for her hand, but Karise pushed him away and firmly answered, “I don’t know where she is -” “You are lying! You are her best friend!” Evan rebutted. Then, he did the impossible and went down on his knees. In front of her, he asked, “I know you are just looking out for Shanty, but please let me see her, let me speak to her. I was wrong to let her go.” “Get up, Evan! Get up!” Karise raised her voice and said, “Why now? Why did you realize this now when it’s already too late?” Karise berated. “I’m sorry, Evan, but I don’t know where Shanty is.’ “Karise!” Evan held her wrist and asked, “I am asking you not as Evan, but as an acquaintance who is regretful. No one is perfect, and I certainly am not. I beg you, give me a chance.” 3 Evan looked into Karise’s eyes and declared, “I love her, Karise. I know that now. I love Shanty. Give me a chance to prove it.”

“If you won’t let me see her, at least please tell her for me,” Evan implored. Karise, you are my only hope.” Karise looked down at Evan pitifully. She listened as he begged again. She thought about it deeply, but recalling Doctor Scott’s goal for Shantelle, she responded weakly, “I’m sorry, Evan, but the Scotts left without saying where they were headed. They meant never to come back. I think… it’s better that way. “Forget Shanty,” She suggested. “Your story ended the moment you asked for a divorce. It’s time to close that chapter of your life. She has moved on, and so should you.” 1 Karise walked away, leaving Evan still on his knees. She had already made it out in the same alley, and only then did she turn to check on him. She saw Evan, still kneeling from afar, his back facing her, his head down, looking thoroughly defeated. She should not feel sorry for Evan, but considering that Shantelle was pregnant, she whispered, “Should I let Shanty know?” 1

Later that evening, Karise called Shantelle’s new mobile number, but she did not pick up. She called the landline of the new Scotts’ residence in Warlington, and Doctor William Scott answered the call. “Doctor Scott, is Shanty home?” She asked. “Yes, but she is studying right now for her exams. Eleanor is giving her some pointers. Can I take a message?” Doctor Scott offered. There was silence between them, but finally, Karise revealed, “I – I bumped into Evan. He seemed apologetic -” “Karise, Shanty has to become a doctor. Please don’t give us news about Evan. I already cut relations with the Thompsons. I don’t want to have Shanty cut ties with you too. Do you want that to happen? Will you promise me never to

bring this up? I don’t care about Evan or whatever he has to say. I don’t care that he is the father of Shanty’s child. My daughter has us, and she has you too. We are more than enough,” Doctor Scott declared. 1 “Promise me, Karise. Promise me,” William continued. — “I'm sorry, Doctor Scott. It won’t happen again,” Karise said in the end. After the phone conversation with Shantelle’s father, Karise looked out the window of her home. She thought it was funny how Evan only realized Shantelle’s worth now that she was out of his life. Barely a whisper, Karise said, “I’m sorry, Evan, but you are just going to live with the choice you made.” CHAPTER 28 Chapter 28: The Lockwood National Park “Mister Thompson, this is for you,” a young bald girl walked up to Erick, Evan’s father, and gave him a teddy bear. Another young boy, wearing a cannula, breathed deeply as he handed a single flower to Clara Thompson. He said, “For you.’ “This is Lily. She has leukemia. She is waiting for a bone marrow donor,” Evan whispered to his parents. “And the boy is Scott. He has damaged lung cells. He easily gets sick and is a common visitor at the hospital.” One by one, kids at the Lockwood Children’s Hospital gave their thanks to Erick and Clara Thompson. The decision to purchase the Lockwood National Park meant saving the hospital, the very last scenic view in town, and possibly saving their lives. Some children could not get out of bed. They were attached to the machines that kept them alive. Erick and Clara could

only watch as the children lay on their beds. When they made it to an entertainment room, they saw older children, some wearing masks, playing in their hospital gowns. They were admitted because of different illnesses but only had one goal: to live longer. “Children, say hello to Mister and Misses Thompson,” one of the hospital administrators said. Her name was Mina. She guided Evan, his parents, and his friends through the hospital. “Mister Thompson! Misses Thompson, thank you for saving the park!” “It’s nice to meet you!” Some children gave a piece of their belongings as a token of appreciation. The parents who were around also gave their gratitude to Erick and Clara. Behind Evan, his friends, whom he had invited, gave their approving nods. Sean, Wendell, and Keith had been walking with them. After the playroom, Mina guided them to a resting lounge near her office. Pointing to the sofa seats and said, “Please take a seat.” Refreshments were provided as they settled on the sofas. It was from there that Mina stood in front of the guests, saying, “Mister Thompson, I cannot thank you enough for helping our hospital – ” Erick raised his hand and said, “This was… my son’s idea the whole time. He is now the CEO of my company. I have transferred all rights and assets to him. Besides, I don’t have any other heir.” Mina glanced at Evan, but knowing their prior agreement, she said to Erick, “Still, if you had pulled out from the bid two years ago, we didn't know what would become of our hospital.” Erick choked. Yes, Evan was not the CEO of his company two years back. Back then, he threatened Evan to pull out from the bidding of the Lockwood National Park. Erick had briefly looked away to think. Then he smiled at Mina, saying, “I’m glad I changed my mind.”

The lounging area had huge glass windows that faced the park. The hospital was situated right next to Lockwood National Park. 1 More than two years ago, the Lockwood government faced a significant deficit in funds that the governor had decided to sell the very last nature reserve in the city, which stretched to over three hectares of land, and that was the national park. The sale announcement made headlines! Many locals questioned the government’s decision. Environmentalists and residents were against it. Whereas bidders readily offered their prices, many of them were for industrialization. Mina pointed to the park and said, “The children here at the hospital have direct access to the park. The government had allocated a certain area for the children to use.” “Critically ill children need it. The natural environment, fresh air, pines growing several feet high and lush, birds nesting in the trees, and squirrels running around.” Mina gasped. “Peace and serenity are what some of these kids live for.” “And it is not just the kids, me, including. The park keeps me sane. It’s true for many locals out here,” Mina added. ” While many bidders were eyeing to turn this park into another factory or a mall, Mister Evan Thompson promised to keep the park while finding a way to earn from it.” 1 “So -“Mina wept instantly. “So, you don’t know how thankful we are for bidding for the park, and thankfully, Sir Evan won the bid.” “The bidding was so controversial that it took over two years to be fully approved. There were two conditions for winning the bid. Aside from the price, it had to be approved by many local officials.” Evan described. “Some politicians were my college professors, while others had known me because of our financial branch here in Lockwood. I won the bid, not just because of the 50 million dollar promise, but because the people trust me, father.” “Well, I’m glad you won the bid, son,” Clara softly said.

“Congratulations, Evan,” Wendell said. ” I’m proud of being your business partner. When they were alone to enjoy their refreshments, Clara broke down in tears. The children moved her heart thoroughly. As she sniffed her tears away, she said, “Son, even if you fail in this investment, I will be proud of you. Either way, it’s just money.” “This is a big risk, Evan, but let’s hope you do not fail,” Erick said. “Tell me about your plans.” Evan explained his intentions. The park was previously a public property that everyone could freely visit. He meant to bring in more animals, impose entrance fees and build stalls to provide guests with food and beverages. “I will build only lodges at the end of the park, which will be up for daily rent,” he added. “Aside from that, the park can host special events and many more. Much could be done while keeping the park’s natural habitat.” He pointed to Wendell, Sean, and Keith, saying, “My friends will be my first business partners in this new venture.” “And the hospital?” Clara asked. “I will buy the hospital too. The owner already intended to sell the hospital to the other bidders. If I did not win the bid, this hospital would probably be demolished,” Evan revealed. “I’ll make this hospital far greater with Keith’s help. It will have flexible insurance claims.” “Very well. Very well,” Erick said approvingly. While their party continued to chat about the park’s potential, Erick walked to the window and looked at the park. It was undeniably beautiful. Evan walked up to him and appreciated the view as well. He relished the moment, but suddenly remembered his encounter with Karise the other day. He felt sad all over again. Meanwhile, Erick turned to the right and pointed to a building not so far. “That was your old apartment back in college.”

“Yes, father. That’s why I wanted to save it, and during weekends, I sometimes. volunteer here at the hospital,” Evan revealed. “We all have our… humanitarian goal. This one was my biggest.” Erick nodded, and silence fell upon them. Soon, he said, “I’m sorry, Evan. I’m sorry I threatened to cancel the bid two years ago. I’m glad you did not give up on this project.” FLASHBACK MORE THAN TWO YEARS AGO “Father, did you have Nicole evicted from her apartment? Wasn’t it enough that no establishment would hire her in town?” Evan barged into Erick’s office in the middle of the day. “Yes, I did. Because I can, and I don’t like it. her. You were supposed to be with Shanty from the beginning. You forget how William and I had agreed on your marriage beforehand!” Erick said. “I don’t want you seeing Nicole anymore.” “Father, I brought her here. She was my responsibility!” Evan reasoned. 1 “Evan! Do not oppose me. I am getting old and don’t have time to dwell on this matter. I have a business to run!” Erick stood from his seat and announced, ‘ Being my son, I will protect you from what I know best!” At that point, Erick had tried several methods of driving Nicole out. He paid her off, but that did not work. How long will he have to endure and keep pushing the woman away? The best solution was taking Evan out of the market! “You will marry Shanty and stay away from Nicole!” Erick declared. “If you don’t, I will disown you, and I will have you fired from the company -” “Father, are you serious? I was born and raised to be your successor. I lived for it every day. I don’t know what else to become of me other than running your business! That’s what I have been doing my entire life!” Evan reasoned. “How Could you do this to your son? Don’t you think you are overreacting? I’m not even marrying Nicole!” The father and son continued to argue, exchanging the exact words. After some time, Evan felt he had had enough. He

turned his back, wanting to walk away, but as soon as he held the doorknob to his father’s office, Erick said, “If you do not marry Shantelle, you will have nothing. I will disown you! I will cut your credit cards, take away your cars, and whatever privileges you have for holding my name! Lastly, I will cancel the bid for the Lockwood National Park!” Evan stilled, and Erick said, “I got your attention now, didn’t I? Admit it, Evan. You need my money. How will you raise 50 million dollars on your own?” Seeing Evan still unresponsive, Erick picked up his phone and called the Lockwood governor’s office. He said, “I’d like to speak with Governor Lamont, please. It’s about the bid for the national park -” “Okay,” Evan said in a lifeless tone. He breathed in and closed his eyes, saying, “I will marry Shanty.” “Nevermind, I’ll just call later,” Erick said on the phone and canceled his plans altogether. “Listen to me, Evan. One day, you will thank me for my decisions. Shanty is a good girl. She will be the perfect wife for you. Marry Shanty, and you will still be my sole heir. You’ll have every right to continue the bid for the Lockwood National Park.” Erick resumed. END OF FLASHBACK: BACK TO PRESENT Thinking about the past, Erick sighed. Tears welled in his eyes. He still did not regret his decision. If only he had found a more creative solution to the problem. The father and son were silent for some time, but soon, Evan softly said, “Father, I’m sorry I did not listen to you then. Yes, you pushed me into the marriage, but unknowingly, your methods protected me from the real danger. You were right about everything.” Water fell down Erick’s face. He turned to Evan and embraced his son, saying, “I’m sorry too, Evan. I’m sorry for being harsh on you back then, and I’m sorry for how things turned out.”

“Let’s forget about everything. You at least have this project to keep you busy,” Erick suggested. He paused and added, Now that Shanty has left, also consider… letting her go. As much as I hate it, Evan, I’m afraid we already lost them. They are, too, now part of our past.’ CHAPTER 29 Chapter 29: Nicole’s Judgment Evan, his friends, and his family stayed in Lockwood for two days, finalizing documents. It was on the last day that Evan asked Keith for a favor. In the lobby of the same hotel they were staying, “Evan invited Keith for coffee.” As they were drinking their beverages in front of a round table, Evan said to his friend, “I’d like to apologize again about, you know, Nicole.” Keith laughed and answered, “No need to apologize. That’s all good. Besides, I also have things to be sorry about.” “What?” Evan asked with a frown, but Keith just shrugged. How could Keith tell Evan about Shantelle? He can only keep his mouth shut. “That I am hotter?” Keith teased, and Evan managed a weak smile. “Fuck, you look like shit, Evan,” Keith remarked. “You can’t even smile properly. Evan groaned. He replied, “It hasn’t been easy, but I’m trying to live through it.” He looked at Keith and said, “Keith, I need a favor.” “What is it? Wasn’t it enough that I approved those insurance claims? Evan, you better do your part and market Prima MedCare.

It was difficult for me to approve the kids’ policies. Most insurance companies do not cover pre-existing illness,” Keith said back. “I would not have agreed to it without your promises.” “I know. I owe you, and the children owe you,” Evan acknowledged. “Tell me if it goes beyond the policy limit, and I’ll find a way to cover it.” “Shut up. Haven’t you realized your thoughtful nature got you involved with Nicole slash Melody? I’m telling you, Evan, sometimes, you have to be cruel,” Keith suggested. “I can be cruel when I lose my patience, but I get what you mean.” Evan nodded and answered, “I’ve already considered that, but it has nothing to do with helping a sickly child. It is better to give than to receive.” “Anyway, about what I need from you.” Evan first drank his coffee. After which, he revealed his intention. “I need help… in finding Doctor Scott.” “You have the right connections, Keith. Your father’s company has opened branches in ten states, and I know you are expanding,” Evan said. “You know doctors – you know people in the medical field more than I do.” Evan leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees. He said, “I need help in finding Shanty.” Keith fell silent. He sucked in a breath and said, “Do you have to, Evan -” “Are you my friend? Fine, you were right. I was wrong. I’m sorry, I did not listen to you about not divorcing Shanty. I regret it now, and that’s why I need to find her,’ Evan revealed. “But she left, Evan. Let her be,” Keith insisted. “I just want to try,” Evan reasoned. ” Please, help me.” After a few more convincing, Keith unwillingly agreed, saying, “I will do my best, Evan, but no promises. It’s not like we have the entire country covered. Plus, there is always the possibility that they left the country.”

“Consider one thing, though, Evan,” Keith proposed. “I’ve dated a lot of women to get to know them well. For love, they do many crazy things – give up many things, but when they give up on the relationship, it means they are tired of loving you.” “What if Shanty doesn’t love you anymore? Are you going to be that man who will push yourself into her life?” Keith asked. He finished his coffee and added, “Just think about it, but I will see how I can help you find Doctor Scott.” Evan sucked in a breath, listening to his friend’s words. After giving it much thought, he answered, “Keith, I don’t want to i have another regret. I have to try before I willingly let her go.” “Thank you for helping me, Keith,” he added. “I appreciate it, friend.”

“Nicole Lively, since you have changed your name legally, and it is within records, you will be addressed as such in this court,” the judge in the courtroom said. Months had passed since Evan learned of Nicole’s true nature. It was finally time for the judge to give the verdict. The the judge, including the audience, listened to both the defense and prosecution arguments. Pieces of evidence were represented and reviewed. After two hours, the judge came to a decision. He asked everyone to stand as he first looked at Evan on the prosecutor’s side and slightly nodded. Then he directed his gaze to Nicole. “In the case of Rose Hills versus Nicole Lively, for wasting police hours, the court is going to impose a sentence of five years without the possibility of parole,” said the judge. Instantly, Nicole’s eyes widened in horror. She turned to her father behind the audience, and Thomas shook his head, looking defeated. Thomas Campbell was only locked up for over a month, unlike Nicole, who was facing serious charges.

“For your fraudulent activities, the court is going to impose a sentence of another five years without the possibility of parole,” the judge added, making Nicole completely lose her temper. “That’s absurd! Are you kidding me? I did not kill anybody to deserve ten years!” Nicole complained. She turned to Evan and saw the menacing look on his face. She said, “you did this, Evan!” On the other side of the bench, Evan repeatedly nodded, satisfied with the sentence. He was unaffected by Nicole’s frantic claims. In Rose Hills, he was power now, and he meant to make use of it. Yes, he did it. He influenced the judge’s decision and will do it over and over again to make Nicole Lively suffer. “Miss Lively, you need to calm down!” While her defense attorney tried to put her in place, the judge became more irritated. “You are a scheming woman, Miss Lively. The kind who is dangerous to the community. Just look at your reaction!” The the judge scolded. “For disrespecting this court and seeing your violent nature, this court will send you to Long-Island Penitentiary!” The judge ended the session without giving Nicole another chance to speak, saying, “The court is now adjourned.” “No! Father! Please, help me!” Nicole became more delirious, thinking about where she would be imprisoned. The Long Island Penitentiary was intended for murderers, drug dealers, rapists – those involved in heinous crimes, yet why was she sent to such a facility? All she did was try to get Evan’s affection! It was an injustice! “Evan!” She snapped at Evan while he took his leave with his attorneys. “You paid the judge! I’m sure you did! You can’t Get away! I will file a plea! This isn’t fair!” 2 “You did this to yourself!” Evan coldly said. “You want to appeal, then try. Try to try if the court will even listen to you. Suffer and pay the price for messing with my life!”

CHAPTER 30 Chapter 30: Chantelle's New Love “Sorry, Evan. Doctor Scott isn’t in Hamlin, either,” Evan heard Keith say on the other line, and very quickly, his heart sank. “What about the private investigator you hired? Didn’t that come up with any results? “Keith asked. “Who was the PI again? Mr. Ren Austen, yeah – what about him?” “Strangely, no,” Evan replied. Evan thought it was unusual. Mr. Austen was the same person who had found out about Nicole. Despite his experience, he could not find Doctor Scott. Still, he trusted the investigator due to his previous dealings with him. Aside from hiring a private detective, Evan did what he had never tried to do before: he created a social media account. James, his assistant, walked him through it. Evan tried to spy on Shantelle’s friends, creating a fake name, but they would not randomly accept unknown persons on their friends’ list. He felt like a foolish teenager, but what else could he do? Evan had to use every method possible to find his ex-wife. He also asked for Keith’s help. He always knew his friend had social media, but it was the same; According to Keith, Shantelle’s friends had blocked him. Not only Keith but also Sean. Of course, Evan considered there was also that possibility that Shantelle eventually disabled her social media or that she might have changed the name on the account. “Well, what can I say, Evan? A person in hiding cannot be found,” Keith suggested.” I’m sorry, Evan, but at least we tried. I have to go. I need to make money. It’s an important day for me tomorrow.” “Thanks, Keith,” Evan said. “Thanks for trying.”

Evan was on the road, counting the months in his head. It had been almost ten months since Shantelle left, yet he still had not found her. They say time heals, but time has not helped at all. The Lockwood National Park had kept him busy, but he felt emptiness and longing whenever his day ended. He had his laptop open in front of him, but he gawked outside the car’s window. As he closed the laptop, his eyes landed on the ring on his finger. Till that very day, he still wore his wedding ring, including the gift Shantelle gave him. “Mr. Thompson, where to?” Howard, his driver, asked. “To the cemetery,” Evan instructed. That day was another attempt to find Shantelle, and he hoped he would succeed.

Within Rose Hills cemetery, Karise was with her family and friends, mourning the loss of her mother. Her mother’s sudden stroke left her in the hospital for a month. Despite the efforts of the doctors, her mother still passed away. It left Karise’s family heartbroken. With the length of period, her mother was in the hospital, Karise’s family fell into near bankruptcy. Karise was crying in front of her mother’s coffin when she saw the man collecting the payment for her mother’s burial. She walked towards him and begged, “Please, not now. I promise I’ll pay for everything. It’s just been so hard -” Her words were cut off when the man before her gave her a receipt. The man said, “The memorial package has been fully paid. You don’t need to worry.” The man left, and from where she remained, she understood the reason. She saw Evan Thompson. Karise scoffed. When she caught Evan walking towards her, she said, “If this is a bribe, it won’t work. No matter how you pay me off, I won’t tell you because I do not know where Shanty is!”

“I wasn’t expecting anything in return. What I do hope is for Shanty to come and see your mother,” Evan replied. “You don’t need to pay me back. Consider it as my help, for old time’s sake.” Evan placed a hand on Karise’s shoulder and said, “I’m sorry for your loss, Karise.” Minutes turned into hours. Evan boldly joined in the gathering of Karise’s family and friends, despite being uninvited. He wished he could finally see Shantelle. She would not miss this very last day of the wake. Shantelle loved Karise and her mother. She would come and pay respect. Time passed. People around the wake had already begun to leave, and the rain started to pour, yet Evan remained in his seat under the tented lawn of Rose Hills Cemetery. “Evan, it’s getting dark. My mother is already beneath the ground. She is not coming. I’m telling you, she has already forgotten about Rose Hills,” Karise warned Evan. “We are leaving.” “Shanty is coming here to see your mother. She would not miss this very last day,” Evan insisted, looking past the rows of tombstones. “You are crazy, Evan. Go home! She is not coming. I know it!” Karise said. She and her family left reluctantly. Only Evan remained while Howard, his driver, parked nearby. Hours passed again. Evan slept in the car while Howard staked out the cemetery for Shantelle’s possible arrival. However, to his dismay, Shantelle never came. As Evan awoke the next day at six in the morning, he heard a knock on his car’s window. It was Karise. When he rolled down his window, Karise said, “Evan, what are you doing? It’s enough. Let Shanty go. As you can see. She did not come. It’s like I said to you yesterday, she would not come.” “Forget, Shanty, Evan. For your sake, for her sake, and everyone’s sake.” Karise was about to leave, but she returned to

give Evan a piece of advice. She said, “If fate would have you meet again, then maybe you are destined, but stop torturing yourself and move on with your life -” “You don’t understand, Karise. I fear regret will continue to haunt me,” he said in a lifeless tone. He looked at where Karise’s mother was buried again and said, “I guess she isn’t coming. I hoped that she did.” “Goodbye, Karise, and I’m sorry again for your loss,” Evan said. Karise purposely drove back to the cemetery to see if Evan had waited for Shantelle. The crazy part was how he really did! Karise watched as Evan’s car drove away. Guilt consumed her completely, but what was she to do? She promised Doctor Scott not to tell Evan. She wondered, “Am I doing the right thing?” 1 Then, recalling how Shantelle cried over Evan, how she gave up so much for him only to get hurt, Karise muttered, “I’m sorry, Evan, but more than anything, my girl needs to love herself. She can’t be with you.” Karise was confident that her best friend would not come that day. It was because, that very day, Shantelle was in the hospital, ready to give birth.

In Warlington, within the hospital’s delivery room, a woman’s screams could be heard. “Aahhh!” Shantelle was holding her tears. Beads of sweat formed on her forehead as she pushed and pushed. “Argh!” “The baby is almost out, Shanty! You can do it,” the doctor instructed. In tears, Shantelle gave another push. Her beautiful face frowned as she held her breath. “Wah! Wah! Wah!” Upon hearing the baby’s cry, she also howled in tears. Finally, her son was out. “Baby boy Scott!” The doctor announced. Nurses quickly cleaned him up in Shantelle’s chest. The baby kept crying and crying, making Shantelle shed more tears.

“Oh, you are so beautiful, little one,” Shantelle said, stroking his head and back. ” I love you. I love you. You are my lucky baby, my gift, my love.” She kissed the baby’s head and said, Thank you for coming into my life. From this moment on, I will never love another man. Only you. I will love only you.” “I’ll love you, Lucas.”

CHAPTER 31 Chapter 31: Doctor Shant Over seven years passed. At Warrington Hospital, Operating Room 1. “Scalpel,” the woman said in a blue scrub. She had a surgical loupe on as her eyes narrowed at the patient’s chest. She cut through the skin without hesitation. Everyone watched and aided the great chief surgeon of Warrington Hospital, resuming the incision and cutting through the chest. bone. That day, the doctor, who had become famous in just a year for her success rate in chest surgeries, had two unexpected back-to -back operations. Two hours ago, she removed a patient’s damaged lung tissue. Now, on her second, she was performing an- open heart surgery on a patient with a ruptured aortic aneurysm. It was a life-threatening situation, and the chief surgeon could not put off the surgery for later. The patient was hooked into a machine, temporarily doing the job of his heart, while the excellent doctor proceeded with the process. The female surgeon inserted a Dacron graft tube, replacing the ruptured aorta.

1

The doctor continued to stitch the new tube, tightening the aortic valve that had gone loose. Next, the same doctor sewed together the arteries. It took an additional hour for all the stitches to be completed. Only then did the team within the the operating room awakens the heart by shocking it. After testing the heart and observing the patient’s vital signs, the doctor and her team began to close up the patient’s chest. “Great job Doctor Shant. Another successful surgery!” The anesthesiologist said. “We are proud of you, Doctor Sant! Another life saved!” An assistant doctor declared. The hospital’s chief surgeon was none other than Shantelle Scott, whom everyone called Doctor Shant. “Thank you, everyone. It’s a long day today. You have all worked very hard,” Shantelle said with a smile. “It’s time for me to get some sleep.” Stepping out of the operating room, the patient’s relatives were teary-eyed, giving applause for Shantelle’s efficient work. The nurses and the staff quickly surrounded her, giving her words of praise, and even as she still wore her scrub uniform, the family members of the patient did not hesitate to provide her with an embrace. “Thank you, Doctor Shant. You are a savior from heaven!” The patient’s daughter, a little girl in tears, said. It made Shantelle swell with pride. She leaned over and said to the little girl, “I’m glad I was able to help. You take care of your father when he recovers from the surgery, okay?” “Yes, Doctor Shan!” The girl gave a salute before she carelessly wiped the stain on her face. As she bid goodbye to the family members and the surrounding staff, she made her way to the office, where her long-time friend and

supporters were waiting for her with a bouquet of roses. “Another triumphant surgery, adding to your success rate, and the more this hospital will become widely known as the best facility for heart patients,” Keith Henderson said with a huge grin. His arms stretched, offering a hug. “Awww.” Shantelle quickly embraced Keith. She said, “Thank you, Keith.” —– Shantelle went through tough times. Due to her being pregnant, she stopped schooling for one semester. However, upon on her return, her father helped her get into an accelerated program for her medical degree. She burned her brows while her mother, Eleanor fully cared for her son during the day and sometimes even at night. It was a blessing that her father was already a heart surgeon. Doctor Scott gave Shantelle full access to his operations, crediting it to her medical experience. Furthermore, she also trained with another doctor who specializes in thoracic surgery, Doctor Hale. Shantelle specialized in thoracic surgery, or surgical care for coronary artery disease, lung cancers, esophagus, and chest wall. Abnormalities of the great vessels and heart valves, congenital anomalies, mediastinum tumors, and diaphragm diseases were also part of her scope. “Thank you for the flowers, but what brings you here? Aren’t you going to Europe?” Shantelle asked. “I am,” Keith answered. “But I decided to put it off a day later and fly up here.” A hiss left Keith’s lips as he said, “I’ll be gone for a month, and I still need to go back to Rose Hills after my trip from Europe.” He shrugged and added, “So I decided to have dinner with you and Lucas first.” “Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. Busy Mister CEO,” Shantelle remarked with a smirk. “You have got something good going on. I mean, Prima MedCare is expanding in Europe! That is just awesome!”

Keith had been running the insurance company for over two years. It kept him very busy, but he always made it a point to visit Shantelle and her family. “Anyway, about dinner.” Shantelle sighed and said, “I don’t know, Keith. I worked Doctor Shant double shifts today. I’m exhausted, but we could have dinner at home.” “That will work just fine,” Keith answered. ” I miss the little guy. I have a gift for him too.”

“Mommy!” Lucas turned to Eleanor and said, “Grandma, mommy’s home!” Yes, seeing Shantelle home before Lucas. going to bed at night was surprising. It was always busy at the hospital, and Most emergency surgeries came in the evening. “My baby, good evening!” Shantelle went down on her knees. Her hands stretched to embrace her six-year-old son. “I i miss my baby.” Shantelle carried her son up and pecked his cheek. She spun him around and tickled his sides. She announced, “I love you. I love you! I love you!” Landing her son on the floor, she said, “I love my Lucas.” Lucas chuckled and answered, “I love you, mommy.” “And I have another surprise for you,” Shantelle revealed. She moved away from the door, and Keith walked in, carrying a gift box. “Uncle Keith!” Lucas screamed. He jumped for joy, seeing that he had another gift from Keith. The young boy quickly opened the gift and found a new polaroid camera. He exclaimed, “Woah! You are the best uncle!” Keith laughed and made a mess of Luca’s hair. He said, “I’m your only uncle!” Everyone else wound up laughing.

The Scotts were preparing for dinner. Doctor William Scott had also arrived from a long day’s meeting. When he first entered the living room, he congratulated his daughter, I heard you had a back-to-back today. The board is pleased with your performance.” “When I retire next year, I will recommend you to take my place,” Doctor Scott proposed. Shantelle was posing for her son as he took pictures of her. Hearing her father, she rolled her eyes. She replied, “I just got promoted to chief surgeon. I’m not ready to be a medical director, dad. Doctor Hale should take the position.” “Perhaps,” William replied. “Doctor Scott, good evening,” Keith greeted. “Good evening, Keith. I did not know you were in town,” William said. “Joining us for dinner?” “Yes, I miss your wife’s cooking,” Keith said playfully. “Which is why I flew across the state to dine here. I think I am falling in love with Mrs. Scott.” Doctor Scott shook his head. He smiled and said, “You fool, since Lucas was born, Eleanor has not been cooking. It was the maid’s dishes that you love. Go confess your love to Rosa.” Shantelle wound up laughing while Keith made funny faces. Meanwhile, Lucas was studying the pictures that he had taken. He was sitting on the carpet, laying out the photos. He put Eleanor’s photo next to Shantelle then he examined the picture of himself. Of course, he had to have his photo as the new camera owner. After some time, Lucas turned to Shantelle and asked, “Mommy, you look like grandma, but.” The boy pouted his lips and asked, “But who do I look like?” Lucas pointed to the pictures while asking. Immediately, Shantelle’s heart raced. She studied her son closely. Who does What does Lucas look like?

Lucas had dark brown hair and brown eyes. He had a heart-shaped face, a straight nose, and thin lips. Of course, Shantelle knew this face. 1 Her son, Lucas, looked like his father, Evan Thompson.

CHAPTER 32

Chapter 32: Evan’s Number One Rule “Mommy, who do I look like?” Lucas repeated. “Who else do you look like? You are the one and only most handsome kid in Warlington International School, Lucas Scott!” It was Keith who replied. “Sometimes, you don’t have a look-alike because you are simply unique.” “Come on, tell me. Who is the hottest kid on the block?” Keith added. Lucas wound up chuckling. He said, “Silly uncle, Keith,” Keith kept at it, complimenting Lucas and pointing out his unique qualities that the boy’s initial inquiry had been forgotten. From across Keith, Shantelle mouthed, ‘Thank you.’ The Scotts had a lovely dinner with Keith. Eleanor offered to wash Lucas for the evening while Shantelle had a brief chat with Keith on the patio of their home. They were both drinking tea when Keith noticed Shantelle’s silence. She acknowledged his words but was looking distantly. “Are you thinking about telling Lucas who he looks like?” Keith asked. Shantelle hummed as she massaged the back of her neck. She sipped her hot tea and gently put the cup on the table.

She said, “Oh, god. It’s gotten so complicated. I don’t know the easier way to deal with this.” She had thought about it shortly after giving birth to Lucas, but over time, Shantelle had drowned herself in her studies and doctor’s fellowship program, and the idea kept slipping away. When she finally had her residency, her time became more constrained. Her time as a doctor was valuable, and adding Evan into the equation was another potential strain she did not want to handle. Unfortunately, it was different now. Lucas was becoming more aware of the absence of a father. ‘What am I going to do?” She sighed and suggested, “If I tell Evan, he may come here and find out about you” “Right, or he may not care entirely,” Keith suggested. Shantelle fell silent. She gave no facial reaction to suggest how she felt about Keith’s statement, but she replied, “Right. That would make things a whole lot easier.” “Shanty,” Keith said. He leaned closer and looked into her eyes. “I’ve been with you – supported you throughout your endeavors – you and Lucas, and I will continue to do the same. No matter what happens, I will be here for you.” He gasped and said, “But you know how I feel about you, right? Will you ever give me a chance to be with you? Don’t I have a place in your heart other than just being your friend?” a Shantelle blinked. It wasn’t the first time Keith had brought up his feelings for her. It wasn’t the second. time, either. Apparently, she was the same person Keith had been in love with all these years. Talk about the irony of love. She did not have to consider his feelings. After the experience with Evan, she had long understood that love could not be forced. Shantelle could not bring herself to love Keith. After a moment of silence, Shantelle said, “Keith. You are a great person, and I thank you for all the help you have given me and my family.”

She put her hand where her heart was and explained, “However, I had promised myself to love only Lucas. I will only pour my heart out to my son and no one else. I love my parents, naturally. I care for you as a friend, but I don’t see myself being with another man romantically. 2) “If anything. I’ve learned that relationships hinder me from achieving my goals in life.” She smiled and said. “You could say I am committed to my son and married to my career.” “Keith, please don’t hate me,” Shantelle said. “But someone else deserves your love. It isn’t me.” “Damn, what happened to Shanty? She has become cold-hearted,” Keith remarked playfully. He ran his hand against his chest and suggested, “You are missing out on the good stuff.” Shantelle smiled. This was what she appreciated about Keith. Despite being rejected, he always found a way to turn the situation around. She chuckled and answered, “Keith, you have known me since I was young, yet you are giving me the wrong incentive. I’m not into hot stuff.” “Mommy! It’s time for bed!” Lucas came out onto the patio, hopping at the idea of Shantelle putting him to bed. “Oh, Uncle Keith! Are you going? Can I borrow your phone? I want to show mommy the game I installed on your phone?” Lucas said in his direction. “Ah, the one from the last time,” Keith recalled before he fished for his phone and opened it. He gave it to Lucas then after. “Here, Mommy? I want to install this game on my tablet,” Lucas said while showing Keith’s phone. Shantelle controlled whatever apps Lucas had on his tablet. It always required a passcode, one that only Shantelle knew. “Oh, daily facts, huh? Nice!” Shantelle smiled and said, “Sure, I’ll install it. Good choice. Widen your knowledge. Return the phone to your uncle Keith.”

“Yey! Yey!” Lucas was so excited that he carelessly returned Keith’s phone by throwing it in his direction. Uncle catch!” Unfortunately, instead of Keith’s hand, it landed on an open pitcher of water the maid had earlier set, in case Keith and Shantelle needed any. The phone sank to the very bottom of the pitcher. Keith’s eyes widened. Shantelle’s heart raced. “Oh, F -* Keith covered his mouth with his hand and fished the phone quickly. Keith promptly opened his phone, taking out the sim card while Shantelle ordered the maid to fetch a towel and a hair dryer. After minutes of trying to revive Keith’s phone, they all surrendered, and their shoulders fell in dismay. “It’s no use. It’s dead.” Keith scratched his head, adding, “I’m dead.” “Let’s try your sin, " Shantelle offered. She inserted his sim card into her phone, but sadly it was useless. “I’m sorry, uncle Keith. You can have my tablet instead.” Poor Lucas was teary-eyed, feeling guilty. “Hey, buddy. It’s just a phone.” Keith called Lucas and soothed his back, saying, “I can get a new phone.” Of course, he was hiding the fact that his phone had vital contact information, which he could not immediately get a hold since he was traveling to Europe the next day. “Really, it’s that easy?” Lucas sought. “Yes, it’s that easy,” Keith assured him. He made a mess of Lucas’ hair and said, “So don’t feel sad. I will get a new phone, but uncle Keith may be unreachable for a day until then.” Shantelle had asked Lucas to wait for her in his bedroom. She first walked Keith out of the house, saying, ” I told you, you i should get two phones.” “It’s hard enough when I keep traveling around the country,” Keith reasoned. “But after today, I probably will. I will call my assistant to request a new business phone, and I’ll get a temporary one from the hotel. It’s not a problem.”

“I’m sorry, Keith,” Shantelle said with regret. “No need to worry. On the bright side, I won’t get bothered by phone calls tonight. Gotta thank Lucas for that. Sweet rest!” He winked at Shantelle, saying, “Goodnight, Shanty. See you in a month or two.” 1 Meanwhile, in Rose Hills, Evan Thompson was still in his office at nine in the evening. He had asked some of his executives to work overtime. He wasn’t in the mood to go home early. He wanted to work and work until his body gave in to exhaustion. His assistant James walked in and reported, “Sir, your last appointment is Miss Dones, the new head of finance for the shipping lines.” Evan groaned. He yelled, “Didn’t you tell her to have her assistant report instead? Doesn’t she know the number one rule?” It wasn’t like Evan to be upset, but when it came to breaking his number one rule, his mood always turned sour. “Sir, I swear I have told Miss Dones a hundred times, but she insisted that she wanted accuracy in her report, and thus, she would rather do the report herself,” James replied nervously. Evan’s nose flared in irritation. He coldly answered, “Fine. Tell her to report by the door.” When Miss Dones entered the office, she smiled at Evan. Her eyes gleamed excitedly, seeing Evan for the first time since She joined the company. She walked up to Evan, but he stopped her, saying, “Stay by the door. Report by the door!” The door was around twelve meters away from Evan’s desk. Miss Dones had to raise her voice to be heard. Still, she put up a smile and began, “Mister Thompson! I am pleased to inform you that expenses have dropped since my takeover of the finance department!”

It took ten minutes for the female executive to finish her report. When she was done, she felt like she had lost her voice altogether. “Give the document to James, and I’ll review it later,” Evan instructed. “Oh.” Suddenly, Miss Dones pushed her coat back, revealing her cleavage. She said, “I can just give this to you.” She walked so fast that Evan did not have the time to call James in. “Stay there, Miss Dones. Stay!” Despite Evan’s warning, the woman did not retreat. Worst, upon reaching Evan’s desk, she appeared to trip, falling to the floor and whimpering. “Um… I hurt my leg!” Evan first ordered James inside. He got up from his seat and found his way in front of Miss Dones. The woman looked up a hirm with puppy eyes and stretched her hand. She did not miss flaunting her breast and looking helpless. “Can you help me, Mister Thompson? Please?” James walked in, and Evan glared at his assistant. He ordered, “James, what did I tell you? This woman broke the number one rule! Fire this woman! Now!” 1 Six years ago, Evan Thompson implemented his number one rule. He made all his employees understand this and sign an agreement with their contract. His number one rule was that no woman outside his family could come near him within ten feet.

CHAPTER 33

Chapter 33: Surgery Needed Evan left for Hamlin City the next day. Their financial business had expanded across the country, slowly opening branches in various cities. That day was their groundbreaking ceremony. Evan had to be there. and pretend to shovel some earth. “Sir, um. Did you sleep at all?” James asked, observing him from inside the car. They were now driving out to the location of the site. “You should have taken the sleeping pills.” “Two hours. I slept for two hours. I try not to be dependent,” Evan plainly said. “Did you take care of Miss Dones?” “Yes, Sir. The Human Resource Department had already given her termination notice,” James said. “She broke the number one rule, James. I don’t want to block women from working in my company, but you need to ensure everyone understands the consequences of breaking my number one rule,” Evan pointed out. “Yes, Sir. My apologies,” James acknowledged. “Hire more bodyguards if you need to.” Evan instructed. “I don’t want it to happen ever again. Yes, Sir,” James repeated. “How is your mother doing?” Evan asked out of the blue. “Ah, the boss is still thoughtful, but not to the female population who want to break his number one rule,” James silently concluded. He smiled and answered. “She is better, Sir. Thanks to the supplement you gave her. She was very thankful.” “Very good,” Evan replied. The groundbreaking ceremony came and went. James successfully implemented the boss’ number one rule throughout the event; not even female reporters could go near Evan Thompson. After the ceremony, they made their way to the airport. Evan was not interested in staying longer.

They were almost at the airport when Evan saw a girl with blonde hair. She had a figure similar to that of Shantelle. His heart raced at the possibility that he ordered the driver to stop. “Pull over! Pull over now!” Evan rushed outside the car as soon as the vehicle pulled to a stop. He ran after the girl and grabbed her wrist. “Shanty! Shanty!” Much to his dismay, the girl was not at all Shantelle. She had the same hair and height but was nowhere near as beautiful as Shantelle. The girl smiled at Evan, saying, “I ain’t Shanty, but you can call me anything. you like it.” She winked at him while blood drained from Evan’s face. “Sorry.” Evan turned around and walked back to the car, feeling defeated all over again. How long has it been since Evan had seen Shantelle? Evan thought about it in silence while in the car. He shut his eyes, knowing it had been far too long. Too long. Evan had been unsuccessful in finding Shantelle. After more than a year of utilizing his resources, from Keith to hiring a private investigator, he gave in, and accepted the unfortunate fate. However, admitting that he had lost Shantelle did not ease the yearning in his heart. Instead, he redirected his focus to his company. He allowed work to hide whatever pain he felt. Now and then, he would ask his friend Keith if any hospitals had taken in Doctor Scott. Every time Keith gave him bad news, it let him down, but the the pang in his chest had slowly lessened over the years. A year ago, he had utterly stopped asking Keith about Doctor Scott, but it was as if time was playing a joke on him. Why Was he suddenly reminded of Shantelle? The powerful man of Rose Hills was back to being woeful again. Evan Thompson was now thirty-four years old. Single and a multi-Billionaire. He is still the CEO of the Thompson Group

of Companies and has accumulated billions of gains in favor of his company, but he was unhappy. Indeed, money could never buy happiness-the irony of life. On the plane heading back to Rose Hills, James noticed his silence. He suggested, “Sir, do you want to give it one more try? We can hire another detective to look for Miss Scott.” Evan sucked in a breath. He raked his fingers through his hair and answered, “I don’t know.” The truth was, he feared what would come out of the investigation. What if Shantelle was already married? She may i already have a child. To Evan, the unknown was less heartbreaking. “Get me a sleeping pill,” he ordered. That was the only way he could get some rest now that Shantelle had unknowingly awakened Evan’s longing. He switched his mobile off, and after drinking the pill, he shut his eyes. Evan arrived at Rose Hills late in the afternoon. When he turned his phone on, he received several messages from his mother. He immediately called Clara. “Evan!” His mother said on the other line. “Your father is in the hospital. He fainted! Be here quickly. I need you, son.” “Your father’s heart is failing because of coronary blockage,” the doctor reported. His name was Doctor Cooper. “We have i have already tried medication, but it is not enough. Surgery is needed.” “Mister Thompson, your father needs a coronary artery bypass, which I’m afraid none of our doctors here have the necessary skill to perform. We have a good general surgeon, but I have already brought up your father’s case. He declined to handle the procedure,” the doctor revealed. “Can we invite a reputable person from another city? Or another country, perhaps?” Evan sought. “That, we could do, Mister Thompson, but most qualified doctors would rather operate in a familiar facility with advanced technology and a team of surgeons to aid in the same procedure. Usually, surgeons go into an operating room as a team.

They identify who they work best and operate in a patient together,” Doctor Cooper explained. “The best way is to bring your father to the country’s most suitable facility for heart surgeries.” Evan and the doctor were having a conversation inside Erick Thompson’s room. Erick was resting at the moment, but he looked weak, Evan glanced at his father before asking Doctor Cooper, “And what facility would you recommend?” – “In the country, two hospitals are leading in heart surgeries. Brixton Clinic they have tenured doctors who have practiced for more than twenty years. It’s closer to Rose Hills, but if you want the best of the best, Warrington Hospital is rising to fame. They have trained new, young doctors surgeons with good hands,” the doctor said, raising his hands. “You know, older surgeons may have developed tremors over time.” “These new young doctors at Warlington have also trained with the best in their fields. I actually sent one patient to Warlington last week. She also had a bypass. She said that the the doctors there were very professional and competent,” the doctor added. “She had nothing but praises for the Warlington Hospital, from the facility to its staff.” “When you are decided, I can arrange everything,” Doctor Cooper offered. Evan nodded. He replied, “Thank you, doctor. I will look into it.” After the doctor left, Evan called Keith. If anything, Keith would know which facility is best for a heart surgeon, not that he did not trust the doctor, but Keith was his friend and had worked with hospitals all over the country. Unfortunately for Evan, Keith could not be reached. Instead, he called Keith’s assistant, Edward. Evan explained the situation to Edward.1 Edward replied, “Mister Thompson, Sir Henderson is on a business trip to Europe and will be out of reach. He damaged his phone, somehow. But, I can give you that information, Sir. I know which facility is best for heart surgeries. We have

had many patients claim insurance coverage in Warlington. All of their heart surgeries were successful.” “Brixton Clinic is currently facing a lawsuit. One patient who was operated on still had a surgical tool left inside his chest. He wound up being operated on again,” Edward revealed. “I highly recommend Warlington Hospital.” 3 “Thank you, Edward. Then, Warlington it is,” Evan said.

CHAPTER 34

Chapter 34: New Patient “Happy Anniversary, grandma & grandpa!” Lucas greeted, carrying a cake early in the morning into the dining room. Behind him was his mother, Shantelle. “Happy Anniversary, mom and dad!” Shantelle greeted. Both Shantelle and Lucas kissed William and Eleanor on the cheek. Shantelle then gave an envelope to her father, saying, “As promised, your anniversary trip!” “Anniversary, trip?” Eleanor’s eyes widened in surprise. She turned to William, asking. “Had you known all along? So that’s why you took a two-week leave?” “Three weeks,” William corrected. “And yes, I could use a vacation. It had been so long.” “I don’t know if I can. Who will take care of Lucas?” Eleanor said with a worried expression on her face.

Shantelle felt guilty altogether. It was because of Lucas that her parents gave up on taking breaks. She went on several years straight, focusing on her studies and residency, that her parents had to see through. Lucas’ needs. “Mom, I can take care of Lucas, please. Then, the maids can attend to him if I have an emergency surgery. Shantelle combed Lucas’ hair with her fingers, saying, “He isn’t a baby anymore.” “Right, I’m not a baby,” Lucas said back. “You deserve a vacation, mom. Besides, the tickets have all been paid for,” Shantelle insisted. “It’s a two- week Antarctica cruise. You can’t miss out on all the whales and penguins!” “Whales? Penguins? I wanna come! I want to come too, mommy!” Lucas expressed, and they all laughed. “Honey, you can’t. You have school, and mommy has a lot of work. Shantelle pinched Lucas’ cheek and said, “Please, don’t leave mommy behind. We will go together, one day.” “Promise?” Lucas sought. Shantelle raised her hand and answered, “Promise. One day. Now, let’s hurry up with your breakfast. I’m taking you to school today.” “Really?” Lucas asked in surprise, his eyes sparkling. “Yes,” Shantelle replied. “My work starts at five. In fact, I’ll be taking the night shift until your grandparents return.” “Yay! Mommy is taking me to school! I’m going to introduce you to my friends, mommy!” Lucas exclaimed, and he excitedly ate his meal. After breakfast, Shantelle and Lucas prepared for school. They left soon after, with the family driver taking them. Being a busy doctor, while sometimes working for two days straight, taking Lucas to school was rare. moment, and Shantelle knew she needed to cherish each opportunity.

Heartbeats later, the mother and son arrived at the school gate. Shantelle gave Lucas some last-minute reminders. “Be good, play, but don’t overdo it.” She kneeled in front of her son and suggested, “Learn, make friends and be happy.” Lucas chuckled. He hugged Shantelle and said, “I will. I love you, mommy.” “I love you,” Shantelle said, hugging her son back. When Shantelle stood up, Lucas’ classmate greeted him, “Lucas! Is that your mommy?” Lucas nodded, and the girl who came up to them said, “She is so pretty!” Shantelle smiled at the little girl. Then, the same girl pointed to her parents and said, “That’s my mommy and daddy! They dropped me off before going to work.” “Lucas!” Another friend of Lucas greeted. A young boy with a darker complexion asked, “Where is your grandma?” “My grandma is going on a vacation, Adrian. My mommy brought me to school, instead,” Lucas happily responded and proudly held Shantelle’s hand. He added, “She is a doctor!” “Cool!” The boy named Adrian said. “I wanna be a doctor too!” “It’s almost time, Adrian. Go inside,” a man behind them said. Adrian then pointed to the man and told Lucas, “That’s my daddy. He builds things. He’s great! We play cars together, and He teaches me basketball.” “Oh. That’s nice,” Lucas said, and immediately, Shantelle saw how the smile on his face faded. It appeared to her that Lucas purposely waited for his classmates to go inside the school. After which, he asked, “Mommy, why don’t I have a daddy?” 2 Shantelle choked on her spew. She forced a smile and took a deep breath. For a moment, she looked away. Then, she returned her regard to Lucas. She said, “I’m sorry, Lucas. I’ll tell you about your father soon. Not now. You still need to go to school.” “So, I have a daddy? When are you going to tell me?” Lucas asked.

“This weekend,” Shantelle said. “Let’s talk about it this weekend, okay? When you are not in school.” “Okay, mommy,” Lucas said. “I can’t wait.” He smiled and waved goodbye before he rushed into the school building. From there, Shantelle saw how he entered his classroom, which fortunately was just on the first floor. “Evan,” Shantelle said, the name she had avoided all these years. ‘How am I going to tell him?” What worried Shantelle the most was the possibility that Lucas would only get hurt. Evan could be married to Nicole by now, maybe even have his own kids. Having an illegitimate child would be the last thing that he needed. With a sigh, she wondered, “What if he rejects Lucas? How can I protect my son from the pain?’ “Doctor, Shant?” Shantelle turned to find one of her mentors, the veteran thoracic surgeon, Doctor Hale. “Doctor Hale, good afternoon,” Shantelle greeted back. She was just about to aid the Emergency room when he found her. “You probably already know that I am taking your father’s responsibilities while he is away,” Doctor Hale said. “But with my current workload, I was hoping to get some help.” “I’d be happy to help, Doctor Hale. What can I do?” She offered. “Two things.” Doctor Hale raised his forefinger and said, “You could help evaluate incoming patients and assign doctors. Or, you could be on top of the organ transplant list and coordinate with The Organ Center.” “Right,” Shantelle said. Within the city, Warlington Hospitals was the only transplant facility. Her father, in particular, could recommend a patient to be moved up to the waiting list, depending on the patient’s condition. “I’ll coordinate with The Organ Center.” “Okay, then, Doctor Shant. Thank you for the help,” Doctor Hale said. “If you need anything, I’ll be in my office.”

Doctor Hale watched as Shantelle disappeared into the hallways. Then he returned to his office. Just in time, his secretary walked in, carrying several documents. She placed three folders on his right side of the desk and revealed, “We have admission requests from three hospitals today. These are not only highprofile clients, but they require immediate surgery.” “Thank you,” Doctor Hale said. “This one,” said the secretary. She placed the folder to his left and added, “This child is applying for charity.” Doctor Hale first reviewed the charity case. The patient was a six-year-old girl with a hole in her heart. He approved the admission, knowing Shantelle was good with kids. She would never let a child be deprived of medical care. After that, he studied the other patients’ profiles and medical conditions. For the patient with lung cancer, he set the folder aside and said, “Assigned to Doctor Park.” Another patient required brain surgery, and he gave it to another doctor. The last patient was an older man who needed a heart bypass surgery. A hiss left Doctor Hale’s lips. Only Shantelle was good with this procedure and had the same surgery three times this year. During her residency, Shantelle had assisted over thirty bypass surgeries. Business-wise, the patient could also pay the full deposit required for the surgery. Thus, Doctor Hale approved the patient’s admission and assigned it to Shantelle. He placed the patient folder on the pile of approved lists. The name of the patient was Erick Thompson.

CHAPTER 35

Chapter 35: His Ex-Wife Shantelle was getting used to her new schedule. For the past three days, she had been bringing Lucas to school. She had a few hours to rest at home before waking up again to fetch her son, and then she would go straight to work. What she dreaded, however, was the coming weekend. She was going to tell Lucas about his father. Shantelle wasn’t sure if she was ready for it. Shantelle had just arrived at the hospital. She rushed to her office when Eana, her father’s assistant, bumped into her. “Shanty, there you are,” Eana called. “Eana, I thought you were on vacation. Why are you here?” Shantelle sought. Because her father was always working Over the past few years, Eana rarely took a break as well. Thus, now that William was on a three-week vacation, Eana i also applied for leave. “Shanty, I got a call from the Organ Center. They said a patient wanted to be reassessed. The patient requires a heart transplant badly. I left the file on your desk, and ah.” She pursed her lips, saying, “There is a representative from the patient already waiting for you.” Eana shrugged and added, “I guess they could not wait.” True enough, when Shantelle arrived at her office, a man in a black suit was waiting for her. The man said, “Doctor Shant, My name is Peter Haris. I represent the patient Briana West. I believe her profile is already in your hands.” “I have yet to review it,” Shantelle said. “You can leave me your contact number, and I’ll call you when I am done.” “This is a matter of life and death, doctor,” the man said. “Please, consider reviewing it… now.” The man was demanding, but Shantelle understood. She assumed the patient must be very sick. It took half an hour for Shantelle to review the patient’s condition thoroughly. Finally, she remembered how the same

a patient had been admitted to the hospital several times due to congenital heart disease. It did look to Shantelle that the the patient required an urgent transplant; however, other patients on the list were equally in need. Some were even in worse condition. Shantelle sighed and said to the man, “I’m afraid, based on my evaluation, Miss West will remain on the same waitlist.” “Why? We have money. We can pay you to move it. How much do you want? How about five million dollars?” The man curtly said, and Shantelle had to stop herself from retorting in the same manner. “Mister Haris, the organ list and priority is not about who is wealthier. It’s about who applied for the list beforehand and many other factors involved. Many patients wait for donors. In fact, an average of twenty patients worldwide die each day, waiting for a donor. We have to be fair to others,” Shantelle said. “And no, you cannot bribe me.” “Doctor Scott, I should tell you that Miss West’s boyfriend is a powerful man. You don’t want to make enemies,” the man said, making Shantelle frown. “Is that a threat?” Shantelle said back. “I should also explain that while I can recommend Miss West to be prioritized, this the decision will be passed on to management and the Organ Center. Either way, they will nullify my proposal because they will see that her need is not as urgent as the other patients. More importantly, other patients above Miss West had been waiting for years. We can’t cut in the line just like that! It isn’t fair to them!” “I’m sorry, but I have to go. Please have Miss West take her medications as required and encourage her to follow a healthy diet so she may live long enough for a heart organ to become available,” Shantelle recommended. Shantelle left her office with a firm stand. If only organs are readily available for all patients, then why not? However, there were not enough organ donors to save all lives, and that was the truth.

Meanwhile, in one private suite at Warrington Hospital, the Thompsons had already settled in. Erick Thompson was connected to a heart monitor, resting in bed while his wife, Clara, noted instructions from the nurse. “Doctor Hale will introduce you to the patients attending doctors tomorrow. Doctor Hale is already off for today. My name is Mitch, and I’ll be your head nurse. You may dial one at any time should you need assistance,” said the nurse before excusing herself. 1 Evan did not waste any time. Yesterday morning, he received a confirmation from Warrington Hospital, guaranteeing his father’s admission. Immediately, Evan booked an air ambulance to take them to Warlington. His father will still undergo observation and some laboratories to ensure he is ready for surgery. Once everything is clear, they will proceed with the operation. “Evan, son. You can go to the hotel and settle our things,” Clara instructed. “Mrs. Shaw is here to assist me.” In order to aid them at the hospital, Evan requested Mrs. Shaw to come along. She could buy medicines or food, whatever is required, should Even need private time to deal with business at the hotel. “Very well, mother,” Evan said. “I will be back in the morning to bring food.” He kissed Erick’s forehead and embraced his mother before leaving. He made his way to the halls and instantly noticed a a few nurses rushed to the lift. “Code Blue Emergency Room.” “Code Blue Emergency Room.” Evan could hear the announcer calling names into the emergency room. He understood that a patient was having a cardiac arrest, and some nurses on the same floor were heading down to aid. He got on the lift. On each floor the elevator stopped, more nurses entered.

“There was an accident on South Road. A truck hit five cars. It was a domino effect,” said the nurses. “We are going to be busy tonight.” When Evan got off the lift on the ground floor, he called the hotel driver. James, his assistant, had booked a hotel car for their entire stay. Evan was on the phone, telling the driver he was heading out. Suddenly, the hospital’s announcement caught his attention. “Doctor Shant. You are needed at the Emergency Room.” “Doctor Shant. You are needed at the Emergency Room.” Evan’s heart raced. He immediately froze in his stance, ‘Doctor Shant?’ He frowned and wondered, “Could it be?” Everything around Evan turned mute. All he could hear was the hospital announcer calling Doctor Shant. He gulped. It was as if his feet moved on their own. He thought, ‘What are the chances? He searched the emergency room, asking a few hospital staff who walked past him. When he arrived, he brazenly entered, his eyes roaming the entire area. “Sir, are you related to any patient here?” One nurse asked. “We have many patients coming. Sir. We need to clear the ER.” “Sir, could you step outside?” Finally, the nurse requested. It took Evan seconds to recognize the nurse’s appeal. He retreated behind the door and into the sitting area where many of the patient’s relatives lingered. He stood there waiting and looking out. ‘Shanty, are you here?’ Soon, he saw a woman with blonde hair rushing to the emergency room. She was in a scrub uniform. Her hair was neatly tied into a bun, and she had those familiar blue-colored eyes he had not seen in a very long time. 2 The woman was none other than Shantelle Scott, his ex-wife. “Shanty.” His voice broke in and out as he said the name.

His mouth parted as he went to the emergency room door. Through the glass window of the same double. doors, he saw Shantelle commanded the entire room, her voice firm and loud, her eyes as sharp as a hawk. He saw her turn in his direction, and their eyes met. She stilled. His heart fluttered.

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Chapter 36: Are You Married? Evan’s heart swelled with pride, seeing this different side of Shantelle. This had always been her dream, and she finally achieved it. His ex-wife was now a doctor. Shantelle looked more sophisticated. She was confident, and she commanded the nurses with conviction. She moved around the emergency room like it had been her home for many years. Immediately, he wondered, ‘How long has she been working for this hospital?” Evan felt heaviness in his chest. Seeing her again, all the years of longing came rushing back. So many years had been lost, and many efforts had gone to waste. Who would have thought that he would still get this chance? Now here she was, right in front of him. Recognizing the changes in Shantelle, Evan wondered what other changes had happened in her life. Could Shantelle be single? How will he approach her? As a friend? Or should he pour his heart out? Finally, when their eyes met, he thought this was his opportunity. She stilled and studied him for a second. She recognized him, and he felt it deep in his bones. Evan was about to approach her, but sadly, she was back to attending to her patient’s needs. Thus, Evan remained rooted to the floor, his eyes never leaving her. After what felt like an eternity, he saw how she was walking his way. Shantelle stepped out of the emergency room. He tried to meet her eyes, but she was looking for someone else. “May I know who are the relatives of Mister Gonzales?” She asked. Her voice seemed angelic in his ears. “Here! I am his mother,” said a Hispanic woman, who was coincidentally behind Evan.

Immediately, he turned his attention to the patient’s mother. The closer he was to the woman, the closer he could get to Shantelle. Shantelle ignored him and merely spoke to the woman. “My name is Doctor Shant. I am a surgeon at this hospital. Your The son has massive internal bleeding in his chest walls due to blunt force trauma. We need to operate on him -” The mother wept. Saying, “Oh, my god! We don’t have enough insurance coverage. How are we going to pay for this?” That took Shantelle aback, but she assured the woman, “Misses Gonzales, our hospital can arrange suitable payment terms after the operation. For now, your son needs immediate medical attention. So you know, the operation will only require a minimum invasion-” “Is there any other way?” The woman said. “You don’t understand. We are drowning in debt. My husband. had just recently been to surgery, that’s why-” “Mrs. Gonzales, our hospital will arrange something for you. Please give us the authorization so we can proceed with the operation. Your son needs it urgently,” Shantelle urged. Evan was somewhat irritated. What could be more critical than saving this woman’s son that she would think twice about agreeing to the operation? More importantly, he felt the woman was dragging Shantelle from doing her job. He did the impossible, saying, “I’ll offer you a charity case. In return, I hope your son can consider working for me.” ‘This young man better have skills.’ He thought. Finally, he got Shantelle’s attention, and he rejoiced inside. She turned to him and looked him in the eye. He thought her sparkling blue eyes were so beautiful. Oh, how he missed looking at this pair of eyes. “Who are you?” Misses Gonzales sought. “It doesn’t matter who I am. Just know that I am good for it,” Evan said confidently. He turned to Shantelle and urged, “You

I can ask the good doctor.” Shantelle’s mouth parted. Then, she shook her head and said to the patient’s mother. “If, after the operation, you are still not in terms of the hospital’s payment options, you can be assured that this man. can pay for your son’s surgery.” Evan did not let Shantelle escape his sight. After Shantelle got authorization from the patient’s mother, he followed her to the operating room. He did not care how long it took. He wanted Shantelle’s time. Inside the operating room, Shantelle was performing a video-assisted surgery. While an assistant surgeon held a tube camera, she navigated through the patient’s chest wall using tiny instruments, going through small incisions of the patient’s chest. Shantelle was suctioning the blood while searching for the source of the bleeding. “We found our bleeder,” Shantelle remarked, shaking her head as she drained more blood. “I need a spatula cautery.” Shantelle focused on closing up the bleeding when the assistant surgeon said, “So, who is that handsome man outside, Doctor Shant? Why do hot men always surround you? Care to share?” “Just someone I know,” she plainly said. “Focus on the surgery.” “Sorry, Doc,” the female assistant surgeon said. An hour passed, and Shantelle prepared to leave. She gave the job of closing the wounds to the assistant surgeon, saying, “I’m late for my daily report.” The medical staff inside laughed. The nurse said, “Say hello to Lucas for me, Doc!” Shantelle stepped out of the operating room and saw Evan waiting for her. She froze and studied him.” Why is he waiting for me?” Evan had his hand up, suggesting he was about to speak, but her eyes landed on his finger. He had a wedding ring on. What made it strange was how the ring looked like their wedding ring. ‘So he is married. Could he have ordered the same

wedding ring as Nicole?” Honestly, it wasn’t in her place to care. She felt it was such a slap on her face that he would get the same wedding ring for him and Nicole. Of course, she considered how she could be wrong. It had been so long since she had removed her wedding ring. Perhaps her mind was playing tricks on her. “What is it, Mister Thompson?” She asked. She saw how disappointed he was with how she addressed him, but why not? They were now… strangers. “What can I Do you?” “Shanty, I’m not just anybody. This is Evan. We’ve known each other since we were kids,” he suggested. “It’s been too long for that familiarity,” she pointed out. “How are you, Shanty?” He asked. Shantelle looked at him straight and said, “Please, call me Doctor Shant. Again, it’s been too long for us to call each other by our first names.” Evan caressed his jaw. He replied cautiously, “Okay, I understand, Doctor Shant. So you are finally a doctor?” “Obviously,” she replied. Then, she stared at the wall clock nearby and realized it was almost eleven in the evening. Lucas was probably waiting for her to say goodnight, and her personal mobile was in her office.” Argh. Mister Thompson, I’m Sorry, but I really need to go to my office. Excuse me.” She left without giving him a chance to speak. She rushed to the lift and made her way to her office. She grabbed her phone from her bag when she made it in and called the maid, looking after Lucas. She did not bother to close the door. “Yes, please. Give the phone to Lucas,” she instructed. “Lucas, honey. I’m sorry. I had an emergency surgery. I’m sorry I didn’t call you earlier,” she said. Her back faced the entrance of her office.

Little did she know Evan had followed behind her. When he lost her at the lift, he asked around and learned where her office was. He found Shantelle just in time. He saw her back while she was speaking to someone on the phone. That someone appeared to be important in her life. “I’ll call you in the morning, Lucas. Goodnight. I love you, honey,” he heard Shantelle say on the other line, and instantly Evan’s heart sank. Shantelle was already in a relationship, maybe even married, and the man’s name was Lucas. When Shantelle was done with her phone call, she turned unknowingly and was shocked to find Evan. She cleared her throat and asked, “Mister Thompson, did you follow after me?” Evan was silent, still thinking about her phone conversation earlier. Eventually, he replied, “I wanted to speak with you, Shanty I mean, Doctor Shant. Perhaps we could catch up? Like old times?” “What – what do you specialize in? And How long have you been working here?” He asked. “I specialize in thoracic surgery. I mostly perform surgeries on the heart, lungs, and chest cavity,” Shantelle replied, but avoided Evan’s latter question. Instead, she sought, “What brings you to Warlington, Mister Thompson?” Evan massaged his neck and replied, “Father needs heart bypass surgery. His doctor recommended this hospital, and so we are here.” “Bypass?” Shantelle asked. “Who evaluated your father’s admission?” “Doctor Hale,” Evan said. “We were going to meet our father's assigned doctors tomorrow.” Shantelle thought deeply. Who would be best to perform the surgery? She frowned, turned to her desk, and saw a patient’s file. Right. She received notice of a new patient, but the briefing would still happen in the morning. She reached for the folder

and saw the patient’s name. Indeed, she was assigned to Erick Thompson. It was clear to Shantelle that she would see Evan during Erick’s surgery and recovery. She sighed, thinking, ‘Was fate doing all this? Was it finally time to tell Evan about their son? Would he accept him? What about Nicole? 7 Turning to Evan, she revealed, “I am the doctor assigned. So I’ll see your father in the morning. Is there anything else, Mister Thompson? I have to go back to work.” Shantelle was not ready to tell Evan about Lucas just yet. She didn't even know where to begin. “Really? That’s good. That’s good.” Evan said. “Then I’ll see you tomorrow.” She nodded. Evan acted to leave but decided to ask anyway, “You -um. Are you married, Doctor Shant? I heard you on the phone earlier. Is Lucas your husband?” The question shocked Shantelle. Still, she maintained her composure, saying, “That’s rather personal, Mister Thompson, but to answer your question. Yes, Lucas is a special person in my life.” “Doctor Shant. You are needed in the Emergency Room!” “Doctor Shant. You are needed in the Emergency Room!” “Excuse me, Mister Thompson, duty calls,” she said. She put her phone back in her bag and guided Evan outside her office. After locking the door, she left, saying, “I’ll speak to you tomorrow.”

Chapter 37: Tell Evan “Hi, you must be new here,” a girl wearing an elegant cocktail dress greeted Evan at the bar of their hotel accommodation. Instead of attending to his emails and resting for the night, he drank away his sorrows. Hearing the woman next to him,

Evan raised his hand, showing off his wedding ring, saying, “I’m married.” “Oh, too bad. That should not stop you though -” “Get the fuck away from me!” Evan shot back, glaring at the woman who approached him. Yes, many years had passed, and he still wore his wedding ring. At that point, Evan felt sorry for himself. Shantelle had already moved on. She had a special man in her life now, but he was still holding on to her. ‘Lucas,’ he said. What a lucky man he was. ‘I love you.’ He recalled the words she said to Lucas. It was the same set of words that Shantelle only used to say to him – how she repeatedly told him he loved her, yet he never said it back. It was his fault. He knew it. He realized too late what Shantelle meant to him. Now, he could only suffer the consequences of his mistake. If only he could turn back time. Another irony of love; loving someone at the wrong time or finding out you love someone after the same had walked out of your life. “Evan, you are so fucked up,” he said under his breath. He ran his hand over his face, hating himself all over again. After gulping down a full glass of wine, Evan remembered the last time he asked Keith about Shantelle. How did Keith miss out on the fact that Shantelle was here? When did Shantelle start working for Warrington Hospital? Could Keith have lied to him all along? Several probabilities played in his head, but he also considered how Keith had been busy recently. It was possible that Keith no longer familiarizes himself with the new doctors. Evan called Keith, but it was the same; he was not reachable. Evan still needed to gain his friend’s new number from his secretary. He wound up calling his other friend instead, Wendell. “Evan, what time is it?” Wendell asked. “Why are you calling at this time?” “I found Shanty,” Evan revealed.

Silence stretched between them before Wendell finally replied, “That’s great news, right? Talk to her, Evan. Tell her everything -” “I think she is in a relationship. Fuck, maybe even married,” Evan said. “Maybe?” Wendell sought. Evan explained what he had overheard from Shantelle’s phone conversation, and Wendell replied, “Well, Evan. You have searched and longed for her for years. You can’t just let it go. At least talk to her and get closure. If she is married and in a happy relationship, all you can do is give up, but at least you tried, right?” At the idea of giving up, Evan’s chest congested. However, he acknowledged his friend was right. He said, “I’ll talk to her tomorrow,” “Oh, and Evan. It would not hurt to look extremely handsome tomorrow. How about you shave your face?” Wendell recommended. “Good luck.” At five in the morning, Shantelle received a call from her superior. “Doctor Hale,” Shantelle immediately answered her mobile, knowing full well the reason for his call. “Doctor Shant, you have your new patient’s profile? Let’s have a briefing before meeting the patient. You’ll need to adjust your schedule accordingly.” Doctor Hale said. “Um. Okay, Doctor Hale. For today, though, can I head home to bring my son to school? I’ll come back before nine in the morning.” she asked. “Of course. I’ll see you later, Doctor Shant,” Doctor Hale acknowledged. After that conversation with her superior, Shantelle returned home to prepare her son for school. She did not sleep at all, but she was used to it. Working long hours was part of her job. She asked their family driver to take them to school. In the car, she looked at her son and was reminded of who he looked like. Shantelle still did not have the heart to tell her son about his father, but she knew there was no better time than now.

Evan was in the city. She might as well tell him… soon. Depending on his reaction, she would solve other more significant problems, like how Keith knew about Lucas. While in the car, she quickly sent a text message to Keith. He had called her the other night, giving her his temporary number. Keith was still unable to retrieve his old number since he was still in Europe. [Keith, we have a problem. Evan is here. Uncle Erick is having surgery, and I am his doctor. Call me when you can. Let’s talk.] Returning to the hospital, she and her surgical team were briefed about Erick Thompson’s medical condition. That was another reason for Shantelle’s worry. It’s been so long since she had met the Thompsons, she wondered how they would react to the fact that she would be Erick’s surgeon. “Doctor Shant, do you have any questions before we meet the patient?” Doctor Hale asked. “Um, no,” she replied. “I’m all good.” *Make us proud, Doctor Shant. Mister Thompson is a very high-profile patient. He can refer our hospital to other high paying patients. He could perhaps invest in our hospital,” Doctor Hale excitedly said. Shantelle just smiled. She stood up from her seat, saying, “I know. I sort of… know them back in Rose Hills, but we weren’t really that close.” “Really? Well, the fact that you are acquainted with them is still good. Trust can be easily established,” Doctor Hale remarked. “Shall we go and meet the patient?” Minutes later, Shantelle and her surgical team made it to Erick Thompson’s room. Doctor Hale entered first, and she followed. Evan was there, and she felt Evan’s burning gaze on her. She did not spare him a glance, but what affected her was Clara Thompson’s immediate reaction. Shantelle saw the shocked expression on Erick and Clara. Their faces paled, and they both gave Evan a regretful look.

“Mister Thompson, my name is Doctor Hale. I am the acting medical head for all surgeries in the hospital. “Doctor Hale pointed to two other medical staff inside the room. They were Shantelle’s assistant surgeon and scrub nurse. Then he directed his gaze to Shantelle and introduced, “This is Doctor Shant. She is the lead surgeon in your operation. She is currently our chief surgeon in the surgery department and rising into fame amongst thoracic surgeons across the country.” “I believe you already know her. Is that right? You would be happy to know that you are in good hands with Doctor Shantelle Scott,” Doctor Hale added. There was no response from the Thompsons. They were staring at Shantelle blankly until, out of nowhere, Clara cried. She said, “Shanty, do we mean nothing to you? Have you ever thought about us?” Meanwhile, somewhere in Europe, Keith ended his business trip prematurely. He was walking toward a private jet when he called Shantelle. His call went to voicemail. “Fuck.” Keith called again. When it was routed to voicemail once more, he left a message, “Shanty, listen to me. We can still make this work. Tell Evan I am Lucas’ father -no, I’ll tell him we dated after you relocated. Shanty, Evan, doesn’t have to Know.”

Chapter 38: Reunion With The Thompsons “Shanty, I used to watch you as a child. Did you suddenly forget that?” Clara said.

Shantelle felt her colleague’s gaze landing on her. Her superior gave her that look. She knew exactly what Doctor Hale I was thinking. “Shanty,” finally Erick Thompson spoke. He forced himself to sit on the bed, pushing his nasal cannula to tighten across his face. It made Shantelle move forward, instinctively wanting to help. “Shanty, let’s forget about the past,” Erick asked. “Many years have gone by.” “Don’t you recognize me? It’s me, your Uncle Erick. I used to take care of you when you were little.” Tears welled in Erick’s eyes as he asked, “Are you still mad at us, Shanty?” “No.” Shantelle could not help it. She no longer cared for the fact that her colleagues were there. She wept at Erick’s words and offered him a hug. “I was never mad at you, uncle. I wasn’t.” Many years had passed. The Thompsons tried to forget about the Scotts, but sometimes, Erick and Clara thought about their dear friends, especially the little girl that used to linger in their home when her parents. were busy at the hospital. Earlier, when Evan revealed that Shantelle would be Erick’s surgeon, Clara was excited to see her. Erick wanted to reconnect. He had a heart condition, after all. At least, he could correct the mistakes that pushed his friends away- away from their lives and from the home they once cherished. “Uncle, please don’t cry. You are not yet well. It’s not good for you to be in an emotional state,” Shantelle softly said. “Oh, Shanty. My beautiful Shanty, please hug me too. I miss you so much,” Clara pleaded, her arms. stretching Shantelle. Quickly, Shantelle accepted the hug. She felt kisses on her cheeks, and she was reminded of how Clara used to do this often, especially when she was a child. Meanwhile, Shantelle’s colleagues politely excused themselves, sensing that the family required privacy. Doctor Hale said, “Doctor Shant, please do the necessary discussion with the Thompsons. I think we should give you some time.”

Shantelle wiped her face with her fingers and turned to her superior. She nodded and said, “Yes, thank you, Doctor Hale.” Minutes went by, with Shantelle being embraced by Clara and Erick. During the entire time, Evan only sat on the sofa, watching them. He did not know if he was welcome in Shantelle’s arms. Inside, he wanted to throw his arms at her and cry with them, for his longing was more profound than his parents”. “Shanty, please talk to me. Tell me about your life,” Erick asked. Shantelle sat beside Erick on the bed, and Clara pulled a stool next to them. She smiled at Clara and Erick before answering, “Well, as you can see, I followed my dreams. I am now a surgeon, just like my dad. But instead of focusing only on cardiac surgery, I opted for a broader scope. I am a thoracic surgeon.`` A chuckle escaped her lips when she described, “In simple terms, I am a chest surgeon. I operate on the lungs, the heart, and the chest walls. Basically, organs and illnesses that are covered in the thorax.” “Here.” She pointed to her neck and down, just before her abdomen, showing where the thorax was. “Is it true what Doctor Hale said? You are famous around the country?” Clara then bitterly narrowed her eyes, saying. “How come we did not find you? Where have you been hiding all these years? Have you always lived here?” Shantelle smiled and replied, avoiding the latter questions, “Doctor Hale is exaggerating. I’m not that famous, only that I haven’t had a patient die on me, so that had spread through the medical field.” Proudly, she added, “I’m good with my hands. I’m fast, and I don’t make mistakes. Plus, I easily find problems during operations. They say I have a good eye.” “Oh, Shanty. We are so happy and proud of you. We-” Clara wept again. “We hoped we were there every step of the way, seeing your success.”

While Erick and Clara chatted about Shantelle’s achievements from the sofa seat, Evan could only watch in envy. He tried to join in the conversation by clearing his throat and expressing, “It’s good that you pursued medicine, Shanty.” Shantelle paused and looked over her shoulder. She simply said, “Mmmm.” She did not even look Evan in the eye. “I bet you graduated the best in your batch,” Erick assumed. “I did good, yes. It was all thanks to mom and dad for helping me despite L-” She stopped herself, realizing what she was about to say. She looked at Erick and Clara, and she was certain they would love to meet Lucas. “What is it, Shanty? Tell us. Share with uncle and aunt,” Clara pleaded. Shantelle gave them another smile, saying, “I will have another talk with you both, perhaps after the surgery?” “Why, Shanty,” Clara pouted. “You can talk to us anytime. We don’t have to wait for the surgery -” Suddenly, Erick’s heart monitor beeped. His heart was beating erratically, and he struggled to catch his breath. His hand was over his chest, clearly feeling pain. “Relax, uncle. Relax,” Shantelle said while studying the heart monitor. She checked his medical chart. She called in the nurse and adjusted the gap in Erick’s medication. Evan eventually moved into Erick’s other side and helped soothe his father. “Uncle, it’s best we talk more about my life after the surgery. We can’t have you emotionally affected right now,” Shantelle gently said, and Erick nodded. She glanced at Clara and said, “I will wait until Uncle Erick feels better before I explain the procedure. That way, you can ask me any questions about the upcoming surgery. Please excuse me for now. I need to check if the operating room has been booked.” Shantelle purposely returned to Erick’s room after an hour. She knew it would take some time to calm down. down his emotions. When she did, Evan was still there.

She merely nodded his way and sat next to Erick, explaining the procedure. “Uncle, basically, in a bypass surgery, we create a route for blood and oxygen to go around a blockage and reach your heart. I will cut your chest open, use your mammary artery as an alternate vein, and then connect it to the blocked. coronary artery – bypassing it. In that way, your heart’s circulation will return to normal.” “How long will the procedure last, Shanty?” Clara asked. “On average, it will last about four to six hours,” Shantelle replied. “Then you’ll be moved to the ICU for observation.” “I scheduled the operation at five tomorrow morning. Will that be alright?” Shantelle asked. “We need to have the operation soon, before any heart attack could happen.” “Okay, Shanty,” Erick weakly replied. “Will you take care of me?” “I will, Uncle Erick,” she replied. Shantelle unwittingly yawned and said, “I’m sorry. I haven’t had any sleep. I should go now and head home. I need to be ready for tomorrow’s surgery.” She got up and held Erick’s hand, saying, “Rest well, Uncle Erick. Tomorrow, your heart will feel anew.” “Shanty, have you told William and Eleanor?” Clara asked. “It would be great to see them.” “They are on vacation. They went on an Antarctica cruise. It can be difficult to reach them, but I’ll try their email,” Shantelle revealed. “They won’t be back after three weeks, though.” “Oh, is it for their anniversary? I think it’s their anniversary,” Clara said with a smile. “I remember you get stuck with us when they go out on their anniversary dates. Please send them our best wishes.” Shantelle smiled. It was true, but her primary reason for allowing herself to be stuck at the Thompsons’ house was Evan. “I’m glad you remembered. I will let my parents know,” Shantelle replied. “I should go now, Aunt, Uncle. I will see you tomorrow.”

“Thank you, Shanty,” Clara and Erick answered, almost at the same time. “Thank you, Shanty,” Evan said on the couch. Seeing Shantelle walk to the room’s exit, Evan followed her outside. He called, “Shanty -” “It’s Doctor Shant, Mister Thompson,” Shantelle corrected. “Okay, Doctor Shant. You can call me Evan,” he offered. Shantelle continued to walk, saying, “I prefer calling you Mister Thompson.” Evan walked after her, saying, “You said… we would talk.” Shantelle yawned again and replied, “I did. And I’m sorry, I’m too tired now. Can we talk after the surgery?” “Okay. I understand. Can I at least take you home?” Evan asked. “Take me home?” Shantelle asked with a frown. “Why? It’s not a good idea -” “Is it because of Lucas?” Evan asked. Shantelle was this close to letting out a laugh, but she held back and answered, “Yes, it’s because of Lucas.” She turned and resumed her walk. Evan still tailed behind her. “He must be a very protective man,” Evan suggested. Shantell replied, “He is. He loves me very much, and I love him more than my life.” She glanced at Evan and saw him pale. His mouth parted, and he gasped. Immediately, Shantelle wondered, ‘Why does It looks like he is hurt?” Another yawn escaped her lips. She recognized she needed to rest. It was already eleven in the morning, and she still needed to fetch Lucas at three in the afternoon. She said to Evan, “I’ll see you tomorrow, Mister Thompson. I promise I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

Chapter 39: Successful Operation

“Mommy, the weekend is coming.” Lucas asked. His eyes gleamed when he turned to her in the car’s back seat. Shantelle faintly smiled and said, “I know.” “Will you tell me about my daddy?” Lucas sought. “Yes, I will,” she replied, but her heart raced at the thought. “You might even meet him.” “What’s daddy like?” Lucas asked. Shantelle chuckled and answered, “Weekend. Let’s talk about him on the weekend.” She saw her son roll his eyes, and she laughed again. She decided to give in. “He um. He has great parents. Your other grandma and grandpa.” “I have another grandma and grandpa?!” Lucas excitedly exclaimed. Shantelle nodded. She said, “Yes, and I’m sure they would love to meet you.” “I can’t wait to meet them! When can I see them? Tell me more! What do they look like?” Lucas eagerly probed. “Weekend,” Shantelle recalled. “This weekend, honey.” Lucas groaned, saying, “Fine! It's the weekend.” She wasn’t sure what Evan’s relationship would be with Lucas, but based on her reunion with Clara and Erick earlier, she was positive they would accept and love Lucas. Pondering about how to tell the Thompsons about her son, she remembered Nicole. “What happened to her? Did Uncle Erick and Aunt Clara still not accept her?’ It was already evening when Shantelle checked her voice messages. [Shanty, listen to me. We can still make this work. Tell Evan I am Lucas’ father -no, I’ll tell him we dated after you relocated. Shanty, Evan, doesn’t have to know.] Hearing Keith’s voice message, she frowned. She called Keith back, but his phone was switched off. She muttered, “Was Is he flying back already? Wasn’t he supposed to stay in Europe for a month?”

Shaking her head, she sent Keith a text: [Keith, do you know how scandalous your suggestion sounds like? While I am reluctant to tell Evan about Lucas, I met with Uncle Erick and Aunt Clara today. I don’t think I could ever hide it from them. I know they will love Lucas. Thus, I will have to tell Evan. Are you coming back? Call me when you land.] 4 Realizing she had early surgery, she added another text for Keith: [Uff! Call me tomorrow morning instead, maybe around eleven. I had surgery at five. It’s Uncle Erick’s. You know me, I won’t answer calls prior to surgery.] Before sleeping that night, Shantelle reviewed Erick Thompson’s laboratory, especially the radiology and ultrasound reports. Only after making sure she had not missed a single detail did she finally rest. Overnight, her phone kept ringing, but she had her personal mobile on silent mode. At four in the morning, Shantelle was ready to leave for the hospital. She noticed Keith’s multiple calls, but she wasn’t entertaining anybody yet. She had surgery to take care of. She called the hospital and ensured Erick had already been prepped for the operation. When she arrived by the operating room door, Evan and Clara were there. Clara smiled at her, saying, “Take care of Erick, Shanty.” “I will, aunt,” Shantelle replied. Evan smiled at her, and she nodded. When she entered the operating room, everyone was ready. Erick was still awake, and thus, she introduced everyone again. “Uncle Erick, you met some of my colleagues yesterday. Doctor Park, my assistant surgeon for today. We have Doctor Wee. She is a resident who will observe the operation. Doctor Lancaster is my partner anesthesiologist…” “Are you ready, uncle?” She asked and saw Erick nod. She added, “Then, we will begin with the general anesthesia.”

The operation proceeded as planned. Shantelle and her team worked together for four hours, performing a heart bypass surgery. Usually, she would leave the wound stitching to her assistant surgeon, but the operation was special to her. She remained in the operating room and personally performed the stitches. As she did, Doctor Park asked, “Doctor Shant, What exactly is your relationship to the Thompsons?” “Sorry, I could not help myself, seeing yesterday’s scene. I got curious,” the doctor asked while helping Shantelle cut through stitches. “Um. The Thompsons are family friends, but we lost touch,” Shantelle faintly replied. “Oh. Is that it?” Doctor Park asked. “Mister Thompson’s son kinda looks like -” 2 “Please,” Shantelle paused. She replied, “Let’s focus on the surgery and please, Doctor Park. Let’s not talk about my personal life.” “Sorry, doc,” her assistant surgeon said. After the stitches were done, Shantelle lingered to observe Erick’s heartbeat. She was satisfied. She felt happy and proud of being able to help her Uncle Erick. Stepping outside of the operating room, Clara stood up to greet Shantelle. “How was it?” “The surgery was a success,” Shantelle confirmed. “He’ll be moved to the ICU, receiving after-surgery care.” She met Evan’s eyes, but only gave her regard to Clara. “We can go together to the ICU.” Shantelle observed Erick for another hour at the ICU, together with Clara. After which, Shantelle offered,” Would you like to have lunch with me, Aunt Clara?” ‘Oh, I don’t want to leave your uncle, dear. I’m not really in the mood to eat. Though, I had taken some earlier to fill my stomach.” Clara held Shantelle’s hand, saying, “But, Evan has wanted to speak to you, Shanty. Will you give him a chance to talk with you?”

The question made Shantelle’s heart stop. She weakly replied, “Well, I meant to talk to him too.” “Then, why don’t you have lunch together?” Clara suggested. “Just as friends – like old times. Evan he, he has a lot to say ” “Aunt.” Shantelle asked, “I’ve been meaning to ask. Is Evan with Nicole? I was just wondering because she isn’t here and -” “Oh, that’s part of what he wants to talk to you about, Shanty,” Clara sighed and described. “Give him a chance to tell you everything. It may be too late since you have Lucas, but at least you will know.” Shantelle stilled. It surprised her how Evan had told them about Lucas, which was so wrong, but then again, she led Evan to believe whatever he wanted. She tapped on Clara’s hand and promised, “I will… speak to him.” When she made her way outside the ICU, she found Evan in the waiting area, working on his laptop. After seeing her, he quickly kept his belongings and walked up to Shantelle. “Doctor, Shant -” “Let’s talk,” Shantelle said. “I just need to change back.” Heartbeats later, Shantelle and Evan were in front of a round table in a restaurant nearby. Evan had ordered all of Shantelle’s favorite dishes, which utterly surprised her. 1 While waiting for their food, Shantelle’s eyes caught the ring on his finger. She outright asked, “Are you and Nicole Married?”

Chapter 40: Evan’s Confession

“Are you and Nicole married?” The question made Evan lean back. He sucked in a breath, realizing how the time had finally come. He looked her in the eye and outright said, “No, I did not marry her, and I never intended to marry her.” “Then what’s that ring on your finger?” She asked. For a fleeting moment, Evan saw a flicker of hope. The fact that Shantelle was observant enough to notice the ring could I mean she still cared. Very quickly, he took off his ring. He also fished inside his shirt, revealing a necklace and a similar ring dangling on the chain. He gave the rings to Shantelle and confessed, “I had been wearing our rings the entire time. I never took mine off.” Evan was certain she saw the ring’s engraving, but Shantelle did not show any emotion. She gawked at the rings for seconds before pushing them back to him. Soon, she asked, “Why are you wearing that ring? We are already divorced.” He took back the rings. Weakly, Evan admitted, “Because, Shanty, I-I regretted the divorce -” “What about Nicole?” She asked again. “About Nicole.” Evan shook his head in regret. He did not know where to start. He figured he should clarify things from where it all began. “When I brought her to Rose Hills, I thought of her as a potential girlfriend, but we got married after she was forced out of the city, things changed.” Evan leaned forward. He rested his elbows against the table’s surface and added, “I felt more responsible for her misfortunes. I felt sorry for her, Shanty, and I thought of her as a friend. There was nothing more. than that, but! I know I was wrong for making you feel less important in my life.” “What do you mean, Mister Thompson?” Shantelle asked. “I was never important to your life. Don’t you remember how you wanted me out of your life?”

Evan felt as though a hand squeezed his heart. Those words did leave his lips, and he suffered for it, and had been for years since Shantelle fled Rose Hills. “I was wrong. I was terribly wrong.” Evan massaged his temples and returned his regard to her, saying, ” During the days that you avoided me, I realized how I missed you -” “So you brought Nicole to our marital home to fill that void?” Shantelle shot back, her eyes looking elsewhere. “No, I did not. That’s another side of the story which you need to know. Please, let me finish,” Evan begged before cautiously proceeding, “As I said, I realized how much I missed you when you were avoiding me well, unknown to me, you had already left the city back then, but I honestly thought you were still in Rose Hills. I want to clarify that the way I missed you had nothing to do with Nicole. It was plainly me, wanting to be with you.” “And in that short time that I was away from you, I. '' Even reached for Shantelle’s hand. She tried to pull back, but he held on tightly, saying, “I realized that I loved you, Shanty. I loved you then, and I still love you now.” Shantelle glowered at him and pulled back her hand. That did not stop him from saying, “I bought tickets for us to go to Paris on your birthday. I wanted to spend time with you and have a fresh start, regardless of where I started,” he added. “But then, I discovered that you left, and everything else fell apart for me.” “But,’ Shantelle said. She shut her eyes and moved back, taking deep breaths. After some time, whatever emotions were manifesting through her expressions disappeared. She looked at Evan and pointed out, Mister Thompson, you perfectly said that you did not love me. You never did. Why are you suddenly saying this now? And what for?” “Shanty, I know what I said, and I regretted all those. You have no idea how much I regretted it,” Evan said. “I realized too

late how much you mean to me. You had already walked out of my life when I recognized how much I loved you.” Evan described how he went to her house on the day of her birthday. He said, “But instead, I learned your left. I went to the university, to the hospital, in search of Doctor Scott. In the later days, I begged Karise for information. I hired a private investigator to search for you, and I asked Keith to check on every hospital his company was affiliated with, but I could not find you.” He went on, narrating his every effort, including how he slept overnight in the cemetery when Karise’s mother died. “Shanty, I did everything possible, but Karise never told me where you were.” “Good afternoon,” the restaurant’s server interrupted Evan’s story, serving two plates of green salad.” Sundried tomato salad and chicken salad. Enjoy your appetizer. Your main dish will be served in ten minutes.” On the other end of the table, Shantelle had been in deep thought all along. He searched for me?” She knew Keith would have said nothing. Shantelle recounted the times when she avoided news about Evan and reminded Keith never to tell her, but what about after she gave birth and after many years when she had not mentioned Evan’s name? Didn’t it occur to Keith to force the information on her? Still, Shantelle thought Keith was not to be blamed entirely. She did warn him against speaking about Evan, and she was certain her father, William, asked the same. ‘But What about Karise?’ “Shanty, say something,” Evan urged. Shantelle stared into his brown eyes and replied, “Karise, probably did it to protect me. That was the plan all along – to stay away from you.” “But Shanty – “Call me Doctor Shant,” she repeated. As she requested, she did everything to hide her emotions, all of it.. The old

Shantelle that kneeled before Evan was long gone. 1 She started on her salad like she did not hear Evan tell her he loved her. After swallowing her first bite, she asked, “Tell me about Nicole. What is it that I need to know more about her?” Evan narrated how he recovered his deleted text messages. He described, “I learned that Nicole was not the person I thought she was.” He told her about Nicole’s claims; from her supposed struggle to land a job, how Nicole made him feel responsible, and how she tricked Mrs. Shaw into taking her to their villa. Afterward, he dropped the bomb, saying, “I had her investigated, and I found out she was Melody Campbell all along. She changed her name and had plastic surgery to look somewhat like you. I made sure she suffered and was put behind bars.” The news made Shantelle still in her seat. She stopped eating altogether and dropped her fork on the plate. How could she forgot the woman who had nearly killed her?! Instantly, the memory of her young self came rushing back. She recalled being pushed down the pavement and a bus stopping just a meter away from her. Shantelle would have died thanks to Melody Campbell. Now, she learned that the same woman was Nicole Lively all along, and everything was all a ploy, the moment she appeared in Evan’s life and how she provoked her into becoming a paranoid wife! “Excuse me.” Shantelle’s lips trembled as she said, “I need to go to the ladies’ room.” “Shanty-”

213

“Doctor Shant. I don’t know how many times I have to remind you, Mister Thompson, but we are no longer married. Call me Doctor Shant,” she said before leaving him and rushing to the restroom. In the bathroom, Shantelle locked herself in one cubicle. She repeatedly took deep breaths, trying to take it all in.

Nicole was Melody Campbell. The most shocking part was his confession of love. She whispered, “Is he serious? After all that I did for him, he realized he loved me after the divorce. And he still wore our wedding ring?” Love. She never wanted to be in that situation again, where she would give everything up for love. That was why she tried to forget about Evan. “Control your emotions, Shanty,” she directed herself. “Meditate. Meditate.” Shantelle did not count the minutes. She did not care how long Evan would have to wait. Her sanity and taking control of her emotions were more critical. After some time, she felt soothed. She was about to get up from the toilet seat with her personal phone. rang. The school was calling. She picked up the phone and heard Lucas’ teacher on the other line, “Doctor Shant, Lucas has a fever. It would be best for him to head home. He isn’t feeling very well.” “Oh, no. Why now?’ She thought to herself. “Doctor?” The teacher repeated. Shantelle cleared her throat and replied, “I – I will be there. Thank you for calling ”

Chapter 41: HE IS YOURS! “Doctor Hale, can I take the rest of the day off? The school called. Lucas is sick. I need to make sure he is okay,” Shantelle asked, calling her superior. “It’s okay, Doctor Shant. You had come in for surgery before five in the morning. Just leave your work phone open in case we have an emergency that Doctor Park cannot handle,” Doctor Hale said, and Shantelle confirmed.

She did not have time to have their family driver fetch her, but she instructed him to meet her at the school. Shantelle had walked out of the ladies’ room when a call came in. Her eyes widened, seeing it was Keith. She first scanned the restaurant and, after finding Evan was still in his seat, she lingered in one corner and took the call. “Shanty, where are you?” Keith asked on the other line. “I am in Warlington airport. We need to talk.” She sighed and replied, “I am having lunch with Evan -” “What?” She heard him curse before asking, “Did you already tell him about Lucas?” “No, we did not get to that part, and it will probably wait another day. I have to go to school and fetch Lucas. He has a fever. His teacher called me,” she revealed. “Does he know about me? About how I knew where you were all along?” Keith asked. “No, and I’ll definitely have to talk to you about that, Keith,” Shantelle said. “Good. I’ll see you at Lucas’ school. Let’s talk about it. Let’s plan it out,” Keith proposed. Shantelle sucked in a deep breath and replied, “Fine – fine. I need to go. I’ll see you at school.” When Shantelle returned to their table, she told Evan she had an emergency. She saw how disappointed Evan looked. He tried to reason with her, saying, ” Doctor Shant. You promised we would have a proper talk.”1 “I know, but it really is an emergency,’ Shantelle replied.

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Evan saw through the worry in her eyes. Realizing she was not just making excuses, he asked, “Where? At the hospital? I’ll take you – “No. No.” Shantelle ran her fingers through her hair and said, “There is an emergency with Lucas.”

“Oh.” Evan clenched his jaws. Suddenly, he wasn’t willing to let Shantelle take her leave. “But what about your lunch? At at least, eat some of your meals. You barely touched your salad.” “I’m sorry, but I can’t. I have to go,” Shantelle replied. Evan called for a server instead. He suggested, “At least take the food with you. You can eat wherever you are going.” He stood and grabbed Shantelle’s wrist, saying, “Please.” The food attendant was quick to pack the food. Evan let Shantelle take everything, including his meal. He offered to hold the bags and said, “I’ll take you to Lucas.” Shantelle was taken aback, and immediately, she rejected him. “No, that’s not necessary. I’ll take the bags. Thank you, Mister Thompson. I’ll take a taxi.” “When are we going to finish our talk, Doctor Shant?” Evan asked as they walked out of the restaurant. “If everything goes well tomorrow, then tomorrow,” Shantelle said without looking back. She hailed a taxi, and when the car stopped in front of her, she looked back at him and swore, “Look, Mister Thompson, I promise we will have that talk again.” She paused and said, “But thank you for telling me about Nicole. I think I – I needed to know that.” Evan watched as Shantelle’s taxi drove into the middle of the road. Just then, his hotel service pulled in front of him. An an idea sneaked into his head; he wanted to see this man named Lucas. He hopped in the car and ordered the driver, “Follow that taxi. Be discreet.” “Yes, Mister Thompson,” the driver confirmed. Minutes into the road, Evan was starting to regret his decision. He shook his head, remembering how Shantelle had followed him in the past, shortly after learning of Nicole’s return to Rose Hills. Back then, Shantelle wanted to find out if he cheated on her. Now, he was doing the same, secretly following his ex-wife,

only that Shantelle wasn’t hiding anything from him and they were no longer married. He simply wanted to check out the competition. That is, if Shantelle would ever give him a chance. 1 ‘What am I doing? Would I become a man who would try to ruin someone’s relationship?’ He questioned his character. Shantelle said she was happy and in love with this man named Lucas. 1 Shouldn’t he be happy for her? ‘No, I should at least find out if this Lucas is a good man, someone who deserves Shanty.

1

It took a little while for them to arrive at a reputable school. Evan saw how Shantelle’s taxi had stopped at the front of the gate. She got off, carrying the bags in her hand, and walked toward another parked car. His hotel service had parked across the street, where he had a perfect view of what was happening. Next, he saw an an older man stepped out of the car. He took the bags of food from Shantelle and placed them in the trunk. Relief overwhelmed him. It did not look like the older man was Lucas. He was probably their driver, guessing how the The same man regarded Shantelle with respect. Next, Evan saw Shantelle enter the school. It did not take long for her to come out, walking with a young boy, holding her hand. Suddenly, he felt his heart race. He wondered, ‘Who is that boy? Didn’t she come to see Lucas?’ Before he could analyze everything, another car pulled over, covering the boy’s view. A man stepped out of the vehicle and immediately hugged Shantelle. Evan’s heart drummed against his ribcage. He knew well who this man was. It was his friend, Keith Henderson. Anger surged in his heart. Everything came rushing back. No wonder. No wonder he never found Shantelle. With how Shantelle and Keith were talking with familiarity. He realized his friend’s betrayal. His hand balled into a fist as he called

the name, “KEITH!” Forthwith, he got out of the car. He bitterly marched across the street, his eyes meeting Keith’s. Shantelle must have also noticed him, for she tried to hold Keith back. Evan could tell they were debating, but he could not determine what they were arguing about. “Let me tell him, Shanty,” he heard Keith suggest to Shantelle. “No, Keith! Not as you suggest!” Shantelle reasoned with Keith. As soon as Evan made it in front of his supposed friend, Keith said, “Evan, I’m sorry, but Shantelle and I are together. We have a son together, and his name is Lucas – ” Evan punched Keith in the face! He did it once and gave him another blow. “How dare you, Keith? You knew I was looking for Shanty! You knew I was miserable! How could you do this to me? How could you touch Shanty! I thought you were my friend!” 7 “Evan, stop! Stop!” Shantelle screamed. “You knew how regretful I was all those years, but you never told me! Instead, you touched her!” Evan held Keith’s shirt. He was about to throw another punch when Shantelle stood before Keith, saying, STOP IT! Evan, stop!” Finally, she called his name, but not in the way he hoped. “Evan, Stop! Please, listen to me!” Shantelle had her hands up. She said, “I don’t know what got into Keith, but he is lying!” “Look at my son, Evan!” She pointed behind him. “Look at him. His name is Lucas.” 1 Evan was still full of anger. He wasn’t ready to stop punching Keith, but what Shantelle said next made his knees weak. “Evan, Lucas is not Keith’s son. HE IS YOURS!”

Chapter 42: Keith’s Not Sorry ‘He is yours.’ The words that Shantelle said circled in Evans' head a few times. He could not move and simply stared at Shantelle. “Mommy? Who is he?” He heard the young man’s voice, and Evan turned to see. He met a pair of brown-colored eyes that were similar to his. He gulped with the realization; he was looking at a younger version of himself. Yet again, he still was. He wasn’t sure how to feel about it. He was relieved that the boy wasn’t Keith’s, as his supposed a friend had claimed, but he also felt utterly cheated. How could Shantelle have kept his son from him over the years? “Shanty, please. Let’s talk about this.” Evan could hear Keith’s voice behind him, but he dared not look away from the boy. “Not right now, Keith. I don’t want to talk to you right now!” Evan could make out Shantelle’s words. Shantelle walked past Evan, and he noticed Keith trying to grab her. Instantly, Evan acted protectively and gripped Keith’s wrist. He barked, “She said not right now!” 1 Seeing Shantelle grab Lucas into her arms, Evan pointed his forefinger at him, saying, “We have a score to settle.” He returned his attention to Shantelle, and, observing how she was having difficulty in carrying the boy, he presented, “Let help me, please.” “It’s okay. The car is just right there!” Her voice strengthened, and she appeared to be irritated. Evan could not help carry Lucas, but he quickly opened the car’s backseat doors. The driver, who stood there, shocked by the commotion, suddenly returned to his senses. “Sorry, Shanty. Let me take you home.”

“Shanty, let’s talk, please,” Evan pleaded. There was no way he could rest easy after her revelation. He just learned he I had a son! Shantelle first settled Lucas into the backseat and put on his seatbelt. After which, she closed the door and turned to Evan. Replying, “Not now, please. He is sick. I need to take care of my son -” “You mean.” He paused before softly adding, “Our son. I have every right to take care of him, too.” “Please, do not push your fatherly rights just yet. I am very upset with how you and Keith just made trouble in front of the school.” She glared at him. Her stare went past him, and he was sure she was giving Keith that look of dismay. Evan wanted to return to punching Keith in the face, but Shantelle and Lucas were more important to him. “I’ll wait. Where do I wait? I’m also worried for my son,” he insisted. Shantelle caressed her forehead. She felt like having the worst headache all of a sudden. She sighed and replied, “Evan, please. Give me time. I know I was wrong not to tell you about Lucas, but I honestly thought you would not want a child with me – ” “Why would you think that?” He asked back, mirroring the way she was keeping her voice down. “The last time we saw each other – the night we had sex, you asked me if I was still taking contraceptives and how it would be complicated, given that we are divorced,” she reminded him, her jaws clenched at the end of her words. “And, I thought that you and Nicole would have something going on, so I did not want to bother you – – “Okay. Okay.” Evan raised his hands, saying, “It was my fault for making you feel that way.” He unknowingly reached for

her arm, hoping to hold her. He said, ” I’m sorry. Let’s correct all of these mistakes and misunderstandings -” “It wasn’t a misunderstanding, Evan. You did not want to have a child with me, period. Things may have changed now for you, but that was how you felt about it back then,” Shantelle pointed out, pulling her arm away from his hold. This time, her voice was slightly raised. “I’m sorry. I want you to know that out of all the wrongs I did to you, the words that hurt you, I regretted all that. I – I want to make it up to you. Please let me,” he begged. “Please.” Letting out another sigh, Shantelle requested, “Give me time to talk to Lucas, and I will tell you when you can see him.” Because Evan took his time to respond, she added, “Please. Don’t make this harder for me than it already is. I still need to explain your absence to my son. This is not easy for me, Evan.” Evan groaned. He did not want to let her go, but he did not want to push himself, either. Forcing her when she was clearly in a bad mood would not help, not in their situation. He made the bigger mistake; he needed to man up and take a step back – give her space. “Okay. I’ll wait,” he finally agreed. He put his hand on his chest and resumed, “I want to get to know him, Shanty.” “And you will,” she promised. “I’ll see you in the hospital.” She opened the car’s door again, ready to enter, but she looked back at Evan, saying, “Please don’t follow me. I don’t I need this right now, okay? I’m not going to run away. Not anymore.” Her assurance alleviated Evan. He nodded, saying, “See you soon.” Just like that, she hopped into the car, and the exact vehicle drove off to the road. ‘Evan. You have a son. You have a son with Shanty.’ The idea made him smile. He had not smiled so genuinely in years that tears stung his eyes. Many years may have been lost, but there was a young life that would forever connect him with

Shantelle. He thought, ‘Maybe there is still hope. Will the heavens give me a second chance?’ He carelessly wiped the corners of his eyes, sniffing his tears away. When he turned back, he saw Keith waiting for him. Keith moved closer to him and said, “I’m sorry, Evan, but you don’t deserve her. You hurt Shanty! You hurt her so badly that you made her lose her pride. Back in Rose Hills, she used to be the sun that lights up the crowd, but you took away her beautiful glow. Where were you at her lowest point?”

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A scoff left Keith’s lips as he said, Nowhere because you were the source of her pain. I was there for her when she needed a shoulder to cry on. I made her smile and helped her get a new life here in Warlington. You can’t blame me for not telling you because I just wanted to protect her from you – from getting hurt again!” Evan’s nose flared. He shot back, “Keith, you are a two-faced person – “Yes, I am. I lied to you. I backed out when you and Shantelle married. I never pursued her, even if I liked her then. I gave way to you, knowing that Shantelle loved you so much back then. But what did you do, huh? You only hurt her! You hurt the only woman that I loved. Why would I give her back to you? You say you love her now? What about tomorrow?” Keith claimed. “So you can get angry all you want, but I have my reasons. Before Evan could counter, Keith marched into his car and drove away. He thought of following Keith, but his phone rang. His mother was calling. He lazily picked up the phone, and Clara asked, “Son, are you done talking to Shanty? I’m tired. I asked Mrs. Shaw to remain at the hospital if the nurses and doctors needed anything from us. Will you pick me up? I want to rest.” “Okay, mother. I’ll be there,” Evan replied.

He rode in the car, full of thoughts in his head; One, Evan looked forward to seeing his son. Second, Keith reminded him of his mistakes again – how he hurt Shantelle in the past. Furthermore, he learned that Keith, his supposed friend, was in love with Shantelle.

Chapter 43: He Is Your Daddy After helping Lucas take a lukewarm bath, Shantelle dried his hair. Lucas was already in his pajamas, looking at the mirror with a sad expression. He weakly asked, “What did you mean I’m his? The man from school?” Shantelle switched off the hair dryer and smiled at the mirror. She said, “Let me take you to bed first.” When Lucas sat on his bed, Shantelle first checked his temperature. The school had already given him medicine to bring down the fever. She simply needed to observe him for a day or two before deciding on getting some laboratory tests done. “Show me your tongue? Looks fine.” She asked. “Let me look at your eyes again.” After checking him thoroughly, she turned to the bedside table and suggested, “Drink that full glass of water. Later, after your rest, you need to drink another. Hopefully, your fever will go away tomorrow.” Lucas did as his mother suggested. Then he looked up at her and said, “I’m ready to listen, mom.” Shantelle nearly cried at her son’s obedience. She sat beside him in bed, revealing, “Lucas, that man was your father. Lucas’ eyes widened. He asked, “My daddy?” “Yes, he is your daddy,” Shantelle replied. “Why did he come just now?” Lucas asked with a pout on his lips. He crossed his arms against his chest, saying, “My

a classmate said my daddy maybe did not love me. That’s why I don’t have a daddy.” Shantelle choked altogether. She put an arm around Lucas, answering, “No. That’s not it. I’m sure your daddy loves you.” She certainly hoped, now, that she was telling her son about Evan. Shantelle urged Lucas to face her, both their feet on the bed. For a second, she was silent, thinking of where to start. Soon, she replied, “Sometimes, adults disagree with things, and that’s what happened to mommy and your daddy.” “Before you were born, your daddy and I parted ways,” she explained. “Then, mommy was very busy at school and work, and I failed to tell your daddy about you. Another thing, he lives far from Warlington.” “I’m sorry. It’s my fault I did not tell your daddy about you,” Shantelle asked. “Will you forgive mommy? Please don’t be mad at mommy.” Lucas looked up at her with the same blue expression. He said, “I’m not mad at you, mommy. I’m just sad. I thought I did not have a daddy. I wonder if I was a bad boy and why my daddy did not love me.” Her son’s words stung her eyes. It was the the first time Lucas expressed his inner thoughts. She wondered if this was how he had felt all along. She embraced him and said, “I’m sorry, honey. It’s mom's fault. Shantelle kissed his cheek repeatedly and suggested, “You have a daddy, and his name is Evan, Evan Thompson. And if you feel better tomorrow, you can see him then.” “I wanna see him now,” he suggested. “But you need to rest,” Shantelle proposed. She pulled away and ran her fingers through his hair. “I promise, tomorrow. So drink a lot of water to feel better, okay?” “Okay, mommy,” Lucas said. Shantelle decided to sleep next to Lucas. She wanted to be with him, to make him feel loved. Moreover, it was easier for

her to monitor his condition. It was already past five in the afternoon when Shantelle awoke. Lucas was still sleeping like a rock. She checked his temperature, and seeing he did not have a fever, she headed for the kitchen. 1 When she made it to the living room, she was shocked to find Keith sitting there, waiting. He said, “The maids let me in.” “Of course, they would,” she softly replied. “Shanty, let’s talk,” Keith asked. Shantelle first instructed the maids to prepare a soup dish for Lucas. She asked one of them to monitor her son’s fever before guiding Keith to the patio. When Shantelle and Keith were already there, she started, “Why did you do that, Keith? I already said that I disapproved of your proposal. Did I not make myself clear?” “Keith, I treated you as my friend, and I still I could never repay you for being there for me all these years, but you upset me by going against my wishes,” Shantelle pointed out. “I’m sorry, Shanty.” Keith massaged his forehead and then walked over to her. He kneeled before her and rested his head on her knees. His arms circled her waist. He explained, “Shanty, you don’t know how painful it is for me to love you so much and never be loved back.” “At first, when you moved here, I was half- hearted. Evan is my friend, and I know how strange it was for me to pursue you, but over time, I could not help it. The more I spent time with you, the more I wanted to be with you,” Keith continued. “So when you told me you were operating on Uncle Erick, I panicked,” he reasoned. “I can’t lose you now, not when we have this bond, and I am the only father figure Lucas has grown to know -” “But Lucas knows you are not his father, Keith,” Shantelle reminded. “I know, but I could be one if you let me,” Keith offered, lifting his eyes to meet hers. Just say the word, and I’ll do it. Let’s

be together, Shanty. That will give the right message to Evan -” “And what is the right message?” She asked. “That you no longer love him, right? You don’t?” Keith probed intensely. “Tell me you don’t love him anymore.” Shantelle’s brows met as she replied, “I will love only Lucas, and I’ll be married to my career for life. Keith, I don’t have to be with you to send Evan any message. I can do that myself.” She looked down regretfully and spelled out, “I’m sorry, Keith, but I don’t want to lead you on. I value everything you have done for me, but no matter how much I appreciate you, I could not bring myself to love you.” “Perhaps, my heart has turned to stone. When Lucas was born, I promised only to love him and no one else. Of course, I love my family and friends, but you know what I mean,” she described. “Please, Keith. Don’t hurt yourself any further. Find another woman who deserves your love. If this is too difficult for you, I will understand if you avoid me -” “No.” He stood up and returned to his seat. He ran his hand over his face and answered, “I will not leave our friendship behind. Besides, Lucas will look for me. Just… please forgive me. You understand me, right?” Keith did not say it, but inside he swore never to give up on Shantelle. He couldn’t. He tried in the past, but in the end, he lost Shantelle to Evan, who only hurt her. If Evan would pursue her again, he swore to fight Evan for her love, no matter what. 3 “Please don’t do that again,” Shantelle cautioned. “Don’t act before me on behalf of me. I don’t want to hate you, Keith. I owe you too much for that.” 2 “Okay, I promise,” he replied. “I will never overstep. Besides, the truth is out now.” Silence stretched between them. They were looking in no particular direction, but soon, Shantelle asked, “Is it true, though? Did he look for me? Did he ask for your help to find me?”

Keith nodded, explaining, “I promised your father I would not tell Evan. And you warned me against updating you about Evan.” “I know,” she meekly replied. “But to make me assume Evan would outright reject Lucas was wrong -” “I never said that,” Keith countered. “In a way, you did by not correcting my assumptions. While I was thinking how my son could potentially be rejected by his father because he was married to Nicole and did not want a child with me, you had known all along that Evan was looking for me,” she pointed out. “But I don’t blame you entirely, okay? I understand it was my decision, so it was mainly my fault, but I really wished you could have told me.” Suddenly, she cried. She revealed, “Earlier, Lucas asked me if he was a bad boy because he did not have a daddy – that his father potentially did not love him. I did this to my son, Keith.” “Shanty, I’m sorry.” Keith returned to her side and offered comfort. After some time, Shantelle sniffed her tears away and said, “So from now on, we will respect Evan’s wishes to meet Lucas. Lucas wants to meet him, too. We will support Lucas because he needs his father.”

At five in the morning, Shantelle felt a boy’s small hand on her cheek. She had slept next to Lucas all night. When she fluttered her eyes, Lucas said, “Mommy, I did not have a fever overnight. Can I see daddy?”

Chapter 44: Hi Daddy

“Shanty, dear. What did you and Evan talk about? He is not telling me anything. Sometimes he smiled, and sometimes he returned to his gloomy self again. What went on with your conversation yesterday?” Clara asked while Shantelle was checking on Erick inside the ICU. Erick Thompson was still sedated. Their hospital’s protocol was to have an open- heart surgery patient rest with a lung machine within twelve to twenty-four hours. So far, he had passed the observation period and was due to be extubated. — “He um. He hasn’t told you about Lucas?” Shantelle asked Clara in surprise. Clara frowned. She sought, “About your boyfriend, no? Is that what happened to his knuckles? Oh, I hope he did not punch Lucas in the face.” Shantelle chuckled. She replied, “No, he could not dare to punch Lucas in the face.” She sat next to Clara and revealed, “Aunt, we did not get to finish our conversation because of an emergency. That’s probably why he did not tell you just yet. However, I already know about Nicole.” “Oh, thank the heavens,” Clara said. She held Shantelle’s hand and asked, “Then, maybe, one day, you can forgive Evan, too. I won’t force you, but I certainly hope.” 1 Shantelle did not react. She wondered why Evan had not told Clara about Lucas. However, she assumed he wanted to test Lucas first for paternity. Anyone would. After all, with what Keith had raised yesterday, she would not blame Evan for having second thoughts. So instead, she updated Clara about Erick. She reported, “I’ll have Uncle Erick off his ventilator. He is doing well. I’ll order the nurses to stop his sedatives, but he’ll need you when he wakes up, aunt.”

“I’ll be here,” Clara confirmed. Hours went by. Erick had been out of the ventilator and was now resting. Shantelle thoroughly observed Erick’s condition, and after being satisfied, she figured it was finally time to talk to bring Evan to Lucas. She found Evan in the waiting area, working on his laptop. Her eyes widened, seeing Mrs. Shaw for the first time. She heard that Mrs. Shaw traveled with them, but she was never around every time Shantelle visited Erick. Mrs. Shaw was the first to greet her. “Oh, Misses. It’s the Misses! How beautiful you are, Shanty.” Shantelle embraced Mrs. Shaw and replied, Thank you, Mrs. Shaw. You looked gorgeous yourself.” Mrs. Shaw chuckled. She whispered, “Oh, not like your husband. Poor Mister Thomson had been longing for you for so many years. He still has your space in the walk-in closet full of your clothes. We regularly have them cleaned, so they remain in good condition.” “Every year, he would buy something for you during your birthday, but it’s all just there… in your closet. Maybe one day, you’ll come and get them,” Mrs. Shaw smiled and suggested, “I wholeheartedly believe he regrets everything. He waited this long. He could have moved on from losing you, but he did not. His heart still ached. What’s worse is he knows it was all his fault.” 1 Shantelle’s smile faded. The revelation stunned her, but she found the strength to reply, “Mrs. Shaw, I’m no longer the Misses of the house. Evan and I are no longer married.” “Oh, that’s unfortunate. Nonetheless, it’s good to see you, Shanty. To me, you’ll always be the Misses of the villa,” Mrs. Shaw said. Then she quietly returned to her seat. After her brief chat with Mrs. Shaw, she locked eyes with Evan. She lifted her chin in his direction and said, “Let’s go?”

Shantelle and Evan were walking towards the exit of the hospital. From there, Shantelle asked, “Do you want a paternity test? We can have that scheduled tomorrow.” “No need,” Evan said. “You don’t have a reason to lie to me. Besides, my son definitely has good looks.” 3 It was the first time Shantelle saw Evan smile that week. He turned to her and suggested, “Either way, you could pin as many children, and I would gladly accept them.” Shantelle rolled her eyes, and he chuckled. She remarked, “Suit yourself. You seem to be in a good mood.” “I am excited to see him,” Evan admitted. They rode in Evan’s hotel car service to the Scotts’ residence, where Lucas had been waiting all along. When Shantelle invited Evan to their home, the maids were all stupefied at his sight. Shantelle could make out what was on their minds, but she chose to ignore them for now. She directed Evan to her father’s study. She said, “I’ll get Lucas. Please wait here.” Evan nodded. It did not take long for Shantelle to walk back in. This time, she had Lucas with her. The boy looked Evan straight in the eye, barely blinking. Shantelle and Lucas settled into the seat across from Evan. She said, “Lucas, honey, this is your father, Evan.” Lucas turned to Shantelle with a smile. Then, he returned his regards to Evan, saying, “Hi, daddy. It’s nice to meet you.” Outright, Evan felt heaviness in his chest. The way the boy called him his father utterly drowned him in a sea of regret. If he had only realized his feelings for Shantelle back then, he would have seen Lucas’ every milestone. He raised his arms and said, “Son, come to Give your daddy a hug.”

Lucas’ eyes lit up. There was glee in his expression, and Evan immediately felt elated. The boy practically jumped into his arms, saying, “You are my daddy?” “Yes, I am your daddy.” Tears rolled down Evan’s face as he hugged his son back. He savored the scent of his hair, the felt his embrace, and he unknowingly pecked his cheek. Evan could not explain it. Beyond their uncanny resemblance, he sensed deep within his bones that Lucas was his. He has had the pleasure of embracing children at the Lockwood Children’s Hospital. The children’s hold gave him a sense of happiness, but Lucas’ hug appeared to have filled the void in his heart. It was an explicit familiarity that he could not deny. He repeated, “I am your father. I am your daddy. “I’m sorry, Lucas. I had missed so many years of your life,” he described. “But I promise you, from now on, daddy will be with you. From now on, I’ll help your mommy take care of you. Would you like that?” Lucas pulled away. Evan saw how the boy had apparently cried. He conveyed, “My classmates said that maybe you don’t love me. That’s why I did not have a daddy. Do you love me, daddy?” Evan was stunned. He wondered how he came to that conclusion. Still, he assured Lucas, “Of course, I love you, son. You are my son. You are my flesh and blood.” Meanwhile, from across from the father and son, Shantelle was crying at the sight of them. How her son cried reflected his longing. How could she have missed it? She saw Evan look up at her, and he mouthed, ‘Thank you.’ She nodded, knowing she had done right by Evan and her son. She mouthed back, ‘No, thank you.’

Chapter 45: Karise’s Reasons “Adrian and Max are my best friends in school,” Lucas defined with gleaming eyes. We have lunch together.” “But sometimes, I avoid Max when it’s snack time. He always has crackers for snacks. He often asked to try my sandwich, but I like my sandwich. I don’t want to give him some,” Lucas said while pouting his lips. Evan caressed his chin. He replied, “Lucas, maybe his parents don’t have time to make a sandwich. It could be that Max’s parents don’t have enough means to buy the sandwich ingredients. Do you know it is more blessed to give than to receive?” Evan, Lucas, and Shantelle were having dinner at the Scotts’ residence. It was during their meal that Lucas told his father about his daily routine and his friends at school. Some of Lucas’ stories surprised Shantelle. She realized that her son was so eager to chat with his father that he kept going and going with whatever he could think of. “More blessed to give than to receive?” Lucas asked in complete bewilderment. “Lucas, we talked about this. You should always share your food,” Shantelle reminded him. “You should not worry about running out of sandwiches because your mommy and daddy can make sure you have your favorite sandwich every day, but others are not so fortunate,” Evan explained. “Instead, we should share our blessings because we have more to give. When you do, you will receive more.” “When you are being generous, it comes back to you in many ways,” Evan described. He then told Lucas about his Lockwood project and how it saved young children’s lives with different illnesses. He

explained, The community gave back to me. They highly visit the park, the people themselves promote it, and the hospital always gets more and more patients because the children and their parents share their good experiences.”1 Lucas had more questions after that, and Evan had to simplify things for him, but he was patient throughout. “1 Across from them, Shantelle smiled. She remembered how Evan was always very generous. To help him convince Lucas, she also shared her knowledge, “Also Lucas, being generous – everything from giving someone directions to helping a a friend carries his books – activates the part of the brain that makes you feel happy. They say giving is good for your health.” “Really, mommy?” Lucas asked in surprise. “Yes, honey,” Shantelle nodded firmly. With his head down, Lucas said, “I feel bad now. I will share my sandwich next time.” “Better yet,” Shantelle recommended. “Let’s prepare two sandwiches for your snacks next time so you and Max can have one each. After her words, Shantelle’s and Evan’s eyes met. He smiled, but her smile faded. Shantelle avoided his gaze and instead encouraged her son, “Three more spoons, and you are done with your meal. Go ahead and finish that.” “Wanna race?” Evan challenged Lucas. “I’ll race you, daddy!” Lucas exclaimed. He put a spoonful of food in his mouth and chewed it down eagerly. Evan only had two pieces of broccoli to finish, but he ate slowly to let Lucas win. “I win! I won!” Lucas exclaimed, showing off his clean plate. He turned to Shantelle and asked, “Mommy, do I get a prize for finishing up my food?” “Sure. Would you like a treat?” Shantelle asked.

Lucas turned to Evan with bright eyes, saying, “I don’t want a treat! I want daddy to put me to sleep!” 1 Evan’s eyes lit up, but Shantelle’s face paled. Her mouth fell open as she said, “I – I think your daddy is busy. Your grandpa is still in the hospital, and he needs to take care for your grandma.” Shantelle turned to Evan and narrowed her eyes. It was meant to be a warning, and she hoped he got the message. Unfortunately for Shantelle, Lucas was unknowingly going against her. “Please, mommy! Please, daddy! I want to spend more time with daddy!” Lucas declared. He directed his gaze to Shantelle gave her his puppy eyes. “This is my first time seeing daddy. Can he, mommy? Please.” “Just put him to bed,” Evan said to Shantelle. “It won’t take long. I’ll leave after he falls asleep.”

While Evan was trying to convince Shantelle to spend more time with Lucas, back in Rose Hills, Keith went straight to his favorite club, ready to drown his sorrows. Keith was ushered into his usual seat. Typically, he would go out with his friends, Sean, Wendell, and sometimes Evan, but not that night. Not when he came because of Shantelle. None of his friends knew that he had always known where Shantelle was, not even Sean. After several drinks, Keith went around the dance floor to find a companion – someone to talk to. He needed to forget his pain. He saw a sexy figure with long black hair dancing with another man. The man was not as good-looking as him, so he figured he would cut in. He walked up to the girl and said, “You want to spend time with a real man?” The girl turned, and they both stilled upon recognizing each other. The girl said, “Keith Henderson?”

“Well. Well.” A hiss left Keith’s lips when he realized who it was. “Karise, right? Shantelle’s friend?” Karise rolled her eyes and reminded, “Karise Myers, and yes, Shanty’s bestie.” She turned to Keith, ignoring her previous dance partner, saying, “Why are you here?” “What do you mean?” Keith asked. They both started dancing together as they chatted. “I thought you were now a busy man? Wait. Don’t tell me. Did you confess again to Shanty? I remember the last time you got rejected so badly. You were out here, too.” She shrugged and revealed, “I found out the next day when I called Shanty.” Right. Keith remembered how Karise was also a regular at the club. He then offered, ” Wanna have a drink?” “Sure, why not? Your treat, of course,” Karise suggested, and Keith nodded. Back at his table, Keith and Karise drank. together. Keith revealed what had transpired in Warlington, including Lucas’ desire to meet his father. “So, yes, I got rejected again, but this time, it’s worse. Evan is in Warlington. They met. Evan is probably visiting Lucas by now.” “Oh,” Karise said before sipping on her martini. She had that look of regret when she added, “I guess I’ll need to talk with Shanty soon – prepare my apology.” “You know, I’ve always wondered, Karise. I had reasons to keep things from Shanty, but what about you? Why didn’t you tell her how Evan went all out searching for her?” Keith asked. Karise sighed. She finished up her drink and looked distantly. Without looking at Keith, she admitted, “At first, I was angry at Evan for what he did to my girl. I wanted him to suffer. Plus, Doctor Scott had warned me against it. After some time, however, I saw another side of him.” She looked down, reflecting on her choices, and resumed, “Evan constantly showed up before me, asking for Shantelle in

the first two years. He sometimes would appear at my workplace. He would invite me for coffee to get information out of me. My workmates teased me and suggested we looked good together. That somehow got to me.” She gasped and admitted, “I ended up liking Evan.” “Oh, fuck. You are some piece of work,” Keith remarked. “Excuse me?” Karise shot back. “You are the bigger piece of work!” 1 “But that was over. Even gave up on bothering me, and I realized that my infatuation with him wasn’t going anywhere. “Karise looked at Keith and included, “In the years that followed, I just felt guilty that I did not have the heart to tell Shanty. Then she was doing great. She was happy and had her life on track. I also figured… she will do much better without Evan.” “I.” Karise pursed her lips and resumed, “I did not want to disturb the peace that she and Lucas had already found.” Her voice faded as she added, “But I guess I was wrong. I should have considered a child’s longing for a father.” There were moments of silence between them. Karise was constantly in deep thought, clearly bothered. Keith, on the other hand, could not help but ask, “Karise, do you know if Shanty still has feelings for Evan?”

Chapter 46: Must Work Hard “Does Shanty have feelings for Evan?” Karise repeated the question. She shook her head and replied to Keith, “To be honestly, I don’t know.” “Shanty seemed to shut her emotions when It came to Evan. Whenever I mention his name, she appears like she heard nothing or just hum. I can’t tell if she is angry

with him. or if he misses him,” Karise reported. “But it’s not just about Evan, though. Once, I told her I would introduce her to my boss, but she would say outright that she was not interested in men.” “Maybe, what she says it’s true. She doesn’t want to love another man and wants to focus on Lucas,” Karise suggested. Keith groaned. He said, “She’s angry at me now. She is only keeping our friendship out of gratitude.” “You know, Evan realized how he loved Shanty after she left. Why don’t you stay away from Shanty and give her time to reflect on what she feels about you,” Karise proposed. “Maybe she will realize she loves you.” “Or, she’ll spend more time with Evan and rekindle those feelings from the past,” Keith answered bitterly. “Then,” Karise concluded. “Maybe it’s not meant to be.” She looked Keith in the eye and suggested, “When that happens, start looking elsewhere, and I don’t mean by just looking. Seriously, open your heart to others. “What are you, some kind of love guru?” Keith sarcastically asked. “Nope. I had my fair share of love in the early days. Now, I just read many novels. That’s where you can find the perfect man,” she shrugged, replying to Keith. The two continued to drink and chat. After some time, Keith asked, “Thank you for listening to me, Karise. We should do this more often.” “As long as you pay for everything, I’m good with it,” Karise replied.

Back in Warlington, Evan had been studying Lucas for some time. He was fast asleep, hugging his pillow on the side. He smiled and pushed Lucas’ hair back. Softly, he said, “Sleep tight, little guy.” He noticed the mild creaking of the door, and he turned to find Shantelle. She pointed to her watch, suggesting it was time for him to leave. He thought, ‘Ah, Shanty can’t wait to kick me out of the house.’

Evan lazily got up from the bed and walked towards the door. After they were outside Lucas’ room, he asked, “Can I see him again tomorrow?” It was a weekend, and Shantelle thought she could use the time to spend more hours at the hospital. She sighed and answered, “Yes, in fact, I was planning to work two shifts tomorrow – ” “Then I’ll bring him to the hotel. He could spend time with mother,” Evan suggested. ” I promise I’ll take care of him.” Shantelle ran her fingers through her hair, and after giving it much thought, she replied, “Okay, that works for me, too. You can pick him up in the morning. I’ll have his clothes ready.” “Evan, don’t ruin my trust,” she warned. “What would I do to ruin your trust?” Evan asked back, utterly confused. “Don’t even think of taking him away from me,” Shantelle said. Evan leaned back, surprised. He replied, “I would never do that to you, Shanty. I won’t break your trust. This is my opportunity to make up for my mistakes. I would never deprive Lucas of his mother.” Shantelle nodded and replied, “Okay, then. Tomorrow morning. I’ll leave for the hospital at eight. Don’t be late in picking him up. “I won’t,” he promised. After reaching an agreement, Shantelle walked Evan out of the house and into the driveway, where the hotel car service I was waiting. From there, they said their goodbyes. However, Evan said more than what was needed. “Thank you, Shanty, for this day,” he said. ” I appreciate it. Goodbye.” “You are welcome. Goodbye,” Shantelle replied in a neutral tone. “I haven’t been happy for years, but today was bliss,” he described. “Lucas is just great. You did well in raising him. Thank you. Goodbye.” “I love him. Of course, I will take care of my son,” Shantelle pointed out. “Goodbye.”

“Thank you for letting me meet Lucas, and thank you for dinner. It was lovely. Did you prepare that dish?” Evan sought. “I -” “Are you stalling?” Shantelle finally asked. ” We have been standing here in the driveway for over a minute. What else do you want to say, Evan?” Poor Evan’s heart. He experienced Shantelle’s sharp side. Evan cleared his throat. He raked his fingers through his dark hair and answered, ” Shanty, can I ask a favor, please?” She frowned and asked, “What is it?” Out of nowhere, Evan embraced her. He stroked the back of her head and savored her scent when he proclaimed, “I missed you so much, Shanty. I missed you so much that it hurt. Thank you, Shanty, for today. Feel my sincerity and know that I mean well.” Shantelle said nothing. She gently pushed him away and said, “You better go, Evan. Don’t forget tomorrow, eight.” “I won’t be late,” Evan said. “Take care.” “I have been,” she replied. Shantelle did not say more and just walked back into the house and shut the door.

Evan fetched his mother from the hospital to get a better rest. Mrs. Shaw remained in the ICU’s waiting area. In the car, Clara discussed, “Your father will be moved to a private room tomorrow. He woke up early in the evening.” She glanced at Evan and frowned. Her son was not listening much more; he was grinning like a fool while looking out the window. She asked, “Son, are you listening to me? What did you and Shanty talk about?” Suddenly, Clara had a lightbulb moment. What could be another reason for her son to smile? It could only be because of Shantelle! Promptly, she asked, “Are you and Shanty back together? Please say that this is.”

“Um. What, mother?” Evan asked, bemused. “I asked if you and Shanty are back together? “Clara inquired again. Evan chuckled and replied, “No, mother. That has yet to be decided – if she would allow me to redeem myself.” Instantly, Clara grimaced. She asked, “then why are you smiling like you have already won! You just gave your mother false hopes.” Yet again, Evan laughed. He embraced his mother from the side and informed, “I have great news, mother.” “What is it?” Clara asked. “Shanty and I have a son together,” he announced. Clara’s eyes widened. She clarified, “Say that again, Evan!” “Shanty and I have a son. She fell pregnant after leaving Rose Hills. Unfortunately, she chose to hide it from us, but now, I see hope. I have a son, mother, and he looks exactly like me,” Evan said with conviction. “Mother, that means you are a grandmother, “Evan added. ‘Grandmother,’ the word repeated in Clara’s head, and her heart skipped a beat. She said, “I’m – I’m a grandmother?” She looked into her son’s eyes, and immediately, they were brimming with tears. She asked, “Is this true?” “Yes, mother. And his name is Lucas,” Evan revealed. “All along, I was jealous of my own son. Who would have thought?” “Oh, son. You need to work hard. You need to win Shanty’s heart!” Clara implored. “My grandson cannot be without his father and his mother!” 1 Clara grabbed Evan’s hand and asked, ” Promise me, you will do your best to win my daughter-in-law back?” “Mother,” Evan sucked in a deep breath. He replied, “That’s the plan.”

Chapter 47: Erick’s Reaction Shantelle let out a heavy sigh. She had been holding her phone up for almost a minute. “Shanty, it’s just a phone number,” Evan said. “You’ll need to get in touch with me for our son, Lucas.” “Evan, I will not entertain calls that do not involve my son. So do not get any wild ideas, “Shantelle clarified. A chuckle left Evan’s lips when he replied, “I wasn’t planning to get wild.” Shantelle rolled her eyes. She gave out her personal number and let Evan save it on her mobile. Afterward, she gave him another number. She said, “That is my work number. Call me only in case of emergency.” “Thank you, Shanty. I will cherish your number like it is gold,” he said with a smile, and Shantelle held back the urge to roll her eyes again. “He hasn’t eaten yet. He insisted on having breakfast with you,” she revealed. “Is that right, Lucas? Do you want to eat breakfast with your grandma and me?” Evan sought, looking down to his left, where Lucas clung to his waist. “Grandma? Another grandma?” Lucas sought, his eyes sparkling at the idea. “Is she excited to see me?” “She is thrilled. She could not wake up early. She was exhausted from looking after grandpa,” Evan replied. Shantelle smiled at the thought of Clara meeting her son. She asked, “How did Aunt Clara feel about all this?” “Oh, Shanty, you know my mother loves you. That has never changed,” he replied. ” You’ll probably see her later at the hospital, and you both can have a heart-to-heart talk. She has a lot to say, but overall, she is happy about Lucas.” “Thank you,” Shantelle answered. She looked down at her son and reminded, “Be a good boy. Take care of your grandma.”

“Yes, mommy!” Lucas replied, giving Shantelle a salute. “Bye! See you tomorrow afternoon!” Returning her regard to Evan, she reminded, “Don’t give him too many sweets, please. No sodas, and don’t buy him too extravagant things.” “Got it,” Evan acknowledged and ushered Lucas into the car. Just before leaving, Evan came out with red roses in his hand. He gave them to Shantelle, surprising her altogether. He explained, "It's just a little token for taking care of Lucas all these years.” When Shantelle stood there, staring at the flowers, Evan pleaded, “Please, take them.” “Mommy, Daddy is so sweet, giving you roses,” Lucas said, peeking out of the car. Shantelle accepted the flowers, saying, “You don’t have to do this next time.” Evan and Lucas bid goodbye. Their car drove off the driveway and into the street. Shantelle did not know how long she took heavy breaths, reminding herself to trust Evan with her son. He was his father, after all.

“Doctor Shant! Doctor Shant!” Shantelle turned to find Mrs. Gonzales, the mother of the young man she had performed surgery a few days back. She was chasing after her in the hallways of the hospital. “Yes, Mrs. Gonzales, what can I do for you?” She asked. “The man who said he would pay for my son’s hospital bills, can I speak with him?” Mrs. Gonzales asked. Bemused, Shantelle replied, “Mrs. Gonzales, the hospital already agreed to take your son into the charity program. Why would you need to speak with him?” “Well, the problem is my son’s employer dismissed him. They could not wait for him to recover from his injuries, and that

man said he could offer a job?” Mrs. Gonzales sought. “I see.” Shantelle replied, “I will speak to him about it, but I don’t know if that will work because his business is mainly in Rose Hills.” The lady heaved in regret. She remarked, ‘ Oh, that’s far.” “It is. What kind of work does your son do?” Shantelle asked. “He is a driver and security guard. He has undergone self-defense training,” Mrs. Gonzales said. “Okay, Mrs. Gonzales, let me see how my friend can help,” Shantelle answered. “I know where to find you.” “Thank you, Doctor Shant,” the lady said before wishing Shantelle well. The morning went by smoothly for Shantelle. She had consultations in the first three hours before going around the hospital. She gave the order to move Erick Thompson to a private room and assisted in the transfer, knowing she would I need to make that talk with the old Thompsons. Making it to Erick’s room, she smiled and gave the good news. “Uncle Erick, I’m moving you to a private room.” “Shanty. Your smile brightens up my day,” Erick said. He was already sitting up, with his bed inclined. “Thank you for moving me out here. Besides being scared by all these beeping sounds, I feel so bored.” “Good morning, Misses – I mean, Shanty,” Mrs. Shaw greeted. “Good morning, Mrs. Shaw,” Shantelle greeted back. “Aunt Clara hasn’t come yet?” “She called earlier, telling me about a surprise, but I supposed I will find out later when she arrives. She said she is bringing food for lunch and videos of her beautiful surprise.” Erick shrugged. “I wonder what else could be a better surprise?” Shantelle smiled. She knew full well what the surprise was all about. Seeing the nurse aids. ready for the move, she said, “Let’s go.”

The transfer to the new room was seamless. Erick was amazed by how the hospital staff moved his body without discomfort. He smiled brightly at a new space, which was huge and brighter. “Now, this is more like it. “Uncle, it’s time to start getting up,” Shantelle ordered. “Have you passed gas yet? “No, I haven’t, but I only started eating last night,” Erick admitted. “Well, the sooner your body can adjust, the better. We can finally remove your urine catheter. Now that you are in a bigger room, try getting up,” Shantelle instructed. “Oh, but it’s painful, my dear. My body feels very sore,” Erick complained. “Let me rest first for another day. We can practice getting up tomorrow.” Shantelle chuckled, and she replied, “I know. That’s because of the surgery, but you need to move, uncle. Walk around so your muscles will return to normal, and so will your bowel movement. If you don’t, your intestines will stick together, which will be more trouble for us.” “Well, since you put it that way, I have no choice. Will you help your uncle, Shanty?” Erick asked with a smile. Shantelle could not deny Erick’s request. Together with Mrs. Shaw, she assisted Erick in getting up. They had multiple attempts but succeeded after their fifth try. “It hurts to straighten my back,” Erick grumbled. “But for the sake of my intestines not sticking together, I will move.” Shantelle and Mrs. Shaw wound up giggling. They each carried one arm of Erick as he slowly took steps near the bed. Suddenly, the door to the room opened, and a hotel staff member first walked in, carrying bags of food. Clara followed, pacing inside the room with a glow on her face. She exclaimed, “Oh, Erick. You are up!” “Thanks to Shanty, she threatened me with my intestines,” Erick remarked, once again encouraging giggles in the room. “Shanty, you really bring so much happiness into our lives. I’m so glad we found you,” Clara remarked, going straight for

Shantelle and hugging her frame. “He is so beautiful. He reminds me so much of Evan, and I thank you for sharing him with us.” Clara pushed back a strand of Shantelle’s hair, saying, “I want you to know that I am not angry. I was disappointed at first, but I don’t want us to have any more distance. More than seven years is enough. Let’s get past the time we have lost and focus on Lucas, okay, my dear Shanty?” Shantelle nodded, and tears stung her eyes, accepting Clara’s embrace. She replied, “I’m sorry, Aunt Clara. I did not I mean to keep him to myself. I was just – I did not know how Evan would react.” “Shhh. It’s okay. Let’s forget about it,” Clara suggested. “Evan explained to me, and I understand.” Erick and Mrs. Shaw were utterly baffled. Mrs. Shaw had to aid Erick into his bed as they listened to Clara’s emotional words. They watched as Clara and Shantelle continued to hug, exchanging statements that did not make sense to them. Finally, Erick has had enough. He asked, ” What is going on? Who is Lucas?” Clara and Shantelle let go of their embrace. Clara looked at Shantelle, silently asking for approval. When Shantelle nodded, Clara revealed, “Erick, dear. Shanty has a son with Evan, and his name is Lucas.” She smiled brightly and revealed, “We are grandparents!” Immediately, she fished out her phone from her bag and showed Erick and Mrs. Shaw the video she had taken of Lucas. At first, Erick was dumbfounded. He kept gawking at the videos, often playing them back. After some time, he remarked, “He looks so much like little Evan.” “He does,” Clara admitted, “And he is our grandson.” Erick glanced at Shantelle. His eyes looked heavy as he asked, “Is this true, Shanty?”

“Yes, it’s true. I found out I was pregnant with Lucas after leaving Rose Hills,” Shantelle weakly confirmed. She presented her reasons for keeping it to herself before, yet again apologizing. “I’m sorry, uncle.” There was a moment of silence coming from Erick. On the other hand, Clara kept telling all the great things she had learned about Lucas. Soon, Erick asked, ‘Shanty, when can I be discharged?” “When you have passed gas or have a bowel movement, and you can get up from the bed three times a day,” Shantelle answered. “I – I.” Erick looked down at himself. He said, “I want to practice walking again. Let’s try it again.” The corners of his eyes welled with tears as he asserted, “I want to see my grandson. I want to hold him. I want to kiss him.” 1 “Oh, how it must feel good to hold him.” Just as Clara and Mrs. Shaw aided him off the bed, Erick turned to Shantelle and said, ” Thank you, my dear Shanty. You – you give me more reason to keep going.” He put a palm on his chest and described, “A better heart and now, a grandson.”

Chapter 48: Ask Forgiveness “Daddy, over there!” Lucas’ eyes were wide open, his arms stretching to reach for the apple he found. He was sitting on top of Evan’s shoulders, leaning closer to the tree. “Almost there, daddy. Move closer!” Lucas ordered. Evan blended with the tree leaves to give Lucas his chance to grab the apple. His son was not satisfied with the apples that were easy to reach. He just had to go with the biggest and the reddest, which was at the top of the current apple tree they were at.

Finally picking the apple, Lucas exclaimed, Got it! Yay!” He bounced on Evan’s shoulder, rejoicing, before taking a bite of that sweet apple. “Mmmmm. It’s so yummy! In the afternoon, Evan took Lucas outside of Warlington. The hotel had recommended an apple farm for them to spend quality time, and Evan thought it was perfect. Lucas had the time of his life. Sure, they were picking too many apples and might have to give away a few, but the smile on his face as he grabbed each one was priceless. “It’s so yummy, Daddy! Try it! Try it!” Lucas urged. Evan helped him off his shoulders and onto the ground. Only then did he take a bite of the apple. He remarked, “Mmmm. This one is definitely a winner.” “There’s another big red apple!” Lucas excitedly pointed at another tree. Like the last, the apple was located on top. “Let’s get it, Daddy! I want to give it to my mommy!” He looked behind them and saw the tour guide chuckling. He was already carrying two full baskets of apples. Evan scratched his head and said, “Okay.” After the adventurous apple picking, the father and son had a late afternoon snack at the farm’s restaurant. They served apple- flavored pastries and other goodies. “Mmmm! I love apples!” Lucas announced. He took a big whiff of the cinnamon apple pancakes and said, “Oh, Mommy would have loved this too.” Lucas ate heartily while Evan sent pictures and videos to Shanty, showing her how their day went. She did not reply, but Evan understood that she was busy at the hospital. When he returned his attention to his son, he saw Lucas staring at the family of three at another table. He looked at him, and then he looked at his empty plate. Lucas fell silent. “What is it, Lucas?” Evan sought. “Daddy?” Lucas asked, “Why are you and Mommy not together?”

The question took Evan aback. He realized that was why he was staring at the family next to them. He leaned back and adjusted the buttons on his shirt before admitting, "Daddy made a mistake in the past, Lucas.” He sighed before adding, “I hurt your mommy.’ Evan saw the disappointment on Lucas’ face. His eyes became hooded, and his lips turned downward. He inquired, “Why Did you hurt Mommy? Don’t you love her?” “Lucas, there are things I can’t explain to you thoroughly yet, but the bottom line is, I made a mistake, and I hurt your mommy. Sometimes, we realize our mistakes too late, and that’s what happened to me,” Evan admitted. “I’m sorry, son. It was my fault, but now I am here and trying to make up for that mistake.” “So that means you won’t be together?” Lucas sought. Evan gasped and replied, “I don’t know, but I’ll try. If your mommy doesn’t forgive me, that doesn’t change the fact that I I am your father. I will always be here for you.” “Did you say sorry to her, like, seriously?” Lucas asked. Evan realized that he and Shantelle still needed to finish their talk. Sure, he had apologized to her at Lucas’ school, but there wasn’t enough time to get all the air out. More importantly, he wasn’t able to get her side. “I have, but it wasn’t a convenient time for us to talk about it,” he admitted. “Don’t worry, I’ll say sorry to your mommy again.” “I hope she forgives you,” Lucas suggested. Dead air fell upon them until Evan asked, What about you, Lucas? " Do you forgive Daddy?” “I don’t know. You did not hurt me, but if you hurt mommy again, I will be mad,” Lucas said, his arms crossed against his chest. “I won’t hurt your mommy again. I have learned my lesson.” Evan promised. “I love your mommy, and I love you, son.”

Evan saw how Lucas’ eyes were watering. He called him over, saying, “Come here.” Lucas stood from his chair and walked towards Evan, his arms automatically encircling his father. He said, “I love you too, Daddy. It feels good to have a daddy.”

Sunday came quickly. It was finally time to return Lucas to Shantelle. Lucas has had two half days with Clara, which was well spent. In between, Evan called and texted Shantelle, updating her about Lucas’ daily activities. 1 They drove to the Scotts’ residence after lunch. When they arrived, Shantelle greeted them at the driveway. The hotel driver handed the maids a basket of apples and some shopping bags. Clara said, “Those are the apples that Lucas picked for you. Evan bought him some gifts, and you have some too.” Shantelle smiled at Clara. She turned to Evan and said, “You did not have to.” Before Evan could react, Lucas rushed to Shantelle hugged her. He said, Mommy, I miss you.” He yawned and added, “I’m tired. I wanna sleep.” “Okay. Go on inside.” She directed. Shantelle ordered the maid to help Lucas to bed before attending to Clara and Evan. “Have some coffee before leaving, Aunt Clara,” Shantelle offered. “Oh, no, thank you, Shanty. I would rather attend to your uncle, who is so excited to see more videos of Lucas,” Clara replied. “I shall head back. Evan says he wants to stay for a while and talk to you about something.” Shantelle lifted her brow at Evan. Evan proposed, “It’s just to plan our co- parenting set-up.” “Ah, right.” She smiled at Clara, saying, “I ordered Uncle Erick’s discharge tomorrow afternoon. He can spend time with Lucas. before returning to Rose Hills.”

Clara eventually left with the hotel car service. Shantelle guided Evan to the study, where they were to discuss Lucas’ care. When Evan took his seat, Shantelle suggested, “We don’t need to make it difficult for us, Evan. Do we?” She sat on the opposite chair and suggested, “I don’t want your money, so you can freely give anything to Lucas at your will. As for the custody, I admit I’m uncomfortable with you taking him to Rose Hills.” “Shanty, can we talk about something else?” Evan proposed. Shantelle quickly frowned and asked, “What do you want to talk about, Evan?” From his seat, Evan stood up and walked towards her. The next thing Shantelle knew, Evan was kneeling in front of her and holding her arms steady. “Shanty,” he said. “We did not really get to finish our talk, just between us. I think this is the right opportunity.” “What is it that you want?” Shantelle sought, leaning back in her seat, putting distance between them. “Shanty, I am so sorry for all I have done in the past. I’m sorry for all the pain I have caused you. I regretted everything and realized how much I love you,” he expressed. He searched for her eyes and tried to make eye contact. He described, “I have gone on for years, hating myself, longing for you, asking the heavens that you would forgive me and come back to me one day.” Evan held her hand, and while she tried to pull her hand back, he forced it against his chest and implored, “Consider the beating of my heart. You’ll know if I am lying or not. I beg you to feel my sincerity.” 3 “I’m sorry, Shanty. I’m sorry. And I will say it as many times as I can. until it reaches your heart,” he added. 1 Maintaining her hand against his chest, he asked, “Shanty, will you ever find it in your heart to forgive me?”

Chapter 49: Shantelle’s Reply Just who is this man pleading before her? Shantelle did not recognize him. In fact, his whole arrival and approach to everything had been a complete surprise to her. First, he told her he loved her and had gone around looking for her. Second, he did not retort over the fact that she had hidden Lucas for years. Even the way he accepted Lucas was still overwhelming for Shantelle. Evan Thompson, the same the man who told her to disappear from his life, was down on his knees, begging and asking for forgiveness. Her body stiffened. She had to shut her eyes and control her emotions. She had to use her strength to free her hand. Yes, she felt no change in Evan’s heart rate after his words. She honestly felt his sincerity, but what does it matter now? She wasn’t the same person she used to be. “Evan, stop,” she ordered. “Please, return to your seat.” “Shanty,” he looked at her and asked, Please, tell me how you feel about all this. I want to hear what’s on your mind. I know you probably hate me, but had that hate faded even just a little knowing the full truth now?” 2 “Please, I need space,” Shantelle requested. She looked sideways, avoiding his gaze. When Evan returned to his seat, she finally relaxed, and Evan apologized. She hid her hand behind her back and clenched them. After thinking about Evan’s request, she cautiously responded, “Evan, many years have passed. I have gone past that stage of keeping hate.’ “No one is perfect in this world, and I supposed I would want to be forgiven should our places be exchanged.” Shantelle saw Evan gasp as if he was relieved. She felt a little guilty, for she never meant to give him any hope. She resumed, “I partly blame myself for what happened

between us. I agreed to marry you, knowing you did not love me. If I had not done so, I would not have felt miserable.” “But then again, I would not have Lucas too, and he is everything to me.” Her voice softened as she referred to the brighter side of their relationship. “I supposed everything happened for a reason. Thus, for the sake of Lucas, and for my own peace, I forgive you. I forgive you, Evan.” “By forgiving you, you can play your role as a father to Lucas like you should be, and we can agree on co-parenting amicably,” she described. “However-‘ Shantelle looked Evan straight in the eye, and with her voice slightly raised, she clarified, “Forgiving is one thing, Evan, but I won’t… FORGET.” 3 “I will never be the same person who followed you around like a puppy because that Shanty is already gone.” Her jaws clenched before she continued, “I want to emphasize that other than being good parents to Lucas, there can be nothing between us.” “You say you love me? Stop. Don’t pursue those feelings because you will only hurt yourself. I don’t want to love,” she repeated. “Never again.” Earlier, when Shantelle hinted she would forgive Evan, he relaxed. However, when she resumed, Evan could not help but feel like a statue. ‘There can be nothing between us.’ ‘You say you love me? Stop.’ ‘I don’t want to love.’ ‘Never again.’ Those words punched his heart like a knife. It rang in his head, and he was lost in his thoughts for a few seconds. Shantelle must have given him time to let it all sink in, since she also fell mute. Returning to his senses, Evan exhaled profoundly. His voice broke in and out as he asked, “Is it because of Keith?”

“It has nothing to do with Keith. We are just friends. He is Lucas’ godfather, and please don’t make trouble and start punching him in Rose Hills. I told him not to update me about your life. He also made a deal with my dad, stopping him from telling you about me. He kept his mouth shut, and dad signed a contract with him,” Shantelle revealed. “It was an exdeal, but yes, there were wrongs in those decisions too, and that’s why I decided to forgive you because even I -” She sighed heavily and admitted, “Even I made mistakes. I kept Lucas from you and acknowledged that I was also wrong.” 2 “So are we good, Evan?” Shantelle inquired. Evan did not know for how long he just looked past her, thinking, but eventually, he sought, “Don’t you… feel anything for me anymore, Shanty? All those years you have loved me, has that faded over time?” 2 “Shanty, don’t you love me anymore?” he asked. He did not look away from her. Evan waited and waited. Shantelle ultimately took a deep breath with her eyes shut. It appeared to Evan that she was bracing herself. When she opened her eyes, she clearly and slowly answered, “I don’t. I don’t, Evan. I don’t love you anymore. There was not a hint of emotion in her tone. She wasn’t angry or nervous. It was all flat. It hurt more than Even imagined. After Shantelle said those words, it appeared as though the air was voluntarily leaving his lungs. He could not breathe, and there was tightness in his chest that he could not ease. Immediately, he wondered if Shantelle felt the same pain when he said the same words to her years ago. He felt like a fool all over again for hurting this beautiful person, the woman he loved, and the mother of his child. “So let’s get over this and move on with our lives as parents of Lucas. Let’s talk about your scheduled visit,” Shantelle quickly suggested, not dwelling on the topic.

The awkwardness lingered in the air for some time. Still, the two agreed on how they could have Lucas both. It took a while, but eventually, the surrounding tension withered. All that was left were two parents, deciding on what was best for their son. Evan planned to visit every weekend while Lucas attended school. Evan could come on weekdays, depending on his schedule. Lucas would stay with him overnight during his visits, and Evan would take Lucas to school. “I agree to this Shanty,” Evan weakly confirmed, “But during the school break, you would have to come to terms with me bringing Lucas back to Rose Hills for a full month.” Shantelle wound up massaging the back of her neck and then her forehead. Seeing Shantelle’s hesitation, Evan reminded, “Shanty, Lucas is my son, and I missed seven years of his life. I want to make up for all of that. You did say we didn’t have to make things difficult, Shanty -” “I know.” She puffed and added, “It’s just hard. He’s never been away from me – that long and far.” Ultimately, she replied, “I’ll prepare myself for it.” “One other thing, I want Lucas’ last name changed to mine,” Evan informed. “He is my son, after all, the rightful heir of my company.” Yet again, Shantelle was rendered speechless. “Shanty, it’s bound to happen,” Evan firmly said. “We can’t change this fact.” “Fine,” Shantelle replied. “I agree, but before making the formalities, please let’s talk to my parents -” “I intend to,” Evan revealed. “I will return when your parents are home.’ Shantelle nodded and prepared him, They will grill you.” 2 “They can fry me. They grill me, point a gun at my head, and I’ll be ready for it. I’ve been ready for more than seven years,

“Evan suggested. “Over and over again – while sometimes on the road and in my sleep, I played that speech I had written, asking for your parent’s forgiveness. It hasn’t left my mind since.” “I’m ready,” Evan repeated. “Okay, then.” Shantelle acknowledged.” If you have nothing more to discuss with me, I think you should see Uncle Erick.” “Shanty, you are too excited to kick me out of the house,” Evan remarked. 1 “I’m tired. I want to get some sleep,” Shantelle claimed. “My reason for asking you to leave has nothing to do with you. So please, don’t flatter yourself.” Evan hissed. While getting up, he remarked, “This is a totally different side of you.” “Get used to it,” she replied. 1 Evan and Shantelle were already at the door. Seeing his car service had already returned from the hospital, Evan turned to Shantelle. He said, “Shanty, thank you for forgiving me. It may not be what my heart craves, but it is enough for me.” She looked at him without answering. “So, I supposed we are friends?” He asked, extending his hand to her. Shantelle looked at his hand for a second. Then, she took it, saying, “Acquaintances. 1 “Friends have an affectionate mutual bond that excludes intimacy. We don’t have any of that,” she pointed out. “Right. Should we start making that bond? Maybe I can take you out for dinner on Wednesday evening? We will be leaving on Thursday morning. It would be great to catch up.” He sought. Shantelle lifted her brow. She answered, ‘ No. I am very busy, Evan. I am up for surgery consultation on Wednesday afternoon, which sometimes lasts until the evening. Sorry.” “For Lucas? We would want to show him that we get along,” Evan suggested. Shantelle returned to the door, and before closing it, she replied, “Evan, we get along just fine. Goodbye.”

Chapter 50: Consult + Dinner “Grandpa, let me help you get up,” Lucas offered, guiding Erick to the dining table of their hotel suite. To Erick’s other side, a nurse aide held Erick around his waist. “My sweet little boy,” Erick remarked, caressing Lucas’ head. “Thank you for taking care of grandpa.” It had been three days since Erick was discharged from the hospital. After Lucas ‘school, Evan fetched him and brought him to the hotel. Lucas bonded with his paternal grandparents for at least an hour. Then after, Evan took Lucas home. Erick and Clara had never been so happy in many years. Lucas was their new source of happiness. He was a jolly kid who was so sweet. He never failed to be affectionate towards his grandparents, which made the old Thompsons feel loved. “Lucas, I’m headed to the hospital. You stay here and have an early dinner with your grandma and grandpa, okay?” Evan kissed Lucas’ cheek and said, “See you later, Luc.” “Daddy? Are you going to fetch Mommy? Why are you going to the hospital?” Lucas asked, his brows meeting in confusion. “Um. Sort of,” Evan answered, winking at his son. “I want to see your mommy before leaving tomorrow, okay? Wish me luck.” “Okay, Daddy. Good luck!” Lucas said. “Do your best, Evan,” Erick wished him well. “Good luck, son,” Clara said. “Don’t forget the sushi. She loves sushi.”

“Sushi? Mommy loves sushi,” Lucas remarked. “Are you bringing Mommy some sushi?” “Yes, I am, son. See you in a few,” Evan said before finally leaving.

Meanwhile, at Warrington Hospital, Shantelle was entertaining a patient in her office. “Thank you, Doctor Shant, for enlightening me about my options. I will call the hospital once we have decided,” the patient said. “Your attending physician can also make the surgery appointment,” Shantelle replied with a smile. “Goodbye, Doctor Shant,” the patient said. “Doc, you have one more appointment and, um. He- um. He said he wanted an hour of your time.” The male nurse sneered and said, “I shall help him now.” Shantelle did not fully understand. However, she has had patients whom she needed to pacify or educate about complicated surgeries. In such cases, she spent an hour, sometimes two hours, with the patient’s family. Thus, she merely dismissed the secretaries’ notice and waited for her next appointment. To her surprise, the same nurse re- entered, carrying food boxes. One of which was her favorite sushi box in town. Two containers included salads, and another two had her favorite steak. Shantelle gulped, and her stomach rumbled. It was already past six in the evening, and she only had a sandwich for lunch. Was it normal for patients to bless her with food? Yes. She has had patients bring her fruit baskets and treats, but Then again, who was her next patient? “Doc, your next patient,” the nurse said. Then, the said person walked in. Immediately, Shantelle’s eyes rounded. It was Evan Thompson. He was carrying a bucket of ice, an expensive wine bottle, and two glasses. “Good evening, Doctor Shant. I hope you don’t mind that I brought dinner during our consultation. I am starving, and I’m

afraid that my condition may take longer to assess,” Evan said before taking the seat in front of her table. Shantelle did not say anything. Instead, she glared at Evan while he set the food packs. “Your favorite salad, your favorite sushi, and your favorite steak.” He first cut the steak into smaller pieces. Then he suggested, “Shall we eat before discussing my condition, Doctor Shant?” Shantelle saw how the male nurse kept staring through her office door. Clearly, he was in on it. What made it worse was how other nurses and doctors were eyeing her office. Wasn’t it enough that Evan had been sending flowers to her office every day since Erick’s discharge? Evan just had to invite so much attention. 2 “What are you doing, Mister Thompson? “She asked, giving him the same regard since he was acting like a supposed patient in the first place, colluding with the secretary. “I am preparing food so my good doctor can give me proper advice,” he responded. “Bon appétit.” Shantelle further glowered at Evan, but her stomach grumbled again. He smiled. Her mouth twitched. Her stomach growled again. ‘The hell!’ Her stomach wasn’t cooperating with her! She wound up eating her salad, and he did the same. Halfway through her greens, she asked, “So, since you paid for my time. Tell me, what’s wrong with you, Mister Thompson?” Evan had already finished his salad. He wiped the corners of his lips and replied, ” Well, Doctor Shant. I need your expertise. Shantelle bitterly picked up her favorite sushi and chowed it down. It was so flavorful. It was supposed to be a pleasing experience, yet her feelings were mixed with annoyance at how Evan pretended to be a patient.

Putting a hand on his chest, Evan described, “Doctor Shant, I often experience pain in my chest. I might need an operation.” “Mister Thompson, you are bypassing the proper protocol. You should have consulted with the cardiologist first. For all we know, you don’t need surgery,” Shantelle pointed out. Her eyes glanced sideways, and still saw the nurses and doctors gossiping about whatever was happening inside her office. Shantelle’s office wasn’t soundproofed. Only a glass door stood in the way. She was positive they could hear a little of their conversation, somehow. “Oh, but I don’t need any other doctor,” he replied. “It would not help.” “What do you mean?” Shantelle forked her steak angrily. She chewed it down like the meat wronged her in many ways. Evan, on the other hand, served her a glass of wine. Only after gulping down her drink did she study Evan properly. He was silent, and his expression turned frail. His eyes were full of longing as he put his hand over his chest again. He cautiously responded, Doctor Shant, you see, my heart is broken, and I think only you can mend it.” ‘What? What did he say?’ Shantelle could not believe her ears. She did not know that Evan was capable of such a drama. She could not help but laugh. She snorted as she pointed out, “Mister Thompson, I’m a doctor. I am not God! The chest The pain you describe is from emotional stress. It has nothing to do with a surgeon’s work.” “What you need is acceptance. Accept that whoever broke your heart is no longer willing to mend it. Only then can that heartache heals by itself,” Shantelle described. “Trust me. I’ve been through the same situation.” “Accept it,” she repeated. “And in time, you’ll forget all those… feelings.” In the next few minutes, they both fell silent. Little by little, the tension that had earlier brewed slowly waned. Evan wasn’t eating anymore. He closed his box of food and simply watched Shantelle.

Shantelle, on the other hand, angrily ate her food. When she was done, she studied Evan for some time. Seeing that look of defeat on his face, she sighed and said, Don’t do this again, Evan. I won’t be so accommodating the next time.” “I.” Evan sucked in a breath. He looked down, forcing a smile, saying, “I just… wanted to have dinner with you, Shanty.” 1 He returned his gaze to her, adding, “I think it was all worth it, seeing you and talking to you before I leave for Rose Hills… If you are good, we can get Lucas now.”

Shantelle walked ahead of Evan into the driveway of the hospital. She stood on the far left, away from the crowd, letting off some steam. Evan followed. When he found her, he called the driver and walked toward Shantelle. Just then, Evan noticed a motorbike advancing at high speed. It appeared to him that the two-wheeled vehicle was aiming at Shantelle. “Shanty!” He screamed, but she ignored him. Instead, Evan ran and pulled her over to his left side. “Shanty, watch out!” The motorbike hit Evan, sending him face down on the ground. As the motorbike fled the scene, Shantelle screamed, “Evan!”

Chapter 51: The Threat “Are you sure you are okay?” Shantelle asked as she lifted Evan’s shirt from the back. There was a big red mark above his hip, suggesting blood had pooled in that area, forming a nasty bruise. Not only that, he had scratched his forehead, and he admitted to hurting his arm. “I’m fine. I protected my head, but my arm hurts,” Evan said, turning to his right arm. Still, I can move it.” Earlier, after the encounter with the motorist, the hospital security team tried to race after the motorbike, but they failed to

catch the rider. Evan was brought into the Emergency Room (ER) for evaluation. He insisted he was fine, but Shantelle would not let him leave. After all, he did somehow save her from the collision. Shantelle turned to the ER nurse and requested, “Put him through a CT scan, to be sure.” Evan forced himself up from the hospital bed, saying, “Shanty, no. I think I’ll live. What I’d like to do is talk to security and maybe watch the surveillance. Clearly, that motorbike was aiming at you -” “Will you stop thinking about others and focus on yourself?” Shantelle shot back. “Don’t be disobedient and listen to the doctor,” Shantelle ordered. She turned to the nurse and gave the same directive. “Put him through CT scan now.” Evan had no choice. The doctor’s orders were definite, and Shantelle would not give him a discharge order. Besides, he was rather pleased about Shantelle’s sudden concern. Transferring to a wheelchair, he remarked, “I’m at least glad you I still care.” (1 While Evan was brought to the radiology room, Shantelle returned to her office. She realized she had forgotten her personal phone when she had left with Evan, following his supposed consultation turned into dinner. When Shantelle entered the room, she was surprised to find Doctor Park, taking a call from her office landline. “Yes, the next patient in line is Bri -” “Doctor Park, what are you doing here?” Shantelle asked, her brow raising. “Who's that on the phone?” She saw how Doctor Park paled. Her eyes widened in shock. “Doctor – doctor Shant, you’re okay?” “Why wouldn’t I be?” Shantelle asked, fully baffled. “Oh, I mean. You’re back! I thought you had already left, and I heard your phone ringing. Your office was still open, so I answered the call,” Doctor Park explained.

Shantelle thought back. She had instructed the nurse in charge to lock up her office, but perhaps it was a miss on the nurse’s part. It was also her fault for rushing out with Evan earlier. “Who's that on the phone?” Shantelle asked again. “Um. It’s the organ center. They um. There is a heart ready,” Doctor Park revealed. 1 “Oh, my god! What are we waiting here for?” Shantelle exclaimed. She immediately took over the call and confirmed the same. After getting the donor’s details and cross- referencing them to the patients on the waitlist. She responded to the person on the other line, “We indeed have a match. The next patient is Jean Lace. We will call the patient to confirm if they will accept the heart’s condition.” Shantelle made another phone call. The waitlist patient accepted the heart’s conditions, and Shantelle ordered her team to prepare for surgery. It would be Shantelle’s second heart transplant procedure. During her first, her father walked her throughout the process. In previous years, she had assisted her father with three heart transplants, one of which involved both heart and lungs. Shantelle went back and forth in the next few minutes, giving her team instructions. However, Doctor Park was not herself. She nodded and appeared to understand Shantelle’s orders, but her feet weren’t moving. “Are you okay? Doctor Park?” Finally, Shantelle asked. Doctor Park turned ghost white. Then she replied, “Um. I – Doc. I don’t think I can assist you today. I don’t feel well.” 1 “Very well, I’ll ask another surgeon,” Shantelle quickly decided. She turned to her scrub nurse, directing, “Call Doctor Varma. It’s his chance to assist me with a heart transplant!” “Yes, Doctor Shant!” The scrub nurse replied. While Shantelle’s team was preparing the operating room, she returned to the ER and discovered that Evan was not in

danger. Shantelle was relieved. She said to Evan, Thank goodness you are okay – “No, thank goodness you are okay,” Evan said back. “Shanty, that motorbike was aiming for you -” “You told me that already, but I don’t know why that biker would. Anyway, can we talk about this later? I have an emergency heart transplant procedure. The heart is due to arrive in less than an hour. It’s being airlifted from the next town. The recipient will be here at any minute. Do you mind looking after Lucas? I’ll fetch him in the morning,” she asked. “Of course,” Evan confirmed. “That’s a critical surgery.” He held her arm, saying, “Do well, Shanty. Good luck.” She smiled and replied, “Thank you.” She responded by holding his wrist, saying, ” And thank you for saving me earlier, Evan.” “Doctor Shant, you are needed in Operating Room one. Doctor Shant, you are needed in Operating Room one,” the the hospital's announcement came through. “That’s me. Are you sure you can manage?” She asked. “Positive,” Evan replied. Shantelle quickly ordered Evan’s discharge with pain medications and antiinflammatories. She instructed the nurses in the ER to have Evan ushered in a wheelchair before finally leaving the Emergency Room.

“Sir, we can’t give you the video recordings. We need to course this through management,” the head of security on duty advised Evan. “They will be in tomorrow.” Instead of going to the hotel, Evan went straight to find the hospital’s head of security. Evan turned to the guard who had chased after the motorbike rider and focused on him, saying, “You! You saw how that

The motorbike nearly hit Doctor Shant! If I had not pulled her away, who knows how seriously injured she would have been!” “Yes, sir,” the guard reported to his superior. “It was done intentionally since the motorbike fled the scene.” The motorbike wound up hitting Evan, but he was stronger and well-built. He also had a better footing than Shantelle. Knowing the potential impact, he had protected his head from hitting the pavement. However, what about his ex-wife? Shantelle was oblivious to the speeding vehicle. It would have been worse! Oh, how Evan thanked the heavens that he decided to pester his ex-wife that evening. Seeing the head of security still undecided, Evan threatened, “In that case, I will go to the police and report this incident. Aside from that, I will share with the media how lacking you are in keeping your employees safe!” His voice strengthened as he warned, “The choice is yours! And I warn you, I am not one to mess with!” With Evan’s persistence, eventually, the head of security agreed. Together with the guard, the three of them watched the surveillance videos. They saw how the motorbike had been waiting in the driveway for four hours. The same rider only turned on his motor engine at the sight of Shantelle. “He was definitely waiting for her,” Evan concluded, his brows meeting altogether. Who would want to hurt Shanty?”

Hours passed. There were many things to consider when matching a heart to a patient. After the recipient’s complete medical history, proximity and body size played a role in deciding who would get the organ. In Warlington’s Hospital Operating Room One, Shantelle was proud of being part of a team that saved lives. Shantelle had just sewn the new heart into place. She had been in the operating room for over four hours, ensuring that each blood vessel and arteries were attached together without leaking.

“Okay,” she said. “Let’s turn off the heart and lung machine.” She allowed some time to monitor the new heart’s performance. Observing how the said organ was beating on its own, she instructed, “Everybody. Good job. Let’s close up the patient’s chest.” “Amazing job, Doctor Shant!” “We are proud of you, Doctor Shant.” “Thank you for making me part of this operation, Doctor Shant.” Each of her team members gave their commendations and gratitude. Even as Shantelle stepped out of the operating room, the patient’s parents were in tears after learning how the surgery was a success. “There is still more work to be done, Shantelle claimed. “Your daughter’s cardiologist and I will work together to keep Jean’s heart is beating, but for now, rest knowing that she has a new and healthy heart.” “Thank you, Doctor Shant!” “Thank you!” The patient’s family members cried for joy as Shantelle left the operating room floor. She first returned to her office to get some rest. It was already five in the morning when she decided to leave. Before doing so, she called Evan to inform him she was on her way to the hotel. Much to her surprise, she saw Evan in the driveway with a familiar young man she had operated on last week. They had been waiting for her all along. “Morning, Shanty. Do you remember Miguel Gonzales? He’ll be your bodyguard from now on,” Evan suggested. “Good Morning Doctor Shant,” the young man said. “I never got to thank you for saving my life. Thank you. You are a great doctor.” “My bodyguard? What for?” Shantelle sought. “Shanty, the motorbike from earlier was aiming at you. He was waiting for hours and turned on his engine when you came

out of the hospital,” Evan revealed. “I’ll hire more bodyguards to keep an eye on you and Lucas safe. For now, Miguel and your family driver will be your constant companion.”

During their drive to the hotel, Evan showed the video of the motorbike rider to Shantelle. Seeing it, Shantelle’s skin crawled. She wondered, “But why? Why would anyone want to hurt me?” “Have you made enemies?” Evan sought. “I don’t think so, I -” Suddenly, Shantelle had a lightbulb moment. It wasn’t long before one Peter Haris threatened her for not putting Briana West on top of the donor’s list. She gulped. She massaged her forehead and said, “I – I might have angered someone.” “Who?” Evan asked. His eyes narrowed, and his voice raised in anger.

Chapter 52: Evan’s Offer Three days had passed since the motorbike incident. The hospital administration strengthened its security around the facility and reported the same to the authorities. Unfortunately, the motorbike had used fake plates, and the police could not trace the vehicle’s owner. Thus, the purpose The attack remained unknown. Following Shantelle’s testimony, the authorities questioned Briana West and her family but denied their involvement. Sadly, there was no solid proof to connect them to the incident. The police also interrogated Peter Haris, but he also refuted the accusations. Shantelle had also reported Doctor Park. She suggested to her superior how Doctor Park acted strangely that day. Still,

because they could not find solid proof that the said assistant surgeon was trying to sabotage the organ waitlist, Doctor Park remained as a medical staff of Warrington Hospital, but she was put under investigation. Shantelle, however, removed Doctor Park from her surgery team and replaced her with Doctor Varma. Given the circumstances, Evan and his family remained in Warlington for another three days. Since no one could trace the biker and there were not enough pieces of evidence against Briana West and Peter Haris, all Evan could do was add more escorts to watch over Shantelle and his son. A day before leaving Warlington, Evan brought Shantelle’s new bodyguards to the Scotts’ residence. He introduced, “Shanty, this is Andy. She will be your head of security. This is Mark, Duane, and, of course, you know Miguel. They will all take turns escorting you in and out of the hospital while one attends to Lucas.” “You already know Miguel. Andy, Duane, and Mark are from the same security agency I work with in Rose Hills. They came highly recommended,” Evan added. “Andy is a former police officer, and the rest are former marines.” It wasn’t just the bodyguards. Evan bought Shantelle a new car. That way, she would always have one on standby instead of relying on the family driver, who sometimes would drive Lucas or Doctor Scott. They were all in the living room of the Scotts ‘ residence when Evan set his expectations for the bodyguards. Shantelle was still so overwhelmed. After Evan had dismissed the security team, she said, “Evan, I saw the video with my own eyes, and I have to admit, it was scary, but four bodyguards? Don’t you think it’s a little too much?” “Shanty, if anything happens to you, I would go on a rampage – I don’t know what I would do. I might just lose myself

completely,” Evan expressed. “I hired a private investigator to look into the Wests, but while he is still gathering information, I need to ensure you are safe.” He lifted his shoulders and said, “Besides, better safe than sorry, right? What’s the use of my money if I can’t protect my family?” “Fine,” Shantelle conceded, retreating into the chair and slouching. “I wish you would come with me to Rose Hills instead, Shanty,” Evan presented. “I don’t know many people here – I have started, but I don’t know how long it would take for me to have full influence in this city. Until then, this is my only means of protecting you.” “I would feel much better if you are safe and sound in Rose Hills,” he added. Shantelle fell silent. Then she answered, “I don’t know about that, Evan. My life is here. Maybe this will just pass. Maybe it’s not about the heart transplant; there may be another reason for it, and the culprit will be caught. Maybe everything will return to normal for me. Besides, I – I don’t have a home in Rose Hills. We sold our house, remember?” “Actually. About that.” Evan revealed, “Your house is still well maintained.” When Shantelle gave him that puzzled look, he took out his phone and showed her pictures of the Scotts’ estate back in Rose Hills, including its deed of sale. He said, “I bought the property from the Jones that same year you left. I meant to give it back to you. I had always hoped you would return.’ 11 Shantelle’s eyes widened. She was utterly rendered speechless. One by one, she skimmed through Evan’s phone and studied the photos of her old home. “Just so you know, Shanty, you will always have a home in Rose Hills. Just say the word, and I shall have the old Scotts’ estate transferred under your name,” Evan said. ” Think about it.”

Another day passed. It was time for Evan and the Thompsons to fly back to Rose Hills. They are at the runway, meant for private jets, saying their goodbyes. Shantelle and Lucas hugged Clara, Erick, and Mrs. Shaw before they were aided into the air ambulance. While Erick was doing better, Evan did not want to take a risk. Anything could happen, considering his father had recently had open -heart surgery. Thus, he still opted to take an air ambulance back home. Evan lingered on the runway for Lucas and Shantelle. He hugged his son tightly and kissed his cheeks, saying, “I will miss you, Lucas, so much. Be a good boy to your mommy. Lucas was already crying. He had been since he said goodbye to his paternal grandparents. He replied, “I’ll miss you too, Daddy. I love you.” “I love you more, kiddo,” Evan replied. “I’ll call you every day.” When it was finally time for Evan to say goodbye to Shantelle, he said to her, “I will be back in a few days. I’ll just settle mother and father. I have a very important business deal to take care of, and then I’ll come back.” “Okay, thank you, Evan, for everything – the bodyguard arrangements and all,” Shantelle said. Her voice turned soft as she added, And, um. Of course, thanks again for saving me from that motorcycle.” “Shanty, you don’t have to thank me. I would do the same – step in to save you in a heartbeat.” He held her arm and added, "That's how much I care for you.” 11 Shantelle did not know why but she wound up smiling while shaking her head. Evan chuckled at her reaction, utterly pleased to see her smile. “What?” Shantelle asked. “Just be thankful that I smiled.” “Oh, I am. That’s so much better than your usual eye-roll,” he remarked. He did not say it, but he was claiming progress in his heart!

It took seconds for Shantelle’s smile to disappear. When she did, she said, “Goodbye, Evan. Take care.” “Same to you,” Evan said. He raised his arm, asking, “Can I at least… get a hug?” Shantelle hesitated for a moment, but soon she allowed it. They embraced each other and quickly pulled away. Before Evan boarded the plane, he reminded, “See you in a few days and think about returning to Rose Hills.” The mother and son watched as the air ambulance took off from the runway. Shantelle glanced back and saw Andy and Mark signaling her to get back into the car. She was about to suggest the same to her son when Lucas said, “Mommy, I want us to go to Rose Hills with Daddy.”

Chapter 53: The Video Call Evan: [Good morning. Hope you had some rest. Mother says hi, and she misses you.] Shantelle read Evan’s message. It included a picture of Clara and Erick having breakfast at the old Thompsons’ mansion. It made her smile, thinking how many times she had spent at the same house. She typed her reply: [Please tell Uncle and Aunt I miss them too. Thank you for the photo.] After sending the text, Shantelle returned to reviewing a patient’s file. However, just when she was in the middle of doing so, another message came through. Evan: [Someone else misses you.] Reading the message, Shantelle blinked once and then twice. She stared at the phone for seconds, speculating about the person’s identity. Is this really Evan? It wasn’t in his character.

“Doctor Shant, I know you did not have breakfast yet, so the boss told me to get one for you,” Miguel walked into her office, interrupting her train of thought. He presented a clear food package containing buttermilk pancakes with whipped cream. Shantelle could not believe her eyes. The package had the Century Hotel logo, meaning Miguel had driven an hour away to get the pancakes. Alright, she had to admit. Evan knew her well. After all, they had known each other since they were young. Every treat he had given her so far was on point. However, the pancake was a new addition to her guilty pleasure. She rarely ate pancakes in Rose Hills, so how did he know about the Century Hotel hotcakes? A mystery. Despite the unknown, Shantelle thanked Miguel for going to lengths for her breakfast. Four days had passed since Evan left Warlington. So far, she had encountered no threat. Still, Andy, her head of security, thoroughly ensured her daily route. Shantelle no longer arrived and left at the hospital driveway. Her car drove into a guarded route meant only for the ambulance’s entry. The hospital had other entries that were only meant for the staff or for suppliers to go through. The administration willingly gave Shantelle access after the motorbike incident.

In the evening, Shantelle went home with Miguel and Andy. They were stuck in traffic when Evan called her. She answered, “Yes, Evan?” “Shanty, how are you?” Evan asked on the other line. “I’m good. Nothing bad happened as usual at the hospital,” Shantelle reported, her eyes on the busy streets. “Who is with you?” Evan sought. “It should be Andy and Miguel’s turn to take you home. I’ve already mapped out their

schedules. Mark and your family driver should have already taken Lucas home.” “He is home. I called the house earlier,” Shantelle revealed, referring to her son. And yes, Andy and Miguel are driving me home.” “Let me see,” Evan suggested. “What?” Shantelle asked. “Put me on video conference, and let me see if Andy and Miguel are really doing their job,” Evan urged. “Evan, no. You should trust them,” Shantelle pointed out. “I just want to have a look myself,” Evan insisted. “I want to make sure you are safe.” “I’m safe as can be,” Shantelle replied, but there was no stopping the man. He would not let it go, so she turned on the camera. Of course, her face came up first as she set the call. She heard Evan remark, “You look tired. Get some rest later, Shanty.” “I will,” Shantelle replied. “I had a very critical patient today. It drained me.” She was about to rotate her camera and give Evan a view of Miguel and Andy when he sought, “What’s that behind you?” “What?” Shantelle frowned and turned her head back. “There is nothing behind me.” “I swear there was something behind you, “Evan insisted. “Look again.” “There is nothing, okay? This isn’t a scary movie, Evan. You are giving me a fright.” Shantelle scolded. “Let me show you, Miguel and Andy, now.” “There is no need. Shanty, I know they are there. Thank you for taking my call. Let me talk to Lucas later, okay?” Evan ended the video call from there, making Shantelle completely bemused. What was all the fuss about wanting to see Miguel and Andy then? 2

“Daddy, I really miss you. When are you coming back?” Lucas said, his body turned sideways on his bed, refusing to give Shantelle her phone. Like every other night since Evan left, he and Lucas spoke until nine. That night, however, Shantelle was already feeling sleepy. She said to Evan, “Let him rest, Evan. He has school tomorrow.” “Mommy, I’ll give the phone to you later. I promise,” Lucas said, turning to her with pleading eyes. Her son even acted to cry, saying, “I really miss my daddy. Why can’t he be here with us? Maybe we should just go to Rose Hills.” That was a discussion that Shantelle wasn’t prepared to have. Thus, she gave up, saying, “Fine. When you are done, don’t forget to put the phone in my room and charge it. I’m so tired. I’m going to bed.” “Goodnight, Mommy. I love you,” Lucas said. “Goodnight. I love you,” she replied. “Daddy says goodnight, too,” Lucas announced. ‘Goodnight, Evan,” she answered. “I love you, mommy,” Lucas repeated. A smile spread through her face when Shantelle replied again, “I love you, honey.” “Love you, mommy,” he said again. “I love you,” Shantelle replied, already at the door. From then on, the mother and son went back and forth, having the same exchange. Lucas: “I love you, Mommy.” Shantelle: “Love you, Lucas.” She earnestly thought it was entertaining that she kept saying it back. The entire time, Lucas was on the phone with Evan. Lucas: “I love you, Mommy.” Shantelle: “I love you more!” Lucas: “Daddy says I love you!”

“And I love -” Shantelle stopped herself, realizing who Lucas was referring to. She raised a brow, thinking, ‘Did my son try to trap me into saying the words for Evan? “I love you, Mommy,” Lucas said again before chuckling. “Daddy says he loves you, too.” Shantelle stood by the door for an undetermined time, not knowing what to say to her son. Soon, she smiled at Lucas, saying, “Goodnight, honey. If you can’t bring my phone back, that’s okay. Spend some time with your daddy. I’ll get my phone in the morning.” She left the room and went back to sleep.

The wee hours came, and Shantelle awoke due to the heavy rain. Warlington had a few storms coming, and that night was one of them. Shantelle wanted to check on her son. Lucas could sleep like a rock, but there were a few occasions in the past when he would jerk awake, following a loud downpour. When she entered Lucas’ room, he was sleeping sideways, facing his bedside table. Only then did she notice her phone leaning against the lamp. She pulled up Lucas’ blanket and reached for her phone, only to realize that the camera was still on. Shantelle gasped. Tears welled in her eyes, understanding how Evan watched Lucas to sleep and her son probably did the same with his father. Guilt washed over her, thinking how many years she had deprived her son of this moment – a moment with his father. She saw Evan’s handsome face lying sideways, just like Lucas. Her eyes wandered behind Evan and saw the picture frame still hanging on the wall. It was their wedding picture. She understood Evan was in the villa. How long has it been? Yet, Evan never took it down.

Shantelle did not know how long she studied the video, but when she noticed her phone was about to run out of battery, she reached for her mobile. Just then, her eyes met a pair of dark brown orbs, apparently staring at her through the call. She heard Evan say, Shanty, I don’t know how long I can handle this. The distance is killing me. I miss you and Lucas so much. I really hope you’ll come back to Rose Hills.”

Chapter 54: William’s Test “Dad, please,” Shantelle begged. “I’m not doing this for me. I swear. I don’t plan to be involved with Evan in that way. This is all for Lucas.” The day finally came for Shantelle to have that talk with her parents. After arriving from their long vacation, Lucas spilled the beans before Shantelle could inform Eleanor and William Scott about the Thompsons. Immediately, William was doubtful. He ordered Shantelle to the study, where they talked about Evan for over an hour. “Sweetheart, are you sure about this? Didn’t you say Evan did not want a child with you?” William sought. “He – he had a change of heart, Dad. He said he was wrong about asking for a divorce, and so far, Evan has proven to me he loves and accepts Lucas,” Shantelle explained. “Really? Sorry about the divorce? Did he not see how my beautiful princess had looked down on herself because she felt so unloved?” William recalled the past.

Shanty, I never want to see you in that state again.” “You are my pride and joy. I want you to keep loving yourself before any man,’ William added, his eyes starting to water. Eleanor had to comfort him as they sat on the couch. With her father’s sudden outcry, Shantelle reached for William’s hand, saying, “Dad, I’m not that young girl anymore. I am Doctor Shantelle Scott. I am one of the best chest surgeons out there. I will never look down on myself ever again. Besides, I am not going back to Evan.” “You say that now, but what about tomorrow?” William pointed out. “If it comes to that, then let me make my own choice,” Shantelle replied. “Are you saying -” “I am not saying anything that involves Evan and me. I want Evan to be part of Lucas’ life,” she repeated. “Again, this decision has nothing to do with me. This is all about Lucas. He loves Evan, and his father sure loves him. How can I deny him that, daddy? Would you ever deny me your love?” It was because she threw that line to her father that William eventually yielded. Eleanor said to her husband, “We were wrong about keeping Lucas from the Thompsons. We both know that, darling. We were simply lying to ourselves, thinking they would not care. We did not know how Evan would react, but we knew Clara and Erick well. They would never turn Lucas away.” The Scotts lingered in the study for another hour, letting all the air out, but at the end, William suggested, “I want to see it for myself. I want to know how Evan is serious about being a father.” He looked into Shantelle’s eyes, suggesting,” I want to test him, my way.”

With just one phone call, Evan left Rose

Hills the next day. William asked Evan to join them for dinner at the Scotts’ residence. There was much-needed talk to be done, but William insisted it had to start with dinner. When Evan arrived at the door, Shantelle welcomed him in. Evan brought a bottle of expensive wine. Behind him, Miguel carried boxes of aged cheese and a few unique dishes from Rose Hills – the treats that her parents had probably missed all these years. “Shanty, good evening. You look so beautiful,” he remarked, and Shantelle smiled. Shantelle could tell he wanted to kiss her, at least on the cheek, but she evaded, rushing him to the dining area. “Let’s go. Dad is waiting.” “Honestly, I thought your dad and I would start with an argument – me defending,” Evan said outright. He let out a sigh, adding, “But dinner? I must have done something right.” “Lucas spoke very highly of you,” Shantelle assured him. “Let’s go. I don’t know what he is up to, but he is adamant about having you join us for dinner.” It did not take long for Evan to arrive at the dining area. Lucas immediately rushed to him, jumping into his arms, and Evan spun him around. “Daddy, I miss you so much!” Lucas exclaimed. “I miss you too, Lucas. Daddy has several gifts for you, but we will open them later, okay?” Evan revealed. He put Lucas down on the floor and held his hand. It was the first time William and Eleanor had witnessed Evan’s affection toward Lucas. Immediately, Evan saw how William’s stern expression became frail. “Good evening, Uncle William. Aunt Eleanor. It’s been a long time. I’m glad you have been well. Thank you for taking care of Lucas for me,” Evan greeted before taking the seat next to Shantelle and Lucas. “Evan, if you survive this dinner, then for me, that will be the first test of your sincerity,” William suggested. “Later, given

that you pass, we will have that talk, and oh, boy, we will have a very – very long talk.” William turned to the maids and ordered, “Bring in the food.” Their dinner started out with the usual salad. In between, Lucas and Evan chatted. Lucas was always eager to talk to his father, which made everyone else look at them. William was especially observing how Evan would react to Lucas’ every tale. So far, he did not give any adverse reaction. “I shared my snacks with Max now, Daddy, and you were right. It feels good to share!” Lucas said. “That’s good, Lucas. Remember, it is -” “Better to give than to receive,” Lucas finished for Evan, and they both smiled. “Atta boy,” Evan remarked, making a mess of Lucas’ hair. After the appetizer, their main dishes arrived, but Evan noticed his food was… different. Shantelle also caught a glimpse of Evan’s plate. She raised her brow, asking, “What is Evan having, Dad?” Evan peered at William. Then he looked back at his plate. It was a deep-fried dish that was long and thick. “Only for Evan. It’s Rocky Mountain Oysters,” William revealed. “Rocky Mountain Oysters?” Both Shantelle and Evan sought, their faces looking down at the plate. “Normally, they are sliced thinly, but I’d like you to take a bite at it and test your teeth,” William urged. “Eleanor and I discovered it during our trip to Argentina, right after the Antarctica cruise.” “Sounds classy,” Evan reluctantly remarked. He was trying to sound optimistic, but his gut was telling him something else. Evan was a person with class. He was born with a silver spoon and was never lacking in money. He was a generous soul, but he would not be caught dead eating something below standard, odd or exotic.

When it came to his meals, Evan was very picky. The Scotts knew this about Evan. There was just no way he would try something… strangely different, but the dish was decent looking enough, so he started slicing it. He put one slice into his mouth and began chewing it. It was very leathery. “Mmmm. The texture is rather different from regular meat.” Evan was starting to feel that metallic irony that he just had to ask, “Uncle William. What – what exactly is a rocky mountain oyster?” William’s eyes narrowed. A smirk formed on his face as he revealed, “Bull’s testicles.” Shantelle’s eyes widened. She looked at Evan with horror and saw how he was on the verge of throwing up. “If you spit that out, Evan! We won’t have that talk!” William warned. “Finish that rocky mountain oyster. It’s a rare kind of meat.” “What’s wrong, Daddy? Is it not yummy? Lucas asked. “Can I try?” “No!” Everyone said in unison, all gazing at Lucas. Evan quickly swallowed the meat and drank a full glass of wine. Then, he turned to Lucas, saying, “It’s actually good, son, but this is a man’s food.” He pointed to Lucas’ plate and suggested, “Yours is chicken.” It took a lot of chewing, and Evan ended up drinking half of the bottle of wine, but he finished the darn bull’s testicles. In between, he coughed over ten times, holding back his gagging, and often, tears welled in his eyes. “Was it spicy, daddy?” Lucas asked. “You drank a lot. I see Mommy drink a lot too when she eats spicy ribs.” Evan sucked in a breath. He turned to Lucas and answered, “It was a little spicy, son. Good thing you did not try it.” He directed his gaze to William and proudly said, “I guess we will have that talk, uncle.

“Hmmm.” William acknowledged bitterly. The dinner resumed. At least Evan recovered, thanks to the delicious dessert prepared for that evening. When supper was over, William excused himself to take a call, leaving Evan with Shantelle and Lucas at the dining table. His son was having another piece of that delicious chocolate cake. “I’m sorry about the special oysters, Shantelle whispered, but while she was genuinely guilty about what her father did, She ended up laughing. Evan was still so grossed out by what he ate, but seeing Shantelle so amused, he also laughed. “I’m glad it made you smile. 11 “How was it?” Shantelle asked. “God, you’d never eat those things.” “You wouldn’t either,” Evan reminded. “Yep, I would never. I don’t have the balls, “Shantelle declared before getting thrown into another set of laughter. She was laughing so hard that her eyes sparkled. Evan wound up falling silent. He was smiling while getting mesmerized by Shantelle’s laughter. He may have eaten that unique meat, but the prize of hearing Shantelle making a joke was utterly worth it. This was a side of her that he missed. It was a bizarre development, but it was still progress. Evan said, “I would do it all over again if it means you’ll keep smiling that way for me.” “I highly doubt that,” she replied, still laughing her heart out. “Do you want me to ask the maids to prepare another set?” “Don’t you think I have suffered enough? “Evan sought. Before Shantelle could answer, William walked back, calling Evan. “Let’s talk, Evan.” Chapter 55: See The Old Mansion “It wasn’t just about the divorce, Evan,” William said. “You never spoke to me, Eleanor. Weren’t we family friends? Wasn’t Shanty the same girl you had looked after when you were in high school?” “All that was thrown away, all because of your marriage. You have to admit it, that arranged marriage ruined our

relationships. “William added. “And now, you are telling me you want my daughter back? After all the pain you had made Will she go through? Evan, maybe you and Shanty weren’t meant to be together -” “It’s like saying that Lucas isn’t meant to be, “Evan interrupted, making William sigh. “I didn’t suggest that- I wouldn’t,” William replied. “I love my grandson. He brings joy to our lives. Lucas was not a mistake.” “Uncle William, I was wrong, and I will say sorry over and over again. Not only that, I will prove it. My being here is not temporary. I will be part of Lucas’ life. If Shanty would have me, I would make up for all those times I hurt her. I will treat her as my queen, but I won’t be able to show you if you don’t give me a chance,” Evan expressed. “I’m sorry, Uncle William. I was blind, and I realized it too late, but please. We can’t change the fact that I am Lucas’ father. Let me be that father for him and let me try to win Shanty back,” Evan begged. “Whether my daughter takes you back is not my decision to make,” William responded. But I, for one, am against it. You say you love my daughter now? That remains to be seen. More than words, Evan. More than words.” “And what is this I keep hearing from Lucas about going back to Rose Hills? Evan, we have left Rose Hills for good. We gave up on everything – including our familial home so I could give my daughter a new life,” William described. “I sacrificed my career, my investments “I know about that, Uncle, and I’m sorry that you made those decisions,” Evan cut in. “But I can make it right. If you let me.”

“Shanty doesn’t have to make a name here in Warlington,” Evan explained. “From what I understand, Warrington Hospital relies on you and Shanty when it comes to chest surgeries.” 1 “That skill won’t go away. Shanty can practice her profession in Rose Hills. I can buy shares in St. Dominique Hospital and turn it into a heart center that focuses on heart treatment,” Evan began. “And as for your home, Uncle, you still have a home in Rose Hills. The home you cherished, the same estate where Shanty grew up, is in my name.” “What?” William asked in confusion. “When I learned that you left, I bought the property in the hopes that your family would return,” Evan revealed. “I hoped, and I hoped because I meant to give it back as an apology – a gift.” “I know that house means a lot to you and your family, so I bought it. I brought the deed with me today. It’s in the car,” Evan added. “I can show it to you.” There was silence between them, and it stretched for almost a minute until William ordered, “Go get it. Let me see.’ Evan went to get the documents. Walking past the living room, he met Shantelle’s gaze on the staircase. She mouthed, ‘ Everything okay?’ He gave her a thumbs up and a smile, suggesting it had not gone disastrous. When Evan returned to the study, he presented William with the title and the deed of sale from the Jones’. He also showed pictures of the house on his phone. Again and again, William gasped. From where Evan sat, he saw moments of William smiling, sometimes teary-eyed. “How did you get the Jones’ to agree? I gave them a very good discount.”

Evan sucked in a deep breath and revealed, I bought the house twice the price they paid you. They immediately agreed. If they didn’t, I would have offered more.”. Yet again, dead air fell upon them. William uttered, “So you think your money is the answer to everything?” Evan did not know where the remark came from, but he replied, “No, definitely not. “Uncle, I was miserable for over seven years without Shanty. If anything, I learned that money couldn’t buy contentment, but if I can help it, I would use my money wisely to carve the path for my own and my family’s happiness – Lucas’s and Shanty’s,” Evan claimed. He went on and on, declaring what he would do for Shantelle and Lucas. William did not answer at first. He returned to recheck the photos until he suggested, This still doesn’t convince me of your sincerity towards my daughter, Evan“I’ll keep proving my sincerity,” Evan responded with conviction in his tone. “And this still doesn’t change the fact that it will all boil down to Shanty’s decision,” William recalled. “I understand,” Evan acknowledged. “Despite that, you still want to give this back to us?” William sought. Evan nodded firmly, saying, “Willingly, without expecting anything in return.” “I.” William looked Evan in the eye, saying, ‘ I want to see my old house.” “Right away, sir,” Evan confirmed. “And I’d like to see Erick and Clara,” William requested. Warmth spread through Evan’s heart. He knew meeting the Scotts would make his parents happy. Tears welled in the corners of his eyes, and he replied, “They – they would love to see you. Thank you, Uncle William. You will unquestionably make my father happy, and my father… deserves to be

happy.”

“Are we going to see Daddy’s home, Mommy?” Lucas asked. He yawned, still tired from waking up at four in the morning the next day. “Yes, honey. We are, but since your grandpa decided on this trip abruptly, we aren’t going to stay longer, okay?” Shantelle explained while buckling Lucas’ seatbelt. ” Only for a day.” “Only for a day?” Lucas replied with a full frown on his face. He looked to the seats behind him, asking, “Daddy, only for a day?” The Scotts were off to Rose Hills, taking a private jet Evan commissioned. They were only visiting for one day. Thus, Evan had to make their journey as quick as possible without sacrificing the comforts of traveling. They left Warlington at precisely five in the morning and arrived at Rose Hills before seven. They went straight to the old Scotts’ estate for their first itinerary. It was the longest drive to the old mansion. There wasn’t any traffic, but the anticipation kept the Scotts silent, their hearts beating faster with excitement. Their party drove in two SUVs. Shantelle rode with Lucas and her parents while Evan rode in another vehicle with Howard, their old family driver. Soon, they arrived at a familiar community and into the gates of the Scotts’ old mansion. One by one, they got off the car, studying the lawn and the front of the estate. In Shantelles’ view, everything was the same; the trees, the landscaping, and the roses. She felt they were the same

flowers, but they could not be. With how the seasons change, some must have died over the years. Whoever took care of the house simply planted the same floral blooms. “Oh, my,” Eleanor said. Her eyes widened in amazement as she walked to the rows of roses on one side. She said, “They looked the same as the ones I had last grown. Well done, Evan.” “I had a lot of help,” Evan admitted. On the other hand, William kept staring at the front of the mansion. It looked good as new. He nodded, saying, “You had the house repainted?” “Over the years, yes, Uncle. Some cracks developed, but I had those fixed too,” Evan answered. “Wow! So big and so cool!” Lucas exclaimed. He turned to Shantelle and asked, “Is this our home, Mommy?” Shantelle held Lucas’ hand. She smiled at him, saying, “This used to be my old home.” “It is still your home, Shanty, yours and your parents,” Evan interrupted. He smiled at her, and she smiled back. Evan offered his hand to Shantelle, saying, “Shall we go inside?” Shantelle looked at his hand and stared for a a few seconds, considering. Before deciding, Lucas reached out for Evan’s hand and clasped it with Shantelle’s. Lucas smiled at his parents, turning from his mother to his father. He chuckled and expressed, “Mommies and daddies hold hands all the time. I see it at school.”

Chapter 56: Vacation Home Shantelle looked away but was already feeling uncomfortable, her ears feeling warm. She and Evan had walked into the doorway, holding hands. Thanks to Lucas, constantly staring at their hands. It gave her mixed emotions, the kind that Shantelle did I do not want to be entertained. Evan, on the other hand, was over the moon. It was just a hand, but it was enough to send happy tingles, reaching his heart. He relished the feel of her soft hands against his. He noticed how her palm was cold, and He was happy to keep it warm. “Woah, nice!” Lucas was amazed at the living room chandelier that he stopped guarding his parents’ hand. Immediately, Shantelle tried to pull out her hand, saying, “He’s not watching anymore.” “Oh,” Evan regretfully said. Still, he held Shantelle’s hand. He pulled her hand up to his face, saying, “Your hands are cold.” He blew air into her hand, covering it with his palms, saying, “Much better.” He swore he saw Shantelle jolt a little, then she stiffened and gasped. He wasn’t sure if he was affecting her in a good way, but he still tried. “Give me your other hand.” Shantelle hesitated. She glanced to where her parents were, and seeing them studying the pieces of furniture up ahead; she gave Evan on the other hand. Her hands were indeed cold, but she wasn’t sure if it was because of the weather. He breathed out into her palm, warming her skin. When he let go, he asked, “Does that feel better?” “Thank you.” Shantelle nodded without saying anything and pulled her hand away. She turned to Lucas, saying, “Be

careful, Lucas.” Then she left Evan to follow after them. “I know these aren’t the same pieces of furniture, Evan, but it sure feels like it, Eleanor remarked, her smile reaching her ears, utterly pleased by what she had seen so far. From the living room to the bedrooms on the second and third floor, the Scotts saw how it was kept the way Evan I remembered it. The beds, the cabinets, how they were strategically placed, all the details were nearly perfect, bringing back happy memories. “Ah, this was my bedroom,” Shantelle recalled when she peeked through the said room. “And it looks the same!” Eleanor said. She walked up the window and felt the curtains, saying, “The fabric is… also the same.” What caught William’s attention was how his study had his portrait on the wall, the same one that used to be there. It was a picture of him in his doctor’s uniform, his arms crossed against his chest and his chin proudly raised. After going around the rooms from the upper levels, Evan followed William into the study. Seeing his uncle stare at his photo much longer, he revealed, “Father had that same photo of you, and that was what I used. I had it blown up and framed.” “I could not find the same frame, but the size and the copper-like color are the same, “Evan explained. The tour around the old Scotts estate lasted

for over an hour with William and Eleanor, especially reminiscing about the old days. Soon, the sweet scent of bacon, sausages, and toast filled the air, making everyone’s stomach growl. They just realized how it was already past nine in the morning. “Let’s all have breakfast. The maids had already set the dining area,” Evan called. ‘ I’m famished.” “We are all hungry,” Shantelle said back. “Me too!” Lucas claimed. Throughout their meal, the Scotts told Lucas tales about the house. They didn’t understand it then, but it sparked Lucas’ interest in living in Rose Hills. “When your mommy was little, she used to run around the entire house. Sometimes, she would hide from us, and it would take longer for us to find her,” Eleanor revealed. “I have a special spot here, Lucas. I’ll show you later if it’s still there,” Shantelle said. “Yes, I remember I had that especially made for Shanty,” William added. “The evergreen maze?” Evan sought. “Yes, it’s still there in the backyard. I just had it trimmed. Lucas would love it.” “Wow, mommy! I love it here already! So when are we moving?” Lucas said outright. It wasn’t just the thought of running around a garden maze, but of reliving the memories of his grandparents and mother. Plus, the mansion was twice bigger than their home back in Warlington. Moreover, it had a vast front and back lawn. “Um.” Shantelle’s eyes rounded at Lucas’ probing. She turned to her father for help. William then looked at Evan. After studying his hopeful eyes, William replied to Lucas, Lucas, boy. Your mommy and Grandpa still has work in Warlington. You still have

school too. You have classmates and teachers that will miss you. Plus, there are about two months left for this school year. You can’t miss school.” The way William said it to Lucas made Evan hold his breath. Hope filled his heart, and he was this close to screaming his joy. However, it wasn’t quite what he expected. William suggested, “For now, we can come here for vacation, maybe every school break, sometimes on weekends. Warlington will still be our home. This home can be our vacation home.” “Oh,” Lucas did not hide his dismay. He pouted, “Only on vacation?” “For now,” William responded. “For now. Let’s see how it goes.” Turning to Evan, William asked, “Is that okay, Evan?” “Vacation?” Evan asked. “Yes, school breaks, holidays, and some weekends,” William proposed. “We can’t just leave our work, Evan. You have to understand that.” Evan swallowed air down his throat. There there was absolutely nothing to complain about. He had gone by with many years of nothing – no Shantelle and no Lucas. Seeing them on vacations was still a reward, and he wanted to cherish it. With a smile, he replied, “Of course! Of course!” He exhaled deeply and claimed, It’s a good start.” He turned to Shantelle and smiled. She smiled back. Sure, it wasn’t Shantelle’s heart just yet, but there was something in how she smiled made it different. There was a gentleness in the way her eyes gleamed. Moreover, she did not look away. She maintained her gaze on him

until he leaned over and hugged her. Shantelle hugged back, sending tiny jolts of happy electricity throughout his body. The way Shantelle accepted his embrace felt warm and welcoming. Could Shantelle open up to him, eventually? He certainly hoped. His heart craved it so much. But more than the yearning of his heart, Evan knew his parents also had their wishes. Erick and Clara wanted to rekindle the bond with the Scotts, their old-time friends. When breakfast concluded, Evan suggested, “My parents are waiting. They have been longing to see you, Uncle, Aunt. Shall we go see them?” “Grandma Clara and Grandpa Erick? I miss them!” Lucas exclaimed. William and Eleanor looked at each other, nodding. William said, “We – we want to see them too. It has been… so long.”

Heartbeats later, William and Eleanor stood in front of the Thompson’s mansion. Erick and Clara were already outside the door, their eyes full of yearning. “William,” Erick called. “Erick,” William said back. “I’m glad it was Shanty who operated on your heart.” On the other hand, Clara and Eleanor smiled at each other, and the next thing they knew, they were in each other’s arms, crying. It did not take long for Erick and William to offer each other a manly hug, both repeatedly lightly tapping their backs. It was a moment of rekindling, a chance to mend the relationship that was once

forgotten. “It’s been too long, my friend,” Erick said. “I thought I would die without seeing you again.” William continued to tap on Erick’s back. He answered, “I guess fate had other plans.”

Chapter 57: The Party Invite “The healing is good, Uncle. Don’t stress too much. Normally, it will take up to six weeks to heal from an open heart surgery,” Shantelle said after checking Erick’s chest wound. “You must have received detailed instructions from your cardiologist. Maintain your medication and keep monitoring your heart rhythm.” Many words were said at their reconciliation. The Scotts primarily were apologetic about keeping Lucas from the Thompsons, but Clara and Erick did not I want to dig up the past. To them, it was the time to heal and move forward. Thus, after Evan’s and Shantelle’s parents had talked, Erick requested the excellent doctors to check his chest. It led them to Erick’s bedroom, where he took off his shirt and lay down. “Shanty, when can I return to my previous activities? I want to run again.” Erick laughed because he had not been running for a while, even before his bypass, but

he undoubtedly wanted to get back in shape. “You’ll need to undergo cardiac therapy first, uncle. Slow and steady wins the race,” she remarked with a smile. “Did you hear that, son?” Erick said, looking at Evan, who was standing by the door. Slow and steady.” William groaned while Shantelle raised both her browse. 1 The Scotts had lunch at the Thompsons, and In the afternoon, Evan’s lawyers dropped by to give Shantelle the transfer documents to the house. When she signed the papers, she told Evan, “I have about two million dollars. I can pay you back part of the cost for the house and -” “No, Shanty, please. I insist. I told you then, and let me tell you again, it’s my gift to you and your family – one of my ways to apologize about the past. Please, let me,” Evan insisted. William had agreed to put the estate in Shantelle’s name since she was their only daughter. Thus, only Shantelle was needed for the transfer deeds. “Plus, Lucas is my son. It gets passed down to him at the end of it all,” Evan pointed out. With that, Shantelle signed the papers away. The only document left unfurnished was the request to change Lucas’ name to a Thompson, which was also agreed upon during that day’s gathering.

Days came and went. Since the Scotts’ return to Warlington, Erick

and Clara had been chatting regularly with Shantelle’s parents. Lucas often joined the conversation, adding more fun to their video calls. So far, Evan had also consistently spoken to Lucas at night. He got caught up with work a few times, but he always informed Shantelle or William should he fail to call Lucas in a day. At the hospital, With Doctor William Scott back, the anxiety about the organ donor list had been lifted from Shantelle’s hands. It was now William’s responsibility. So far, however, no threat had resurfaced. Yet, despite returning to her usual routine, Shantelle still had her bodyguards, taking turns protecting her. Evan insisted that it had to be done. One afternoon, William invited Shantelle to his office. When she made it in, her father disclosed, “Shanty, there is an invitation from the mayor’s office. He is holding a party, inviting medical directors from reputable hospitals in the city. As you know, the mayor’s family is very wealthy. They have businesses all over the city. Now, they are eyeing potential hospitals to fund.” “The hospital wanted me to be the representative,” William added. “However, the event is a fancy dinner in those fancy clothes, which your father no longer has the stamina to attend.” “Please, I beg you to go to my place, Shanty. Doctor Hale has taken a week’s leave, and he can’t go either,” William added. “And don’t worry, you won’t be alone.” “You mean my bodyguards will be with me? ” She clarified. “No, Shanty. Someone who has also been invited to the party,” William revealed, his eyes looking at the door. When Shantelle turned around, he saw Keith Henderson, entering with a bouquet in his hands. He had that wide grin

when he greeted, “Shanty! I miss you. How have you been?” “Keith?” Shantelle accepted the flowers, and Keith hugged her. She embraced back. “I forgot you were coming.” “I came for the party and business, of course,” Keith replied. “The mayor will not allow uninvited guests to attend the event. Thus, bodyguards will be outside the convention center, waiting in cars,” William said. “So, I figured you should go with Keith. He will look after you. You won’t be alone, and when it’s your turn to talk about our hospital’s achievements, you are most knowledgeable since you practically read my daily work here at the office.” William then received a call from the administration building. He excused himself. “I need to take care of something. You both plan for the event. It’s this coming weekend. Lock the door behind you, Shanty.” Seeing her father go, Shantelle glanced at Keith. Since their awkward talk about his feelings, she had reluctantly answered his calls. She did a few times, out of respect. He also called concerning insurance coverage in which she had no choice but to take the call. She asked, “How are you?” “Been keeping myself busy. I returned to Europe and finished my work. I met Karise a few times, by the way. She said she meant to talk to you,” Keith said. “I do need to speak to her, but I’ve been busy,” Shantelle replied. She sat on the chair and asked, “Have you and Evan patched things up?” “I don’t know if there will be any patching between us. We did not talk. He suggested he would come after me when we met at Lucas’ school, but funny how he never did. Instead, he is avoiding me.” Keith admitted. “In fact, Wendell is not

talking to me, and Sean keeps shaking his head whenever he spends time with me. I think I’m officially off the boy’s club.” “I’m sorry to hear that. You and Evan had been friends for a long time. You will mend things eventually,” Shantelle suggested. She glanced at the flowers and said, “Thank you for these. They are beautiful.” “I always give you flowers. It shouldn’t make you uncomfortable,” Keith said, seeing how different she was acting toward him now. Shantelle sighed. She replied, “I’m sorry. I don’t know how to act in front of you and not make you think that -” “I won’t. I know my place,” Keith cut off her words, knowing exactly what she wanted to say. “Anyway, about the event. I’ll see you at the party,” Shantelle suggested. “I can pick you up,” Keith offered. “No, you don’t have to. Thank you, Keith, but I can go there on my own,” she insisted. “Besides, my guards will never let me off.” “Oh, yeah, the guards, about that. Shanty, I’m sorry I wasn’t around to protect you, Keith said. “I was – I had things to take care of.” Keith meant to say that he did not have the courage to face her after being rejected again. He moped for several days, and he wound up spending time with Karise. She was a good person to talk to in the end. He then suggested, “In any case, I knew Evan would not let anything happen to you.” “You knew?” She asked back. It took Keith some time to reply. He nodded, saying, “Yes, I knew he would protect you.”

“So, I’ll see you this Saturday, then?” Keith asked, changing the topic altogether. “And maybe, just to reduce the awkwardness in my car, how about bringing only one bodyguard? Your guards won’t be able to make it inside, anyway. The place will be full of government security personnel. It’s very safe.” “Um.” Shantelle thought about it. “Come on, Shanty. I’ll be your knight in shining armor for the party. I will protect you,” Keith said with a wink. “Okay. Okay, I’ll bring only one bodyguard,” Shantelle conceded. “Besides, nothing has happened over the past few weeks. Maybe, it was something else, or maybe that man only wanted my purse.”

Thursday came, and Shantelle received a call from Evan while at work. He said to her, Shanty, instead of arriving on Saturday, I will be landing on Sunday. I can stay there until Monday to be with Lucas. It’s a holiday, after all. My client from Russia arrived today, and I don’t think I’ll be finished with my business here on time.” “Oh, I was hoping Lucas could spend the night with you, Evan. I have to attend a party,” Shantelle replied. “But that’s okay, he should be fine with mom -” “A party? What… sort of party?” Evan asked on the other line. “Would you be… meeting other people there? Is it those kinds of parties where you need to dress up?” “It’s a formal party I have to attend in place of my father. The mayor is sponsoring it to see potential medical facilities to invest in,’ she explained. “Oh, I see. Are you going alone?” Evan sought.

“Um. No, actually, Keith is taking me. He was also invited,” Shantelle plainly replied. ” Anyway, Evan. Thanks for telling me ahead – “You know what, I can make it on Saturday, Evan replied. “I’ll be there.” “Really?” Shantelle asked. “Are you sure?” “Positive!” Evan claimed. “I can deal with the client.”

Chapter 58: Security Protocol “Daddy!” Outside the Scotts’ home, Lucas ran to Evan, and his father carried him in his arms. “Sorry I’m late, Lucas. I got stuck with work, but I still made it,” Evan said. He looked at his watch and confirmed he still had an hour before dinner time. He whispered to Lucas, ” Where is your mommy?” “Upstairs, changing,” Lucas replied. He then looked down and softly said, “I think she is going out on a date with Uncle Keith.” Evan bit his lip. He asked, “Why do you say that?” “He is in the living room, waiting for Mommy. He is dressed very nicely and brought flowers and chocolates for Mommy, “Lucas weakley replied. “I brought flowers for your mommy too. I also bought boxes of treats for everyone to share. Andy, Mark, and I stopped by the Century Hotel before making our way here,” Evan revealed, exciting Lucas. (1)

Evan turned to the car and found Andy and Mark, the bodyguards who had picked him up from the airport. He ordered, “Bring in the flowers and gifts.” “Yes, boss,” Mark and Andy said simultaneously. Evan shifted his attention to Miguel, the other bodyguard, standing behind Lucas. He asked, “Where is Duane?” “He is off today, boss,” Miguel answered. He then gave Miguel that look, and as if they had a silent agreement, Miguel nodded. Evan walked into the house, holding Lucas’ hand. He saw Keith, and their eyes met. The temperature inside the living The room went down to near zero degrees. Keith and Evan were zapping electricity with their eyes. Keith stood up, and he was leveled with Evan, further increasing the tension in the area. Just then, Evan heard Shantelle clear her throat, and he turned toward the staircase and found himself swallowing his own spew. Immediately, he hated himself for not admiring this side of her in the past. Shantelle was so beautiful. She took his breath away, and his heart fluttered. Shantelle was wearing an off-shoulder gown in the solid tone of Persian blue. It highly emphasized her slender neck and shoulders. The dress hugged her body tight, flaunting her long legs through a slit that went up three inches above her knee. Her hair was tied into a neat bun. She wore dangling earrings with a sapphire blue stone and a necklace to pair. Matched with her blue eyes and confident stance, she looked like a goddess from the sky. From excitement, Evan’s heart ached again. He wondered why he had let this woman slip through his fingers? “Shanty, you look so beautiful in the dress I bought.” Evan snapped from his trance, hearing Keith’s words. His eyes immediately narrowed. ‘What did he say? The fucking

dress is from him?’ Evan turned to Shantelle. Controlling his jealousy, he gently reminded her, “I gave you a dress recently, together with my gifts for Lucas? I think that would have fit you better. It’s your favorite brand, Sarah Kate?” “Oh.” Shantelle frowned. “I’m sorry. I haven’t opened those, Evan.” Evan caught Keith smirking his way, and his blood boiled. Later, he witnessed Keith approach Shantelle, giving her the flowers and the box of chocolate. “For you, Shanty,” Keith said, but Miguel stepped in between before reaching Shantelle’s hands. “Excuse me, Mister Henderson, but I need to inspect the flowers. I’m sure you know the recent threat to Doctor Shant’s life. Since we have not identified the culprit, we must follow protocol and inspect every gift the doctor receives, including your flowers and the chocolates,” Miguel said. “Miguel,” Shantelle cut him off, saying, "It's not necessary. Keith is a friend.” “But it’s protocol, Doc,” Miguel said. “I owe you my life. I will never fail to follow protocol. I was trained to follow it.” He turned to Keith, saying, “If you have nothing to hide, Mister Henderson, you will let me inspect the flowers and the chocolates.” “Fine,” Keith surrendered the flower to Miguel, and everyone watched as he pulled out one stem of rose to another from the bouquet. When he was done, Miguel carelessly put them together, not bothering to tie the ribbon back to its place. He told Shantelle, It’s safe, doc, but very poor quality. I easily dismantled the arrangements.”

“What the -” Keith glowered. ” This time, Evan smirked at Keith. Shantelle’s eyes rounded. Next, Miguel opened the box of chocolate truffles. He tasted one and then another. After which, he suggested, “But how would we know if the rest don’t have poison?” Miguel ended up eating half of each truffle before giving it to Shantelle. “Here you go, Doc. It’s safe. No signs of poison.” Shantelle held back from laughing. She said to Miguel, “Um. You can… have it, Miguel. I’m not so fond of chocolates.” “Oh, what kind of man doesn’t know you that well, doc? Tsk. Tsk. Tsk.” Miguel remarked before returning to Evan’s side. Eventually, Andy and Mark walked in. They each carried two sets of flowers arranged in a box. They were a combination of roses, hydrangeas, ranunculus, clematis, sweet peas, and other seasonal flowers. Not only that, Mark returned to the car to fetch boxes of treats from Century Hotel. Evan proudly said, “Shanty, these are for you and your family.” “You need to inspect Evan’s gifts, too. Just because he is your boss doesn’t clear him from being a suspect,” Keith suggested bitterly. The three bodyguards looked at each other, but Mark answered, “We picked up the flowers with Mister Thompson and saw how each one was made. We were also present when the pastries were bought from the Century Hotel. The boss is clear from suspicion.” 1 Evan smiled triumphantly, and Keith hissed. As if laser beams left their eyes, they looked

at each other intensely. Shantelle coughed to clear the air. She said, ‘ We should go, Keith. It’s getting late.” She glanced at Evan, saying, “Evan, take care of Lucas. Bye.” “Very well,” Keith said. He placed his hand on the small of Shantelle’s back and smiled, giving Evan that ‘I got the girl’ look. Evan urged Shantelle to bring Andy and Mark with them, but Keith had fully convinced her it was unnecessary. She said, Miguel is enough. Besides, even he won’t be able to make it to the party. He will just wait outside.” “Evan, please,” Shantelle insisted. Not wanting to make Shantelle upset, Evan gave up, but before allowing them to leave, he said to Keith, “A word.”

11

Keith first ushered Shantelle into his car. Seeing how Evan and Miguel had stepped out of the house, he walked up to Evan and said, “You may have ruined my flowers, and fucking have your minion eat the chocolates, but I’m the one with Shanty -” “You make it sound like you are dating her, but you are not. You are just conveniently accompanying her to the party,” Evan pointed out. “Doesn’t change the fact that I am with her and not you,” Keith said. Evan wanted to punch Keith, but held back. He hissed and said, “You better protect Shanty, Keith. If anything happens to her, I swear to God, I will have you pay.” “Jesus, Evan. It’s just a party. Much more, it’s the mayor’s party. What could go wrong? “Keith said, but later swore, “I’ll protect

Shanty with my life, because between you and me, I love her more.” Keith turned his back without letting Evan recover. Miguel hastily followed inside the car, and they drove away. When Evan returned inside the house, he saw his son shrug as if feeling his defeat for the night. Just when Evan thought that evening could not get any worse, William walked out of the dining area, finding him. William said, “There you are, Evan. I have been waiting for you. Before you bring Lucas to the hotel, have dinner here. I have a meal specially cooked for you. It’s from Argentina. Evan gulped. He loosened the buttons on his tie and asked, “What – what’s for dinner, Uncle?” “Something special,” William said. “What? Giving up now?” “No. No, uncle. I’m up for the challenge,” Evan said, his head silently praying it would not be as bad as the bull’s testicles.

Chapter 59: Find Shanty “Mister Morgan, this is Doctor Shant from the Warlington Hospital. She would be happy to share the facility’s achievements when it comes to chest surgeries, Keith proudly introduced Shantelle to Warlington s mayor, Frank Morgan.

Frank Morgan was a young mayor. He took the seat at thirty-five while still unmarried. He was as tall as Keith, but his features were like that of Evan; dark hair and brown eyes. Only that the mayor was more slender. You're, Doctor Shant? The Mayor asked with a frown. He appeared to be stupefied at learning of Shantelle’s identity. Yes, Mayor, I am. Doctor Shantelle Scott. Doctor Shant for short,” Shantelle replied, but she felt awkward at how Frank Morgan was studying her closely. l guess Doctor Shant is more famous than I thought,” Keith tried to break off the Odd stating by Voicing Otphj and it worked, The blinked and leaned back sorry i had the impression that you are a man,” Frank replied. He smiled, but it looked more like an obligation. He said, lt s Nice to meet you, Doctor Shante. I did not realize that the famous doctor in town was SO beautiful. “It’s nice to meet you too, Mayor,” Shantelle replied, feeling her ears burn, It wasn’t every day that you got a compliment from the town’s mayor. l understan&yowwish to invest in a medical facility this time? “Well, yes. Recently; due to He paused, saying, “A friend 9 medical condition, I have become interested in the medical field. I want to invest in a hospital that focuses on heart treatment. “Heart treatment is, in fact; Warrington Hospital’s specialty, " Shantelle claimed. She was about to say more when the the mayor cut her off. “Excuse me, I need to speak to someone, } Frank said. Ile stiiiled at Sliantyj $éiyjijg; j will be back. I promise,” The the mayor then disappeared into the crowd and wé/ii ‘the door. “That went well, Shantelle / pouting her lips. “Don't worry. you Ill Chance,” Keith said. Indeed, Shan!elle got another chance to speak to the mayor. When he returned, Frank Morgan asked Shantelle to join ‘him in a private room next to the convention hall. It was in that room where Shantelle found the opportunity to list all of

Warlington's achievements. “From what I heard, these look like your achievements, Doctor Shant. ll Frank Morgan smiled. He remarked, “You must be a very talented doctor.”

‘lts just that, recently more and more heart patients need treatment,” Shantelle replied* l I'd like to ask if YOU are the only surgeon it) Watling 01j Hospital that is capable of a heart transplant?” mayor asked. “Other than lily superiors, my father, and Doctor Hale, I am the only resident chest surgeon who has led a heart transplant,” Shantelle confidently answered. “However, two of our other surgeons have assisted in the same type of procedure. With guidance, they could potentially lead to a heart transplant.” Frank nodded, saying, “Very well. 1 1 m glad to know others can perform such a complex surgery. I think a hospital should have more than one good surgeon.” After discussing business, the mayor suddenly asked, “Are you married, Doctor?” NO, I am not -well, I used to be, but we divorced, Il she replied. I l l am sorry to hear that. It i s his loss, obvious y, ‘the mayor retire we will again, Doctor Shant/ life the opportunity allows it, j WOOI(I like to takes you for dinner, just tli(l two of Shantelle froze, The janitor was very upfront. Of course, she had received compliments from outstanding male doctors at the hospital, but this was coming from a very influential man in the city. “Um. I don't know about that, mayor,” she shyly replied. I'll have a son. I am a single mom and I 1 1 “It doesn I t botherrnevl mayor claimed. He then paused;noticing his phone ringing. He¯directed his gaZéback to Shantelle, saying, ILI i ' m sorry%have to take this call. You may return to the party, Doctor Shant.ll “Of course,” Shantelle quickly got up and excused herself. She smiled one last time while at the door and then stepped

outside. Before shutting the door close, she heard the ‘he phone. “The plans have changed, that’s an order You better listen ‘to joe Shantelle felt guilty altogether for having heard a portion of Frank’s call, She then looked to the far front and saw Keith waiting for her, his back facing her, He was speaking to a lady who appeared to be engrossing him with her narrative. The room she was invited to was at the end of a hallway. She had to walk about twenty meters to reach where Keith was standing. Shantelle had already taken several steps when she suddenly felt an arm around her waist, a hand covering her mouth with a cloth. ‘I Mmmmm! Mmmmm! ll She saw the lady speaking to Keith look into her eyes, but the same woman averted her gaze as if nothing had happened. ‘Did she not see me?’ The next thing Shantelle knew, she was pushed through a door and thrown onto the floor. She felt dizzy, but before completely losing her awareness, she caught glimpse: of the standing before her, It was Peter Ijaris, The door slammed shut and was locked up from the outside. While all this was ha Wag smoking inside of the convention ceil areas at the eve for his regular II Noah, are you in there. ‘lifn€co meet the mayor! He heard his wife call; knocking vigorously against the bathroom door, The man carelessly threw the cigar in the trash bin full of tissues. Hestepped out without thinking about the consequences of his actions. Little by little, his cigar lit up the trash, and the fire slowly spread from the male! s bathroom and through the other rooms of the convention center. Meanwhile, at the Scotts’ residence, Evan was in the bathroom, gargling with mouthwash after eating a bull’s intestines.

His face was red, and he swore he would throw up at the hotel. Not there, though. doctor Scott would not let him off. Evan took deep breaths, watching himself in the mirror, when William frantically called for him. “Evan! Evan! Something has happened to Shanty! Evan! ” When he rushed outside, Doctor Scott showed him a picture message. It was Shantelle lying unconscious on the floor inside a small room. The message said: [Do not answer the call from the organ center. Let the hospital answer instead. Wait six hours, and we will let your daughter go. Follow our instructions, and you will see her alive.] Panic flashed through Heaven's eyes. He immediately called Miguel, and he picked up at the first ordered; “Get inside the fucl(ing party and finding Shanty! She vis in Evan drove with Andy and Mark to the convention center, leaving Lucas; in Willian i s care. Evan and William agreed to follow the instructions of the picture Imessage. Whether it was William’s career on the other line, Shantelle’s life had to come first. With Andy driving at high speed on the road, they arrived at the convention center in twenty minutes, but much to their dismay, a fire had erupted in the west wing of the same place, and people were being evacuated. Evan was horrified, and his heart raced, worried for Shantelle’s sake. Together with Mark and Andy, they marched inside the building, hoping to find Shantelle. They found Keith frantically calling out Shantelle’s name in the second-floor lobby. I ‘Shanty! Shanty, where are you?! There were police officers everywhere, guiding everyone to the exit, On one side of the building, dense smoke could already been seen. The sight of it was chaotic. From one side, Miguel had exited the convention hall. He was sweating profusely when he said, ‘t She is not here. I’ll

check the west wing! ‘ l Andy and Mark, ordering them, l ‘Go to the east wing! Check every room! ‘I And you! You could not even move your feet!” Evan barked at Keith. He revealed, 1 1 Someone locked Shanty inside a room! Report to the police and make yourself useful! “Wait -wait – what! She was talking to the mayor a while ago, but I probably missed her leaving, Il Keith reasoned. “Where was the last time you saw her?” Evan sought. Keith's eyes then landed on the West wing of the building, where a fire had erupted not long before. He replied, it There through that hallway, the last room.” It was because Keith had come across the mayor earlier. Frank Morgan suggested that Shantelle had left before him, and Keith had probably missed her exiting the room and through the hallway. Kieth did not doubt the mayor’s words; instead, He searched for Shantelle elsewhere. Keith’s heart felt heavy, thinking, ‘Someone locked Shanty in a room?’ Seeing a police officer, he called, I l Sir! My friend is missing. We suspect something bad has happened to her! Please, Help me find her!

Chapter 60: Safety First Shantelle woke up, choking at the feel of the smoke entering her lungs. When she opened her eyes, she was shocked to see the vapor slip through the door. “Shanty! Shanty, where are you?” She heard Evan call. He was coughing and calling out her name, making her realize he was close.

“Evan! Evan, I’m here!” She called. Tears welled in her eyes, realizing the danger she was in. She forced herself up and punched the door with her fists, calling out to Evan repeatedly. “Evan! I’m here! Help me, Evan! Help me!” “Shanty! Shanty, is that you?!” Evan called. ” Move back! I’m going to kick the door open!” “The fire is getting worse, Sir! The fire extinguisher is running out,” Shantelle heard Miguel say behind the door. Then Evan began to kick through the door again and again until the door gave in. “Stop using the extinguisher. Let’s use it when we take Shanty out!” Evan instructed. After entering the room, Evan rushed to Shantelle. He wrapped her in his coat for protection. Before blazing through the fire, Evan had soaked his coat with water while Miguel found a fire extinguisher. Evan used his jacket to cover Shantelle as they walked through the hallways where the fire had reached the ceiling. Miguel, in particular, had used up the last contents of the extinguisher to ensure Shantelle did not get burned as they exited the hazardous area. Evan loomed over Shantelle as they ran out, protecting her with his frame. She heard him scream repeatedly, but she did not know why or have the time to assess the situation. Finally, when they got out, they were met by police officers. They readily covered them with a fire blanket. More and more help arrived. It wasn’t just Shantelle who was trapped inside the building. Some guests had used the bathroom or lingered further in the west wing, failing to make it out before the fire worsened. A report also came in that one victim had died in the fire. Shantelle, Evan, and Miguel were rushed to Warrington hospital. Shantelle only had minor burns on her legs, thanks to Evan shields her, but Miguel and Evan suffer second and third-degree burns on their arms. After the extinguisher ran

out, they had apparently used their arms to clear their passage. While Shantelle’s burns were treated in the emergency room, Keith apologized. He blamed himself for not looking out for Shantelle. Keith wept as he said, “I didn’t know. I swear. I’m sorry, Shanty.” Shantelle did not say anything to Keith. She blamed herself more. She shouldn’t have come with only Miguel. Better yet, she should not have come at all. When the nurse covered her leg wounds, she went to the other bed, where Evan had been groaning and screaming in pain for the past few minutes. A nurse was cleaning off his wounds. The sight utterly squeezed her heart. Evan’s wounds in his right lower arm were mainly third-degree burns. Some parts of his skin were literally off him and were glued together with his shirt. He had second- degree burns on his upper arms, including his left arm. Looking at the nurse, she ordered, “Give him pain meds now.” “Um, doc, he already had one,” said the nurse. “It’s going to take a few minutes for it to work. I already applied anesthetic gel to his wounds before cleaning him.” “Why does he not have IV yet?” Shantelle asked. The nurse looked down, replying, “Um, Doc. I could not find a site. I was waiting for Doc –

11

“You are an ER nurse, and you can’t find an IV site!” Shantelle shot back, her eyes brimmed with tears in anger. “Shanty, calm down.” Evan clenched his jaws. “My arms are burned. She was trying to find one.” Still in her gown, Shantelle first washed her hands. She helped find a vein in Evan’s arms that was not burned. Then she inserted a site for his intravenous fluids. After which, she helped clean his other arm, saying, “I’m sorry, Evan. I’m sorry.’

11

‘Shanty, it’s just a wound. It’s going to get better,” Evan assured her.

Shantelle sucked in a breath. Her lips trembled as she replied, “But – but this will leave a permanent scar. Not even surgery can completely cover this kind of scar.” “What’s important is that you are safe. I’m afraid it would have been too late if we had waited for the firemen.” He shut his eyes and said, “Shanty, I was so scared. I did not want to lose you. I don’t care if I won’t be part of your life the way I hoped, but I won’t let anything happen to you – never.” Shantelle stilled. She pondered on his words and could not deny how they touched her. As she was in deep thought, However, she heard her father call out. She snapped in William’s direction. “Shanty, there is a heart coming to the hospital. Calm your emotions. You are needed to perform the surgery,” William was panting as he revealed. “I left Lucas in Andy and Mark’s care. They are at home.” “I knew it. It had something to do with the organ donor,” Shantelle softly asked. William nodded and admitted, “I’m afraid so, Shanty.” “Well.” Shantelle grit her teeth. She glanced to where Miguel was, lying in bed and being treated, and then to Evan. Her eyes also landed on Keith. He had been observing her the whole time. She said, “I won’t let them win!” “Shanty, I need to know. Did you see whoever pushed you inside the room?” Evan asked. “Yes, Shantelle replied. “It was Peter Haris.”

Shantelle operated on the rightful heart recipient, and no, they dared not let Briana West gets a free pass. She remained on the waitlist for the heart donor. With Evan in the hospital recuperating, it was Keith who reported the incident to the police in the following days. Following Shantelle’s statement, Peter Haris was put behind bars before the week ended.

The Wests denied their involvement and claimed that Peter Haris acted alone. If there was one thing good that came about the incident, it was the fact that both Keith and Evan were now working together. They were using both their resources to keep Peter Haris behind bars. Evan brought in top lawyers within the country, while Keith used his connections to get as many insiders within the police station. Keith received reports from the chief of police that someone powerful was trying to set Peter free and that the police the commissioner tried to dismiss Shantelle’s case. Shantelle, Andy, Keith, and Mark discussed this in Evan’s hospital room. Poor Miguel was in another room being cared for by his colleague, Duane. Keith described, “I think we are dealing with someone very influential in Warlington.” “Evan, I threatened the chief of police with his insurance claim, but he tells me that his job is on the line,” Keith added. “He also mentioned that the commissioner seemed distressed as well.” “So what you are saying is, whoever is behind Peter Haris is someone above the police commissioner,” Evan sought. “Looks like it,” Keith confirmed. “Do you think it’s the mayor? After all, that was where it all started. At his event?” Evan sought. Shantelle and Keith looked at each other. Then Shantelle said, “The mayor did seem interested in heart transplant surgery. He clearly said this during our conversation.” Both Keith and Evan frowned. “If he is responsible for all this, then we need to be wary,” Keith pointed out. “Rumor has it that the Morgans are into dark trade.” “Dark trade?” Shantelle sought. “Illegal drugs,” Keith replied. “Of course, no one would dare to investigate them because of the mayor.” “Shanty, this is what I have been talking about. With what we know now, it’s getting too dangerous,” Evan said.

“And the more we dig, the more we find ourselves in a bigger hole, altering the enemy,” Keith agreed. “You have got to return to Rose Hills,” Evan concluded. “Please, think about it.” Keith looked at Evan and then at Shantelle. He said, “I hate to admit it, Shanty, but safety is first. You are better off back in Rose Hills.” Chapter 61: F-R-I-E-N-D “Sir Erwin, we would just like to know the condition of the last organ donor,” Shantelle asked. With what happened to Shantelle, Warrington Hospital requested a meeting with the organ center. The organization’s assistant administrator, Erwin, came to entertain their queries. “What’s the use of asking this, Doctor Shant? “Doctor Park rolled her eyes. “We have patients to attend to. What’s important is that the donor gave the organ, and the recipients got it happily.” Doctor Park’s reaction no longer surprised Shantelle. After she removed Doctor Park from her surgery team, she acted ill tempered toward her. Shantelle quickly put her in her place, saying, “Watch your tone, Doctor Park. I am still your superior. Besides, we are only trying to find answers to the recent attempt on my life!” Shantelle looked into the eyes of her co- doctors and described, “How many heart transplants do we usually get in a year? One, two, at most, maybe three. But I had just performed a heart transplant with a gap of six weeks. Moreover, there is a threat to my life due to the organ donor waitlist.” “What are you suggesting, Doctor Shant?” Doctor Hale asked. “I am saying that there may be foul play in this,” Shantelle replied before turning back to Erwin. “For one, each time my life

is in danger, a heart is due to arrive at our hospital. Someone from the organ center is also leaking this information.” “There is no foul play regarding the donor’s death,” Erwin responded. “We have already done our investigation. The last the donor was a cerebral palsy patient who was technically brain-dead, but her other organs were still healthy.” “The families confirmed that someone approached them and asked if they could specifically name a recipient for their daughter’s organs, but they refused. They did not think it was fair to the waitlist. Unfortunately, they failed to identify who approached them,” Erwin explained. “Being advised of donating their daughter’s organs, however, hastened their decision to cut off her life support,” Erwin added. ” Nevertheless, I admit that someone is leaking the potential donor’s list from our office, and that’s what we are currently looking into it.” At least Shantelle got some answers. It wasn’t as bad as she thought. Somewhat, she was afraid that someone was killing donors on purpose to give way to one, Briana West.

After the meeting, Shantelle went straight to Evan’s room. He had been admitted to the hospital for three weeks. He underwent an operation to cover some of his severe wounds. Miguel was in the same boat as Evan because of their efforts to save her. Entering the room, she saw Evan’s attending physician, Doctor Carson. He studied Evan’s arms, saying, “It’s healing better now. We made the right choice by doing a skin transplant.” Noticing Shantelle’s sudden arrival, Doctor Carson probed, “Doctor Shant. Are you in the wrong room?” Shantelle pursed her lips, saying, “No, I am not. I’m here to see Evan – Mister

Thompson, I mean.” ‘Oh.” Doctor Carson glanced at the smiling Evan and then back to the neutral-looking Doctor Shant and asked, “Are you related?” “Um. Well.” Shantelle cleared her throat and replied, “He is my friend.” Shantelle did not know why, but saying the word friend made her ears burn. “Ah, I see.” Doctor Carson smiled and said to Evan, “You must be proud to have a famous surgeon for a friend. You should know, Mister Thompson, some of our patients come here only to be treated by Doctor Shant. Evan nodded with a smile. He looked at Shantelle replied, “I am very proud of my F-R-I-E-N-D.” “Very well then, I shall leave you both to talk. “Doctor Carson said to Evan, “I’ll have a nurse clean your wounds -” “It’s okay, Doctor Carson, I can do it. I’m on break,” Shantelle offered. Doctor Carson nodded. Evan’s smile grew wider. After Doctor Carson left, Shantelle started cleaning Evan’s wounds. The entire time, her ex-husband was grinning from ear to ear. She raised a brow and asked, “What’s wrong with you? Keep smiling like that, and I would think you have lost your mind.” Evan laughed. He then revealed the reason for his amusement, “I’m happy, Shanty.” “Why?” She asked. “You think your wounds are something to be happy about?” “It’s not about the wounds at all,” Evan replied. He carefully folded his other arm, resting his palm against his chest, and revealed, “I just went from being ah – an acquaintance to being a friend. You don’t know how that pleases me. Hearing him, Shantelle held back the urge to roll her eyes. Instead, she shook her head and grinned back. She purposely pressed harder against his wound, making him screech in pain. a

“Ah -ah! Careful, careful, my dear friend. That precious arm protected you from the fire’s debris,” he reminded. Only then did Shantelle return to being gentle, meticulously wiping his wounds. A portion of Evan’s burn got stuck to the gauze she was using, and she sneered. Her reaction made Evan ask, “Are you disgusted with me?” Shantelle’s eyes widened. She looked at Evan and answered, “Disgusted? No! I was more worried that it would hurt.” Evan’s wounds were not a good sight. The cuts were still evident, even if he underwent surgery to cover his wounds. Other parts of his skin will have slight deformity and discoloration. Genuinely, it broke Shantelle’s heart just looking at it. She said to Evan, “I’m sorry, Evan. So much for being one of the most sought-after men in Rose Hills. These scars will reduce your appeal.” “I’m happy to know my friend thinks I am appealing,” Evan gladly remarked, making Shantelle squint. That wasn’t her point at all. She pressed his wounds again, and Evan hissed. “Careful, friend. Careful there.” “Which part of your skin did they use to cover your arm?” Shantelle inquired. That was how skin grafting worked. Since the skin in Evan’s arms would not heal because of the burns, they scraped off a portion of his skin from another part of his body. “The side of my ass,” Evan responded, pointing as he lifted his behind. 1 “Pfft… So much for your perfect ass,” Shantelle remarked. “You know, Shanty, I’m starting to think you aren’t just my friend. Friends don’t know how perfect my ass is, not even Wendell,” Evan said with a smirk. “Haha! Let’s face it. We’ve seen each other’s asses,” Shantelle said before pressing his wound again, making Evan jolt. “Don’t make a big deal out of it.”

“You were the one who brought it up,” Evan pointed out. After some time of being silent. With Shantelle only cleaning his burns, Evan indicated, “I tell you one thing that friends sometimes do.” Shantelle looked at his athletic face, and he suggested, “Friends have movie nights. They have friendly dates, tell each other secrets, and play a game of truth or dare.” “Truth or dare?” Shantelle asked in surprise. “How dare you fall into this?” “Truth or dare?” Evan sought again. “Come on, Shanty. Truth or dare.” “I’ll go first, and I choose the truth. Ask me anything you want,” he offered. He reached for Shantelle’s hand and put it on his chest, saying, “Ask away. I won’t lie.” Shantelle sighed. Then, she asked what had been bothering her for some time. “Tell me the truth. Do you have any regret about saving me from the fire, considering how badly wounded you turned out to be?” Evan was surprised by her query. He looked into Shantelle’s blue eyes and answered firmly, “Shanty, I am proud of these wounds because I did it to save you. My body can heal, but my heart can’t go on, should I ever lose you again. I said it before and will keep saying that until you understand. No, I did not regret going into the fire and finding you. That’s how much I care for you.” Shantelle felt the rhythm of his heart and sensed no changes. She did not realize it, but they stared at each other in silence. When she realized this, she retreated her hand and smiled weakly, saying, “Thank you, Evan. Thank you for everything; for saving me twice, the house, and not hating me about keeping Lucas a secret.” Evan smiled back. He said, “You are welcome, Shanty.” Yet again, dead air fell upon them, with Evan simply studying her reactions and how she finished cleaning his wounds. “Your turn,” Evan eventually said. “Truth or dare.”

She gasped, questioning why she had taken part in the game in the first place. As she retreated her hand, she replied, “Truth.” “Will you ever love me again, Shanty?” Evan asked. The question utterly took Shantelle aback. Her mouth parted, but no words left her lips. Soon, she replied, “Dare. I want dare, instead.” She saw how Evan was dismayed, but he quickly recovered, saying, “Okay. No problem. So dare.” He sucked in a breath and requested, “How about… a friendly kiss? 2 ‘A friendly kiss?’ Shantelle froze in her seat. She looked at Evan for some time. Then she quietly picked up the extra gauze and other apparatus she used to clean up his wounds. “Shanty, I’m sorry. Please forget about it. I didn't mean it. I’m sorry. I won’t ask again next time,” Evan kept apologizing. He got off the bed, reaching for her arm. However, to his surprise, Shantelle turned around and moved closer. Everything played in slow motion as she closed her eyes and pouted her lips. Evan’s heart fluttered when her lips landed on his cheek! Fireworks erupted. Heck, he did not even know that one could see stars just by a mere peck on the cheek, but that was because he loved Shantelle so, that her every touch sparked happy tingles throughout his body. For the rest of the day after Shantelle left, Evan was smiling like a fool. He attended a video meeting with his executives and announced a special bonus for them. After his session, he enthusiastically called his father, reporting his progress in Shantelle’s heart. 1 “What are you so happy about, Evan?” Erick asked on the phone. Evan let out a heavy sigh and proudly announced, “Shanty kissed me on the cheek. Hah!” “What did you say?” Erick asked again. 1

“Shanty kissed me on the cheek, father!” He repeated with glee. 1 “What are you, nine?” Erick scolded. “Evan, you are not working hard enough! What makes you think a kiss on the cheek Is progress enough? Work harder, son! Work harder!”

Chapter 62: Return To Rose Hills “Doctor Shant, we have a patient that may require an artificial heart transplant,” a nurse reported to Shantelle in her office. She looked at the nurse and asked, Artificial? Who is the patient?” “Briana West,” the nurse said, her face forming a sneer. Shantelle gasped. Briana West’s admission only meant one thing; there was an added pressure to push the same patient up to the organ priority list, but was it right? Two other patients with the same body type as her were also in critical care and need a heart transplant. It had been over a month since the last threat to her life. Evan was discharged from the hospital two weeks ago and was recuperating in Rose Hills, all while working. When Keith and Evan suggested she leave Warlington, she seriously considered it, but as the days went by, it felt normal again. Shantelle was back to her routine, with her bodyguards following her around. She and her father hoped there would no longer be a threat to their lives with Peter Haris behind bars. Moreover, it was very difficult to leave the foundation that She had already built it in Warlington. However, with Briana West admitted into the hospital, she wondered if anything would change.

Before Shantelle could think about the possibilities, the hospital president called her into a small conference room. She hurriedly made her way to the meeting room and was surprised to see her father, Doctor Hale, and Doctor Park. The president of the Warlington Hospital was a part owner and a veteran doctor, Doctor Brian Wester. “Doctor Shant,” Doctor Wester, the CEO, greeted. “Please take a seat.” She greeted everyone. Only Doctor Park did not return her regard. She sat on the vacant seat and gave her father that question mark look, but William was also clueless. “I have good and bad news,” the CEO said. ” The bad news is that we have an investor who pulled out of the hospital. It’s a loss of funds worth five billion dollars.” “The good news is, we have a new investor. He is willing to give the hospital ten billion dollars as an initial investment,” Doctor Wester added. “Sadly, however, with the investment offer, it came at a price. They want change in management, particularly in the surgery department.” Shantelle and her father looked at each other before the CEO revealed, “There have been rumors of how Doctor Shant only got her promotion because of Doctor Scott. Thus, the new investor did not think it was wise to keep politics in the hospital.” “That is not right.” Doctor Hale was the first one to interrupt. “There was no one else qualified.” “But that’s because Doctor Scott only prioritized Doctor Shant in the fellowship training,” Doctor Park interfered. “If he gave me a chance, I would have been qualified to be the chief surgeon.” Shantelle’s mouth fell open. She pointed out, “You have led no heart transplants and by-pass – “Again, that’s because the opportunity was always given to you,” Doctor Park pointed out.

“In any case, the decision is already final,” the CEO said. He looked Shantelle and William in the eye, saying, “I regret to inform you that we are letting you both go, Doctor Scott and Doctor Shant.” Doctor Wester gave William a set of documents, saying, “Doctor William Scott, thank you for your service at Warlington Hospital. We are offering you an early retirement benefit, with an accumulated compensation of two million dollars.” Turning to Shantelle, he Shant, we are offering pressed, “Doctor you one million dollars as compensation for whatever potential income you may i am staying in this hospital. It is with regret that we have to let you go, but the potential losses are greater should we not accept the terms of the new investor. In Doctor Scott’s place, Doctor Hale will be the new Medical Director for surgeries, and Doctor Park will be the new chief surgeon-trainee…” 2 The rest of the news faded into the air like it meant nothing. Shantelle could not believe her ears. Her heart was crushed altogether, and tears stung her eyes. As the CEO continued outlining the termination contract’s conditions, Shantelle recounted Doctor Wester gave William a set of documents, saying, “Doctor William Scott, thank you for your service at Warlington Hospital. We are offering you an early retirement benefit, with an accumulated compensation of two million dollars.” Turning to Shantelle, he expressed, “Doctor Shant, we are offering you one million dollars as compensation for whatever potential income you may have in staying in this hospital. It is with regret that we have to let you go, but the potential losses are greater should we not accept the terms of the new investor. In Doctor Scott’s place, Doctor Hale will be the new Medical Director for surgeries, and Doctor Park will be the new chief surgeon-trainee…” 2

The rest of the news faded into the air like it meant nothing. Shantelle could not believe her ears. Her heart was crushed altogether, and tears stung her eyes. As the CEO continued outlining the termination contract’s conditions, Shantelle recounted how many sleepless nights she spent at the hospital, saving lives. All those years of practicing at the same hospital and efforts to make a name for the institution were nothing; it meant nothing to them. To the hospital board directors and CEO, they were just employees who could easily be dismissed. It hurt like hell. To think she meant to grow her career in Warlington, and she considered the staff her second family. “Do you have any questions?” Doctor Wester asked, his face showing no signs of care. “Just like that? You are going to let us go just like that?” Shantelle said in anger, her voice breaking in and out. “After all, what have we done for this hospital?” From the corner of her eyes, Shantelle saw how Doctor Park rolled her eyes. Meanwhile, the CEO exhaled, saying, “We did not let you go just like that. You are compensated – ” “It isn’t about the money,” Shantelle shot back. “Do you know how many offers I have received from other hospitals? So many, yet I declined those because I whole-heartedly rendered my service to this hospital – ” “Then, now that you are free, you can accept those invitations.” The CEO suggested. “But!” Shantelle rose from her seat in anger. However, her father cut her off. “Enough, Shanty,” William said. “We will not waste our talent for this hospital. We will go elsewhere, somewhere worthy of our skills!” He ordered, “Sign the contract!” “But, dad “Sign it! And let’s leave this ungrateful facility!” William repeated. 3

In the succeeding days, following the announcement of Shantelle and William’s termination at the hospital, Keith’s company, Prima MedCare, discontinued his support at Warrington Hospital. While Keith had preferred that Shantelle move back to Rose Hills, agreeing with Evan, he also wanted to give her a face. He wanted to send a message that what the hospital did was wrong. However, despite that, Warrington Hospital remained unmoved. They were firm in letting Shantelle and William go, not even caring to take back their words. When Evan heard the news, he flew to Warlington again without hesitation. He meant to support her in any way. In the living room of the Scotts’ home, Evan offered to Shantelle. “I wanted you to go back to Rose Hills, but not in this way, not when they have labeled your promotion as a result of politics. I never wanted your credibility to be affected, ” he said. “I’ll hire a lawyer to make them pay for what they did.” “Alternatively, I can offer to invest in the hospital,” Evan offered. “If that’s what will make you feel better. They will certainly take you back if I can offer a higher investment amount, and I will see to it that the CEO is replaced!” Shantelle looked Evan in the eye. She gasped and asked, “Really? You would do that for me?” “Why wouldn’t I? They will pay for hurting my precious friend,” he meant it as a tease, and it worked like a gem for Shantelle wound up smiling. “Ah, Evan. I don’t know what to do with you, ” she said while leaning back in her seat. “Well? What will it be?” he asked. Just in time, Shantelle’s father walked in. She and William glanced at each other, and he nodded. She nodded back. Before Even arrived, they had already come to a decision. It was only a matter of revealing it.

She turned to Evan and announced, “We have decided… to return to Rose Hills.” ‘Return to Rose Hills.’ 1 ‘Return to Rose Hills.’ 1 The words echoed in his head, making his heart skip a beat. He kept his excitement hidden. Evan nodded calmly, saying, “You won’t regret it, Shanty.” “I sure hope so,” Shantelle replied. “Excuse me, I – I need to make a quick phone call,” Evan excused himself. He walked out of the Scotts’ home and into the driveway. He ordered Miguel to drive him two blocks away, and they pulled over at an empty lot. From there, Evan stepped out of the car. He looked up at the skies and screamed, ” YESSSSSS!!!!!!!!!! “Yes!” While Evan did not like how Shantelle was dismissed from the hospital, he could not help but thank the heavens for the opportunity. To him, it was finally time to take the love of his life home. He felt guilty about being happy that he muttered, “I’m sorry, Shanty, but YES!” When he returned to the Scotts’ home, Shantelle waited by the door. She asked, ” That must have been some private phone call, Evan. Did you have to drive away?” “Oh, um.” Evan smiled, answering, “The signal was bad. Really bad.”

Chapter 63: Lucas’ Hero

“Let me, Shanty,” Evan offered. “No, let me,” Keith proposed. (1 Both Keith’s and Evan’s eyes narrowed at each other as if letting out laser beams. They still had not settled their issues, but when it came to Shantelle, they worked together. They had both offered to help Shantelle carry out a box of her belongings to the van. Two months had passed since Shantelle and William were dismissed from the hospital. The day had come for the Scotts’ to move back to Rose Hills. Evan and Keith offered a helping hand. “I’ll take that, Shanty,” Evan repeated. “He shouldn’t really be carrying things. His skin will stretch. My company paid a hefty amount of money just to cover his skin transplant,” Keith reminded. Shantelle pursed her lips, saying, “Keith is right, Evan. You should sit this one out. This box is rather heavy.” “You are right, Keith. How concerned of you, “Evan confirmed. Then, he glanced at Shantelle, asking, “Can I get help readjusting my compression garments?” “Oh, of course.” Shantelle gave the box to Keith and ordered Evan on the couch. “Let me take a look at it.” 2 Keith’s mouth twitched, his eyes further thinning at Evan. He may have carried Shantelle’s things, but Even got her attention, thanks to his burns! As Shantelle removed the compression garments around Evan’s arm, the man smirked at Keith, suggesting he still won. Keith bitterly loaded the box into a van outside the house. Back in the living room, Lucas approached his parents. He asked, “Mommy, why does daddy wear stockings around his arms?” T Both Evan and Shantelle chuckled. Shantelle replied, “It’s not stockings, honey. It’s a compression garment that will keep your daddy’s arms from swelling and help reduce the scarring. He will have to wear this for maybe eight months or a

year.” As Shantelle readjusted the compression garment, Lucas caught a glimpse of Evan’s arm. Seeing how it was somewhat disfigured, tears unknowingly rolled down his cheek, and he embraced Evan on the side. He said, “You are my hero, daddy. You are better than Batman and superman! Thank you for saving Mommy. I love you, daddy.” At first, Evan chuckled at being compared to a DC Comic hero, but he soon embraced Lucas, kissing him on the forehead. He replied, “I love you too, Lucas, and I love your mommy. I will do anything for her, but I don’t know about being better than Batman and superman.” Shantelle wound up smiling at Lucas’ words, but at the same time, tears also stung her eyes at how her son hugged his father. The way he looked up to Evan was so heart- warming. She had to turn to the side, stop adjusting Evan’s compression garments, and hide whatever emotions she felt. As she wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes, she saw Keith staring at them. Keith had that look of defeat on his face, and Shantelle could not help but give him an apologetic glance. Shantelle knew Keith cared for Lucas, but the bond between Evan and her son was so natural. They just instantly clicked. She watched as Keith returned to the driveway, his head down, his face looking frail. Since the Scotts’ home in Rose Hills was fully furnished, they only brought their clothes and valuables. Shantelle packed a a few books, but other than that, pieces of furniture were left in the house, which they had put up for sale.

Heartbeats later, everyone was on the private plane to Rose Hills, including Keith. Miguel was with them. He had decided

to relocate to Rose Hills. Among Shantelle’s other guards, only Andy came with them, adding to Evan’s security team. Shantelle and her family settled at the back of the jet. Evan was in the middle, working on his laptop. Evan was reviewing emails from his assistant when Keith unexpectedly sat in front of him. Evan frowned. He declared, “I i don't want to argue.” “I’m not here to argue,” Keith said. “Evan, thank you for saving, Shanty,” Keith suddenly voiced. “I must admit, you did better than me. You bought the old Scotts’ home, you saved Shanty twice, and I could tell that Lucas loves you more than me.” “You sure had it made,” Keith added. Evan found himself leaning back, simply studying Keith. Soon he said, “Thank you for looking out for Shanty and Lucas all those years, but it still doesn’t change the fact that you deprived me of my son and lied to me.” Keith looked down and replied, “I thought I would be enough for them, Evan. Would it make you feel better to know that I now realize how I was wrong?” en I saw Lucas calling you his hero, it broke me,” Keith declared. He hissed, massaging his neck and turning to the plane’s window. His expression turned gentle as he described. “There was longing in Lucas’ eyes that I had never seen. I should have known. He never called me his hero before.” “I’m sorry, Evan. I’m sorry about everything. I know I was selfish.” He looked at Evan and declared, “I want you to know that I will back off, but if you ever hurt Shanty again or Lucas, I swear to god, Evan, I will initiate Shanty’s next leaving, and I will make sure you never see them again.” The two stilled in their seats for an undetermined time until Evan cleared the air. He said, “While I don’t like the threat, I i want to clarify that it won’t happen. I have learned from my mistakes, and you have seen me regret all those years. Do

you think I’d want to be in that situation again?” “Look me in the eye, Keith, and tell me. Did you never see my sincerity all those years? How I have become depressed, how I have buried myself in my work so I can forget my pain,” Evan reminded. Keith did not answer. Instead, he sucked in a breath and said, “I don’t know. Maybe, I chose not to see. Good luck, Evan, because you will need it. Shanty has turned cold when it comes to loving another man.” “I’ve waited this long to find her. What makes you think I’ll give up now?” Evan said back. “Regardless of her decision, I i am happy just to be around her. I will keep loving her without expecting anything in return.” A weak smile became painted on Keith’s face. He replied, “Then I’ll be here, waiting to see how it ends.” He cleared his throat and added, “I’ll still be there for Shanty and Lucas, no matter what. Don’t take that away from me.” 1 “I wasn’t planning to. You are my son’s godfather, and I expect you to do your part – give the gifts and never miss a birthday or a holiday – it better not cost less than a thousand dollars each,” Evan responded before returning to his laptop. Keith wound up chuckling. He was about to leave when Evan surprised him by saying, I’m sorry for punching you in the face, but you must admit how you deserved that.” With a nod, Keith answered, “I accept your apology.” He left without saying more.

While in the air, Shantelle was arranging her bag when she noticed her phone was off. She charged her mobile and turned it on before quickly putting it on airplane mode. Soon, however, she saw how she had missed ten calls from Warrington Hospital. The calls came in while they were moving boxes into a van. She turned to her father and revealed, “Dad, the hospital called.”

“Yes, they called me too, but I did not answer. They even called Eana, but I told her not to entertain their calls. They say it had something to do with a heart transplant procedure.” William said, “Let them be. Whatever they need, we are no longer obligated to deliver. They made their choices. Eana, William’s assistant, had to stay behind to ensure the house sale went through smoothly, but she would soon follow to Rose Hills with her family. That was how the hospital got through Eana. Hearing her father, Shantelle thought deeply. She said, “I wonder why they would call. They still have Doctor Hale.”

Chapter 64: Surgery Failed Earlier that day, at Warrington Hospital, Doctor Hale was notified of a heart arriving. Doctor Park prepared the operating room. What surprised Doctor Hale was how the organ center did not call him. He wondered, So who was notified? Was there a bypass in the hierarchy?’ His job was to walk Doctor Park through the procedure, and thus, he made his way to the operating room. To his shock, The patient lying in bed was not who he expected. He may not have had the complete list of the patients on the waitlist, but he was sure Briana West was not the next one! “What is the meaning of this? Doctor Park? Why is Briana West here? Send her back! Let me check the waitlist!” He questioned. Because of his reaction, Doctor Hale was ordered into the CEO’s office, where the truth was revealed to him.

He met Briana West’s parents and the mayor, Frank Morgan. Apparently, the new investors were the West Family, and the the person behind their strength was the mayor himself. 2 “Doctor Hale,” the hospital’s CEO advised. It did not have to be this way. The Wests expect your full cooperation in the decision to move up Briana on the organ waitlist. Mr. Frank Morgan, our mayor, is Miss West’s boyfriend. He will reward you generously for keeping your mouth shut -” “Alternatively,” the mayor threatened. “You can get terminated, just like Doctor Shant and Doctor Scott.” “Think about your family,” the mayor added. “Think about your newly acquired position here in Warrington Hospital.” Dead air fell upon them as Doctor Hale tried to absorb all the news. Soon, he said, “I get it now. You had Doctor Shant, and Doctor Scott was dismissed because of the transplant waitlist! Of course, it had to be it!” “Doctor Hale, calm yourself down. This is not a big deal. We are simply skipping two patients on the list,” the CEO said. “Why can’t Miss West be on the artificial heart instead of skipping the line?” Doctor Hale asked. “Patients have a life expectancy of up to five years in a mechanical heart. That can still work, and she can wait for an actual heart to become available.” “I don’t want my girlfriend to experience the complications of an artificial heart. I can’t have her carry a pumping machine throughout her daily life! Moreover, cut her open twice!” Frank added. “This goes against my work ethics! I don’t want to do it!” Doctor Hale declared, utterly enraged. What really frustrated him more was that his colleagues, William and Shantelle, were dismissed unfairly because of the waitlist. Doctor Hale recognized that the hospital would not have told him the entire truth if he had not reacted in the operating room. He said, “Doctor Shant, Doctor Scott – how could this hospital allow its reputation to be tarnished?”

“If you are not going to do it, then you are fired, Doctor Hale!” the CEO declared. “I would rather be fired than be part of this! “Doctor Hale threw his ID on the floor and left the hospital without turning back.

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Meanwhile, in the operating room, Doctor Park learned that Doctor Hale refused to help. She received a call from within the operating room and spoke to the CEO, “Can you do this without Doctor Hale, Doctor Park?” Doctor Park scoffed and confidently replied, “I can do this. I was born ready! Besides, Doctor Varma is assisting me today. He had also helped Doctor Shant with a heart transplant.” “You can put your faith in me,” Doctor Park claimed, assuring their CEO. The operation proceeded as planned. The entire time, Doctor Park led the surgery eagerly. Sometimes Doctor Varma offered aid due to the time constraint, but Doctor Park was a proud woman. She told the assistant surgeon, “Your job is to hold the incision open, hand me tools, and close up the chest. That’s what assistants do.” “But, Doctor Park. It has been over six hours. The heart might not be good anymore, “Doctor Varma warned. “Let me help you.” “I know what I am doing, Doctor Varma. Just continue to assist me,” Doctor Park insisted and resumed stitching in the new heart. It took longer than expected. Doctor park ended the surgery after eight hours. They shocked the heart, but the organ did not beat. Again and again, they tried to wake the heart, but despite their efforts, the new heart did not respond. “Doctor Park, I think the surgery took too long. The heart is no longer good,” Doctor Varma said. “A heart can only be outside a body for six hours maximum.”

Doctor Park began to panic and retreat to her step. Seeing her reaction, Doctor Varma took charge. He ordered the surgical team, “Let’s put the patient back on the heart and lung machine! Prepare for an artificial heart transplant instead!” “Yes, Doctor Varma!” The nurses replied, leaving Doctor Park in shock at her failure. She simply leaned back on the sidelines, watching as everything unfolded.

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“Try to get Doctor Shant on the line, please! Or Doctor Hale!” Doctor Varma ordered. Operating room one was in a scramble, trying to save the life of Briana West. They failed to contact Shantelle and William, but they convinced Doctor Hale to save Briana West’s life, regardless of the donor list issue. Doctor Hale eventually returned. He and Doctor Varma implanted an artificial heart in Briana West, saving her life. Sadly, However, Briana still had no real heart. The Wests avoided the mechanical heart option, but in the end, their daughter wound up with one. Not only that, they wasted a good heart that was meant for someone else. 1

In Rose Hills, the Scotts had just settled in their home. The Thompsons came by the next day to join them for a picnic lunch in the mansion’s backyard. While Shantelle’s parents and Clara set up the table, Lucas challenged his father on a chase, going around a Magnolia tree. When Shantelle called Lucas for lunch, he did not hear her. She walked towards the father and son, calling their attention. “It’s time for lunch. Come on, Lucas. Evan, stop chasing him.” “I got you!” Evan screamed, grabbing Lucas by the waist. He lifted his weight as Lucas laughed uncontrollably. “Lunch time, guys,” Shantelle repeated. She was a meter away from them when Evan lowered Lucas to the ground.

Suddenly, Lucas ran in the direction of the picnic table, throwing Shantelle spinning on her heels. She bumped into Evan, and they both fell to the ground under the Magnolia tree. Shantelle wound up on top of Evan, her chest against his, her face brushed against his cheek, and his hot breath warmed her skin. When she lifted herself, her hand settled on his chest. Their eyes met, and for the first time since meeting Evan again, she swore she sensed her face burned and her heart raced. Evan’s eyes were gentle on her, and for some reason, she could not look away until Lucas cheered them on. “Mommy and Daddy sitting under a tree! K-I-S-S-I-N-G! First comes love. Then comes marriage. Then comes the baby!” 2 Shantelle hurriedly peeled off Evan while he smiled like a fool. Evan thought his ex-wife was so adorable when blushing. Then, reality hit him. ‘Wait, did she just blush because of me?’ Evan’s heart skipped a beat. He glanced at Lucas and winked at him. Lucas winked back, giving his father a thumbs up.

Chapter 65: Karise’s Apology “Karise?” Shantelle said, seeing her best friend arrive at the doorway of their old mansion. She leaned back and asked, “How – how did you know?” (1 “Are you here?” Karise replied. “Keith told me.” Shantelle smiled weakly and embraced her friend, saying, “We are having a picnic lunch. Why don’t you join us for dessert?” “Picnic lunch? With whom?” Karise asked. Shantelle first pursed her lips. Then she shrugged and revealed, “With the Thompsons, Uncle Erick and Aunt Clara are

here. Evan is also here.” “Oh.” Karise hesitated and said, “I don’t know if I am welcome then. I have heard from Keith how Lucas has met his father. I am happy for him.” There was that awkward silence between them before Shantelle asked, “Are you?” “Shanty, please. Let’s talk about it, okay? That’s why I came in the first place,” Karise pleaded. Shantelle let Karise in. They settled on one bench in the backyard, permitting Karise a good view of how Evan and Lucas were chatting merrily. Karise had earlier greeted the Scotts and the Thompsons, including Evan. Lucas seemed to have forgot her, but that was understandable. Their busy lives prevented them from keeping in touch. “Wow, they look happy,” Karise remarked, seeing Lucas feeding his father with dessert, and Evan acted like a bear with claws before taking the spoon into his mouth. “They are,” Shantelle answered contently. And I guess it’s because they don’t see each other every day that they make most of their time together.” Shantelle did not know how long they sat there, merely watching Lucas and Evan, but soon, she heard Karise say, “Evan looked for you, Shanty like seriously did, but at first- I don’t know if Doctor Scott told you “Yes, my father told me,” Shantelle acknowledged. “So, I don’t blame you entirely.” – “I’m sorry, Shanty,” Karise said. She then narrated Evan’s every effort, saying, “He stayed overnight at the cemetery on the day you gave birth to Lucas. He honestly thought you would come.” Karise said a lot more, including how they met a few times to have a casual conversation over coffee, and Evan wound up in front of her office. She said, “There was a time when I got used to him suddenly appearing out of nowhere. I realized

how serious he was and that, despite the wrong he had done, there was actually… the good side of Evan.” Shantelle frowned as Karise narrated. She did not quite understand where her friend was going with her tale until Karise revealed, “I ended up liking Evan, Shanty – like, super infatuated.” “I um. I took advantage of the fact that Evan kept asking about you. I was secretly excited to see him once in a while,” Karise added before breaking down in tears. “I’m sorry, Shanty. I kept the truth from you because there was a part of me that hoped something would spark Evan and I know I am a bad friend and aunt to Lucas!” Hearing her friend, Shantelle wound up gasping for air. She sat still with her eyes widening. The words that left Karise’s the mouth seemed to have quieted into the air. She could not think properly; all she grasped was how her best friend liked Evan, which was part of why she had said nothing to her in those seven years since Lucas was born! At the end of Karise’s explanation, she hugged Shantelle on the side, but her friend did not reciprocate. Karise wound up letting go and asking to leave. Shantelle guided her back to the door, where Karise asked, “Will you forgive me, Shanty?” “I-I can’t hate you, Karise. I will always love you because you are my friend, but I can’t help but be hurt by what you told me,’ Shantelle said. “Give me time.” Shantelle was about to close the door when she asked, “I want to know one thing. Do you still have those feelings for Evan now?” “No. God, no.” At the door, Karise sighed, saying, “He probably realized I would not tell him about you that he stopped seeing me. He was only meeting me, hoping he would know where you were. It was all about you, Shanty. I haven’t seen

Evan for years. I can’t even remember. Those feelings are long gone, but I just wanted to be honest. with you.” “In the past, I would never say this, but seeing Evan now and how he is with Lucas – knowing how he still loves you, I want you to know that I honestly felt he was very regretful about your divorce, Shanty,” Karise added. Karise held Shantelle’s wrist and continued, “And I’m not just saying this for the sake of Lucas. I’m saying that maybe, you should also give yourself a chance – a chance to fall in love again.” “A chance to get hurt again?” Shantelle asked with a hint of irony. “Well, that’s what love is all about. It’s all about taking risks. Otherwise, you will be left wondering for the rest of your life. I I know it’s hard to fall in love again, especially with your past with Evan. It might not work, but what if it will?” Karise said. “You know what they say; love is sweeter the second time around. Think about it, Shanty.” 2 Karise embraced Shantelle, relishing in her warmth. She said, “I miss you, Shanty. Take care, and I hope we can get back to how things were – you know – not like this when we are both uncomfortable with each other… Goodbye, Shanty.” After that talk with Karise, Shantelle was primarily silent. Karise’s words gave her something to consider. Time went by so she failed to notice how it was time for the Thompsons to leave. 1 At the door, Evan kissed Lucas goodbye. He told Shantelle, “I’m going to be very busy in the next few days, but I’ll drop by every evening, no matter how late. I hope that’s fine.” “It’s fine,” she replied. “I don’t have work, remember?”! “You’ll have work soon,” Evan insisted, reminding her of his plan for her career. 2 “Well, Dad and I are taking a break, regardless. I haven’t been this free to do anything but lounge for years. I might as well enjoy it for at least a month,” Shantelle answered. “You should. You deserve a break,” Evan responded. “I should go now. Father is tired. On the weekend, I can take Lucas home with me?”

Shantelle nodded. They both said their goodbyes. Evan had ushered his father into the car, and he was about to hop into the front seat when Shantelle walked down the driveway. She asked, “Evan!” “Shanty?” Evan asked, turning in her direction. “They say love is better the second time. around. Why is that Evan?” Shantelle asked. Evan was taken aback. He gulped air down his throat before finding the words to say, Well, Shanty. I think second chances work better because we learn from previous mistakes.” His mouth parted for some time until he promised, “I won’t make the same mistakes again, Shanty. I swear I won’t.” Shantelle simply blinked and declared, “I was just thinking, you knowhypothetically. I don’t mean anything by it.” “Sure.” Evan smiled. “I love you, Shanty. I always will. And that’s not hypothetical.”

Chapter 66: A Marriage Proposal The next day, Evan came in the evening as promised. He was putting Lucas to bed when his son asked, “Daddy, why

can’t we live in the same house? Do you have to leave for tonight?” “Yes, son. I have to,” Evan answered. “For us to live in the same house, your mommy has to love Daddy back.” “Mommy still doesn’t love you?” Lucas asked. Evan smiled and winked at his son. “Daddy is working on it.” “What else can I do, Daddy?” Lucas asked. A chuckle escaped Evan’s lips. Truth be told, his son helped more than enough, even without Evan directing him. Evan replied, Just be yourself, and keep loving Daddy. Everything else will follow.” ‘I hope,’ he said in his head. He pecked Lucas goodnight before heading down to the living room. He found Shantelle on the phone, speaking to Doctor Hale. “Be careful, Doctor Hale. These people attempted to hurt me,” Shantelle said with a worried expression. After ending the call, she turned to Evan and asked, “Heading home?” Evan nodded, replying, “Lucas is asleep.” “Evan, I’d like to ask a favor,” Shantelle sought. “Mark and Duane are based in Warlington, right? Can you connect me to the same security agency and maybe offer Doctor Hale protection -” “What happened?” Evan asked, seeing Shantelle’s concern. Shantelle narrated what happened to the hospital, including how Briana West wound up with a mechanical heart. She described, Doctor Park got fired. She is facing a lawsuit from the West family. Doctor Hale had reported the incident to the organ center and was planning to go to the media with the information he had.” 1 With a heavy sigh, she resumed, “Briana West is the mayor’s girlfriend. He was probably behind Peter Haris the whole time.” Evan clenched his hands as he said, “That explains everything. The invitation to the party was probably not a coincidence.

You or your father would have been trapped in that room to manipulate the organ waitlist.” “I’ll hire Mark and Duane again to protect Doctor Hale and his family. I’ll take care of the expenses.” He vowed, “And as for the mayor? I’ll make sure he suffers the consequences of hurting you, Shanty. I swear on my life.”

TV REPORT## “On another breaking news, Warlington Hospital faces multiple lawsuits following the alleged manipulation of the organ waitlist. In Warlington, only Warlington Hospital is certified to perform organ donor operations and maintains contact with the patients on the waitlist,” a news anchor of TMC News reported on TV. “Just recently, a respected thoracic surgeon, Doctor Hale, surfaced with allegations of the hospital accepting a bribe to push up a patient on the waitlist.” The TV showed an interview with Doctor Hale, saying in front of the camera: “The hospital dismissed two of our best surgeon, Doctor Shantelle Scott and Doctor William Scott, because they opposed any manipulation of the donor waitlist.” “One patient was moved up to receive a heart. Her name is Briana West. That can be seen in hospital records, and the the organ center can confirm that we have received an organ. In the master list of the organ waitlist, the patient in question was not on top of the list,” Doctor Hale explained. “I met with the West family themselves, including the boyfriend of Briana West. Our beloved Mayor, Frank Morgan, is the patient’s boyfriend. He was the one who pushed the hospital to accommodate the West family’s request,” Doctor Hale added. ” They threatened me with my job if I did not cooperate!”

END OF TV REPORT ## Within the CEO office of the Thompson Group of Companies, Evan was watching the news on TV. Turning behind him, he directed his assistant, “Tell the lawyers working on Shanty and Doctor Scott’s formal complaint against the hospital to support Doctor Hale. They can bring in another lawyer as needed. I’ll personally shoulder their professional fees.” “Yes, Sir,” James confirmed. “Have someone look into Frank Morgan, the mayor,” Evan instructed. “Then, hire a blogger to spread this news across the internet. Have them feature the qualifications of Shanty and Doctor Scott. This exposure will greatly help the new heart

and the lung center by the time it opens.’ “This is noted, Sir.” James nodded. “I’ll work on it right away. And, regarding the new medical facility, the documents are on your desk.” “Mmmm. Very good,” Evan replied before dismissing his assistant. He walked over to his desk and saw the said documents. He read, “Saint Dominique’s Heart and Lung Center.” Evan smiled, thinking of Shantelle’s new future. He had purchased fifty percent of the hospital’s shares, convinced the board of directors to turn it into a heart and lung center, and recommended hiring Shantelle and William Scott. The facility was contented to accept his offer since the same hospital had struggled over the past years, following Doctor Scott’s leaving. Saint Dominique Hospital used to be a regular medical institution, accepting all kinds of patients. However, It will only focus on heart and lung treatment in the future. The center was still being refurbished, but it was due to reopen in a month. Evan signed the documents before him and went about his day’s first meeting.

Stepping outside his office, James advised, Your first appointment is ready. It’s Mister Jason Turner and his daughter, Jessica. They had also requested your father’s presence, but I know it wasn’t wise, so I suggested a video call instead. Your father should be online with them now.”

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Evan frowned. He wondered why the Turners wanted to speak to his father. The Turners were business partners in Evan’s new realty company, but while their cooperation only started five years ago, Jason Turner was his father’s classmate back in the old days. They were old acquaintances, but they weren’t close. James and Evan made their way to the floor below them and into the main conference room. Evan saw how his father was on the widescreen monitor, in the middle of the area, and he greeted, “Morning, father.” “Morning, son,” Erick said back. “Jason and I were just talking about the good old days. Evan nodded and studied the long table. On one side, there was Jason Turner and his daughter, Jessica. Taking note of his number one rule, he decided to take the opposite side of the table. Once there, he asked, “May I know what brings you here, Mister Turner? James has just updated me regarding the new condominium. There seems to be no problem.” “Oh, Evan. I did not come here for business, “Jason Turner said. He smiled at Evan and then at Erick, who remained online with them. After which, he beamed at his daughter, Jessica. Jessica Turner was an engineer and functioned as the project manager of the new condominium being constructed. She was very effective in her job and contributed to the seamless building of the new structure. She had long, black hair, brown eyes, slender features, and was young. After her father regarded her, Jessica turned to Evan with a cordial smile, saying, “Just so you know, this was not my idea, Mister Thompson.”

“What is it? I have things to do,” Evan curtly said. If it wasn’t about business, it wasn’t important to him. “We want to strengthen our alliance with you, Evan, Erick, and I know that Evan is a single man. So, I wanted to propose a marriage alliance between Evan and my young daughter, Jessica.” Jason Turner had a wide grin on his face. He elaborated on his daughter’s qualities, “My daughter is still twenty-eight, a well-achieved woman, is fit, and is very intelligent. Many men wish to date her, but I don’t see potential in them. I think Evan is the most suitable to be my son- inlaw.” Next to Evan, James’s eyes widened. On the TV monitor, Erick’s face paled. On the other hand, Evan narrowed his eyes, his hand clenched into a fist. He said, ” Whatever respect I had for your daughter has gone down the drain.” “I don’t know where you got the news from, but I am already married!” Evan shot back. ” Bring up this proposal again, and I will not. hesitate to discontinue our partnership, regardless of how much I will lose.” “But Evan, you are not married,” Jason pointed out. “You would be lucky with my daughter. She is young and talented -” “I am married!” Evan repeated. “Whoever said that I wasn’t?” Even in his compression garments, he flashed his wedding ring, saying, “I am married, and I also have a son. He glared at Jessica, adding, “Have some self -respect, Miss Turner!” Evan got up and declared, “This meeting is over!” Instructing his assistant, he ordered, “James, make sure that my appointments are business-related moving forward. If there are non-business related appointment requests, have them pay a hundred thousand dollars per hour for my time!” “Yes, Sir. Apologies, Mister Thompson. This won’t happen again,” James acknowledged. He glowered at the Turners, for he got mixed up in the mess they had just brewed. James sighed, thinking his boss would be in a bad mood for the rest of

the day.

Hours later, Jason Turner had dinner with his daughter in a private restaurant. He said, “I asked around and discovered that Evan is still hung up on his ex-wife. He isn’t married anymore!” “I found out that his ex-wife was a jealous woman. Some veteran workers have attested that Evan’s ex-wife constantly monitored him, coming over for lunches and bringing him food. Then, I spoke to one businessman who said his deal with Evan had gone sour because his ex-wife suddenly appeared during their lunch meeting, thinking Evan was cheating on her,” Jason added. “Oh, such an insecure woman!” Jessica remarked. “I’ll never be like that!” 1 “It’s very simple,” Jason proposed. “All we need to do is to make this woman doubt Evan.” (3 Jessica smiled and said, “Then, let’s do that. Who is this ex-wife of his?”

Chapter 67: She Said Yes! “My clients were humiliated. Your hospital purposely circulated a letter via email, suggesting that Doctor Shant and Doctor Scott was dismissed due to political gains,” the lead counsel firmly said. She gave the opposing lawyer copies. of the said email and added, “We want five million dollars as compensation for defamation and a public apology through print or TV media.” “If you choose not to cooperate, we will bring this case to court, where your clients will spend twice more and still make

that public apology. Remember how Warlington Hospital already had a reputation for manipulating the organ waitlist? That alone has reduced your clients’ credibility,” the impressive lead lawyer said. She laid out all the documents and pointed them out. “You forget that Doctor Scott has copies of the entire promotion election.” “Your choices were Doctor Park, the same woman whose surgery failed, resulting in an additional lawsuit. The second was Doctor Lewis, the same doctor who finished third to Doctor Shant in Warlington Medical School, who later made surgical errors following his transfer to another hospital,” the lawyer added. “Your third option was the general surgeon, but he had not performed a heart surgery,” the lawyer conveyed with a sneer. “Is it not true that the basis of promotion was the surgeon’s experience? Regardless of the relationship between Doctor Shant and Doctor Scott, who had the best qualifications?” She turned to Doctor Hale, who was also present during the meeting, and the said surgeon confirmed, “Doctor Shant was Chapter 67 She Said Yes! always the best candidate. No one else was as good as her.” Everyone was inside a conference room in a local law firm in Warlington. William, Shantelle, and Evan flew back to Warlington to bargain their case against the hospital. Their lawyers were fearless, top-notched, and hired all the way from the best law firm in Braeton City. The lead counsel was a woman, but she held the most authority during the discussion. Her name was Scarlett Wright. 12 The opposing lawyers discussed amongst themselves, including representatives of the board from Warrington Hospital. They went at it for minutes, and Scarlett warned, “Keep wasting our time, counsel, and we will add our professional fee to the compensation request!”

“We agree to your conditions,” finally the opposing lawyer said. “And we would like to let Doctor Scott and Doctor Shant know that the board had no involvement in Doctor Wester’s actions. He was terminated as CEO, after last week’s hearing of the organ manipulation case.” “That’s good to know,” Doctor Scott said. “He deserves the same conditions he gave us.” Not only did Warrington Hospital agree to the compensation request, they had urged Shantelle and Doctor Scott to return to their facility, but the two doctors refused. Evan helped by adding justification, While the case against the mayor is still ongoing, I don’t think it is safe for them to work in Warlington. There is no assurance that the mayor will not retaliate.’ || “Then, it is our loss,” the opposing lawyer said. “Again, we apologize for what happened. We are glad that we met. halfway without going to court.” They finalized the deal, and each party. signed the agreement. When the meeting was over, Shantelle and William, including Evan, thanked the lawyers who assisted them. “It’s a pleasure to be of service,” Scarlett said, extending her hand to them.” Though my work is not done here. My team will work hard to put the mayor behind bars.” “Please take care of yourself, Scarlett. He is a powerful man and could potentially hurt you too,” Shantelle pointed out. “Oh, I’m not afraid of him. If he hurts me, he will be in bigger trouble.” Scarlett winked, saying, “Trust me. I have a military backup.” 3 “That’s why I hired her. She can protect herself,” Evan pointed out. “Her husband is the CEO of the Diamond Hotels, and they have connections in the military, where the mayor has no influence.” Shantelle happily shook Scarlett’s hand, saying, “You are amazing, and I thank your husband for your support.”

“Thank you, Misses Wright,” After Shantelle, Doctor Scott, also shook Scarlett’s hand. Scarlett then extended her hand to Evan, but the man only narrowed his eyes. He reminded Scarlett, “I know I hired you, but I’m sure you recall my number one rule.” 1 “Oh.” Scarlett quickly retreated her hand, saying, “My apologies, Mister Thompson. I forgot. Though, I have seen you hold Doctor Scott -” “She’s the only exception to the rule,” Evan said coldly. “Oh.” Scarlett chuckled. “You remind me of my brother-in-law.” She winked at Shantelle and said, “He’s a keeper.” 3 Nearly a month had passed since the Scotts relocated to Rose Hills. Many relevant events transpired, but they mainly occurred in Warlington. Thanks to Evan’s efforts in investigating the mayor, it was later revealed that Peter Haris was employed by the mayor to see through Briana West’s needs. Now, the mayor was facing bribery charges and a criminal case for the attempt on Shantelle’s life.

“Evan, thank you for everything; the lawyers, helping Doctor Hale, investigating the mayor, investing in a heart and lung center, convincing me about the lawsuit, being there when I need you just everything,” Shantelle declared. They were on the plane, heading back to Rose Hills, seated next to each other in the front row. She turned to Evan with gentle eyes, saying, “I would not have survived all this without your help. This was way more more stressful than I could imagine.” “Are you stressed now?” He asked. “A little. Earlier, I was nervous before the negotiations,” Shantelle admitted. “Let me absorb all that stress,” he offered, leaning in for a hug. Shantelle smiled and allowed the embrace. She felt his warmth and the tightness of his hold. As he wrapped his arms around her, he said, “God, I miss you so much.”

It was because Evan was away for over a week, traveling to Lockwood and other cities where his business had expanded. He only returned after learning that the lawyers were ready with their negotiations with Warlington Hospital. Before leaving, Evan was also constantly busy, following up with the heart and lung center’s opening date. He only visited Lucas at night, sometimes too late at night, that there was little opportunity for him and Shantelle to chat on a personal level. Evan meant to soothe Shantelle, but he felt equally relieved to be engulfed in her scent and to hold her in that way. Still, He did his best, rubbing her back, hoping she would feel better. After pulling away, he asked, “How’s that? Good?” Shantelle smiled. She rubbed the back of her neck and admitted, “Yes. Thank you, Evan.” She paused, looking distantly, and asked, “Are you sure there is nothing I can do to um – repay you?” Evan chuckled. He replied, “Don’t tempt me because I will go big on that query.” “Ask away. I might just.” She maintained. her smile and suggested, “I might just grant it.” Evan froze. He looked at Shantelle and studied her expression. It did not appear to him that she was bluffing. Thus, he brazenly asked, “I want a date and a kiss. The kind that’s not friendly. I want time. alone with you, Shanty.” “Will you grant me that? I’m dying here,” he added, his eyes full of yearning. Shantelle looked him in the eye. Her smile faded, seemingly in deep thought. Soon, she replied in a soft tone, “Okay. I I don't know about a kiss, but I’m fine with a date.” Evan’s mouth fell on the aircraft’s floor can do to um – repay you?” Evan chuckled. He replied, “Don’t tempt me because I will go big on that query.” “Ask away. I might just.” She maintained her smile and suggested, “I might just grant it.” Evan froze. He looked at Shantelle and studied her expression. It did not appear to him that she was bluffing. Thus, he

brazenly asked, “I want a date and a kiss. The kind that’s not friendly. I want time alone with you, Shanty.’ “Will you grant me that? I’m dying here,” he added, his eyes full of yearning. Shantelle looked him in the eye. Her smile faded, seemingly in deep thought. Soon, she replied in a soft tone, “Okay. I I don't know about a kiss, but I’m fine with a date.” Evan’s mouth fell on the aircraft’s floor panels, utterly shocked. In truth, he never expected Shantelle to agree. “You – you said yes?” “I said yes,” she replied. “You have to tell me about that number one rule, though.” “You really said yes?” He asked again. “You want me to take it back?” She asked, seeing how he doubted her. “No! You can’t take it back! You already said yes!” Evan responded. “So stop questioning me and plan for the date!” She ordered, making Evan laugh. “Oh, I will. You are going to enjoy every moment! You are going to want to kiss me then!” He declared, his smile reaching his ears. Shantelle beamed, challenging him. ” Let’s see about that.”

Chapter 68: The Special Date Immediately the next day, Evan purposely ended his work early. He had been waiting for the opportunity to take

Shantelle was out for months, and this was his moment. After she said yes, he did not wait another day, another week, and definitely not another month. Fortunately, it was the right season for his ideal date with his ex-wife. He thought about it a hundred or a maybe a thousand times. When Shantelle left, he had long imagined taking her to one of her favorite spots, and he wished it would bring back the old Shantelle that loved him so. Shantelle shrugged, saying, “You said it wasn’t formal.” “And you don’t look so bad yourself. I didn’t know you could wear shorts,” Shantelle commented, noticing how Evan was in a white shirt and denim shorts. that reached his knees. “Oh, I admit it’s been a while, but I’m happy to be in comfortable clothes,” Evan replied, giving her a bouquet of roses. With a sigh, Shantelle accepted the roses. She smiled, saying, “Evan, I don’t know where to put these. The house is full of roses.” “I’m sorry. I’ll prepare tulips or sunflowers next time,” Evan suggested, resulting in Shantelle chuckling. “You won’t stop, will you?” Shantelle asked. “Not until you love me back,” he replied without hesitation. Shantelle smirked. She accepted the roses and handed the bouquet to the maid. She instructed it to be placed in her room before entering the car. “Good luck, Daddy!” Lucas said, peeking through the door and giving Evan a thumbs up. “Thanks, Lucas. I love you. I’ll see you later. Daddy will put you to sleep,” Evan promised. Shantelle and Evan were on the road for two hours. In between, they talked about the new heart and lung center, which was due to open next week. They also covered Evan’s number one rule. “Yes, the only time I became unguarded was at the hospital, when nurses had to help with my burns, but I still tried to ask

for a male nurse each time. Sometimes, there just weren’t any,” Evan admitted. ” You can ask James if you want. He can attest to everything.” “Yes, it’s true, Miss Shanty. I’ve been scolded many times for failing to maintain the boss’ number one rule,” James said. He had to drive Evan and Shantelle, for he was the planner of that evening’s date. He needed to make sure everything went according to plan. 1 “Why such a rule?” Shantelle asked Evan. There was a moment of silence. Evan thought back before he turned to Shantelle, admitting, “Because I don’t want any more Nicole's slash Melody to ruin my life.” He reached for her hand and described, “The life I would have had with you if Nicole was not in the picture.” Shantelle thought about Evan’s words. She recalled how he requested a male doctor back in Warlington. Whenever he was in front of a woman, he would distance himself. The other day, he dared not shake the lawyer’s hand, even if Scarlett was already married and had loads of kids. 1 Despite these observations, she uttered, ” I’d like to see you pull through with this rule of yours.” “I have been for more than six years, Shanty,” Evan revealed. Halfway through their journey, Evan put a blindfold over Shantelle’s eyes. Out in the car, Evan guided her the whole time, holding her hand. He purposely did not wear his compression garment with that solid plan of being to feel the softness of her palm against his. “Just where are you taking me, Evan?” After walking for minutes, Shantelle asked. “Smell it,” Evan suggested, and Shantelle did as she was told. “I smell the beach,” she replied. “Oh, god. I miss the beach. It has been ages!” “I know that for a fact, only the young Evan Thompson drove you to your favorite beach spot,” he declared.

Hearing Evan, Shantelle stilled. She gasped before asking, “You mean to say – Evan?” She removed her blindfold hurriedly and found herself gaping at the beautiful beach. It was already six in the evening, and the same shoreline glistened in bioluminescence! “Planktons!” Shantelle delightfully exclaimed. “Oh, my god, Evan. You remember!” Shantelle ran to the beach, removed her sandals, and stepped onto the sand. She created blue footprints as she continued down the shore. Shantelle had probably hiked several meters when she turned to Evan and asked, “Come on, Evan! Just like old times.” Evan walked toward Shantelle and offered his hand again. He said to her, ” Better than old times.” Shantelle studied his hand for a second, but then she took it, responding, “I suppose.” Evan and Shantelle walked along the shores holding hands, sometimes submerging their feet into the water, just to see how the planktons formed shapes around them. The entire time, James was there to take pictures of their plankton experience. They continued to march further into the shoreline until arriving at a resort where a sandbank dinner awaited Evan and Shantelle. They had a candle-lit dinner under the stars where all dishes were a favorite of Shantelle. After supper, Evan still had another surprise for Shantelle. Evan guided her to the tip of the sandbank. The resort had set up a picnic blanket with candles lying around the sand. A bucket of ice was buried halfway into the sand, with an expensive bottle of wine and a platter of assorted cheese sitting next to it. In the next half an hour, they simply drank wine, paired it with cheese, lay on the picnic blanket, and watched the stars gleaming against the night.

Shantelle had a smile on her face as she studied the skies. It was lovely. Paired with the sea breeze and a little kick of alcohol, it was the most relaxing night of Shantelle’s life. “I know this isn’t a luxurious date, Shanty. I have taken you to those classy restaurants in the past,” Evan said. “But – “I think this is a special date you have taken me to, Evan, one that is meaningful, “Shantelle expressed, cutting off his trail of thought. She glanced at him, and their eyes locked. She bit her lip and softly said, “Thank you, Evan.” Evan badly wanted to kiss Shantelle that night. She kept smiling throughout their date, and Evan thought she looked more beautiful. He was this close to stealing a kiss, but he was afraid he was pushing his luck too far. With every bit of strength in him, he held back.

luo midnight at the Scotts’ mansion. The first thing that Ever did was to put Lucas to sleep. His son had apparently been waiting for him. Shantelle, on the other hand, bathed before checking on the two. When she entered Lucas’ room, she saw Evan lying next to Lucas. Her son made a pillow of Evan’s arm while Lucas’ limbs wrapped around his father like he was afraid of losing his daddy. She sucked in a breath. Her heart ached at the thought of breaking off their sleep. Shantelle sat next to Evan. He must have noticed her that he hummed awake. She suggested, “You know what? Why don’t you stay? You looked so tired yourself. You could use a good sleep.” Who doesn’t sleep well with their kids? To Shantelle, Lucas was her sleeping pill. She was confident Lucas would have that same effect on Evan. In response to Shantelle’s proposal, Evan smiled and dozed off to exhaustion.

Seconds turned into minutes. Shantelle did not know how long she simply studied the father and son. She remained to sit next to Evan, looking, thinking, and wondering. Aside from noting the closeness between the father and son, she studied Evan’s features. Despite being already in his mid -thirties, Evan looked incredibly handsome. Even if he had dark circles around his eyes due to lack of sleep, he still appeared like someone ready for a modeling gig. He could easily play the ruggedly handsome look without even putting in any effort. When she realized she had been staring at Evan too much, she decided it was time to leave. She leaned to the other side and kissed Lucas on the cheek. As she retreated, her gaze landed on Evan’s sleeping face, and she stilled. ‘He was asleep. He would not know,” Shantelle thought inwardly. Shantelle gulped. She called him, “Evan? Evan?” She waved her hand over his face, and after seeing how he wasn’t moving, nor was he affected by her attempt to wake Shantelle concluded the man was fast asleep. Thus, she did what she thought she would never dare to do. Shantelle moved closer and closer until her lips met Evan’s. She briefly shut her eyes at the feel of his lips, but when she opened them, she met a pair of dark brown orbs looking straight at her. Her heart raced. Chapter 69: Evan’s Reward Evan thought he was dreaming when Shantelle called his name. He was too exhausted. Evan couldn’t tell if it was real. He wanted to fall into a deep slumber, but out of nowhere, he felt soft lips against his. His eyes opened, feeling the drumming of his heart. He could not believe what he had just witnessed. ‘Shanty kissed me?’ Evan was this close to pinching himself for a reality check, but in the next second,

Shantelle frantically stood up and ran outside Lucas’ room. ‘What just happened?’ Evan thought. ‘ She kissed me, but she ran away!’ Was Evan going to let her go that easily? No. A big NO. Evan carefully removed himself from Lucas’ hold, but his son awoke when he pulled back his arm. Lucas called, Daddy, where are you going?” “Lucas, I’ll only check on your mommy, but I’ll be right back. I promise,” he replied. Lucas gave his reluctant approval. Evan rushed outside to find Shantelle’s room. She stayed in her old room as a child, two- rooms away from Lucas’. He knocked on the door, calling her name. “Shanty, let’s talk. Open the door, please. Please, Shanty.” Evan kept knocking and knocking, but Shantelle would not reply. ‘Was she pretending to be asleep?’ Evan was about to give up all hope when he realized another way into Shantelle’s room; the Romeo style. He returned to Lucas’ room and found his son sleeping. He went straight to the window and looked out. He turned to the left and analyzed the climb. There was very little concrete that he could hold on to, but. Despite this, he climbed out the window and traversed into Shantelle’s small balcony.

Shantelle was leaning on her balcony window, biting her lip. She kissed Evan earlier, and she ran away. ‘Why did I even do that? Simple, Shanty, you wanted to!’ She scolded herself silently. When Evan came to her room, she did not reply. She hoped he would walk away and assumed she fell asleep incredibly fast. She did not know how to face him.

Suddenly, she heard a loud thud against her balcony floor. She jerked while turning around. To her shock, she saw Evan standing there and chasing his breath. “Open the window, Shanty. You are wide awake,” Evan pointed out. She had no choice but to open the glass. door and let him in. She mumbled, “What are you doing, Evan?” “Someone stole a kiss, and I needed to get it back.” He teased me. Evan stared into Shantelle’s blue-colored eyes. From there, she started reasoning, ” I – I thought – I thought I’d give you a reward for a good night out.” “Ah.” A smile spread on his face. He replied, “That would be nice, Shanty, except I wasn’t awake to enjoy my reward. If that is the case, then perhaps you should… do it again and properly.” He spread his arms, offering himself, Here I am.” Seeing her think twice, he made his intentions clear. “I’m not leaving until I get my proper reward. Please, Shanty. I want it… badly.” Shantelle’s body solidified, but she eventually let her shoulders down and said, “Okay.” Her face turned bright red while adding a quick one.” “Define quick,” Evan asked. “For me, a quick kiss is a minute – ” “Hah! Don’t push your luck, Evan!” Shanty shot back, but while she said those words, she chuckled. “Don’t trick me Evan wound up giggling, too. He then proposed, “As long as it feels right, let’s keep at it?” As they were talking, Evan was advancing. Shantelle was also taking steps back. Eventually, she leaned against the wall with Evan closing in on her. With this, she suggested, “One second.” “Or if it feels right, keep at it?” He insisted. Shantelle’s mouth parted, thinking. She answered, “I don’t know about that, but –

Before she could finish her words, Evan’s lips landed on hers, stilling her altogether. Immediately, she felt a jolt of electricity run through her body, her heart pounding angrily against her ribcage, and the butterflies in her stomach went wild. As Evan gave her a single-lip kiss, Shantelle thought, ‘What is happening to me?’ After many years of caging her heart and shutting down her emotions, why was she feeling this way again? Realizing what was happening to her, she sucked in a breath, momentarily halting Evan’s kiss. She stiffened and closed her eyes. “Please don’t do that, Shanty. Stop trying to control your feelings. At least for this moment, let go,” Evan begged. He cupped her chin and suggested, “Let go and let me kiss you.” He then sensed Shantelle’s arms relaxed. Her eyes fluttered in agreement. Evan rested his forehead against hers. He lowered his head so that their noses touched. He tilted his head just enough so that nothing else could stand in the way of when their lips would meet. Evan pecked Shantelle’s lips again. He gave her gentle kisses and watched her close her eyes. However, unlike the last, her expression was soft. She was calmer. He went for it repeatedly, ultimately parting his lips. Evan turned his head to the other side and gently gave another kiss. This time, Shantelle kissed back. Evan gave it another shot, and still, she returned the kiss. Oh, yeah. Evan was ready to celebrate, but before throwing a party for his achievement, he relished the moment! He kept at it, pecking and pecking. In each second that passed, his mouth parted further, and so did Shantelle’s. As their kisses grew demanding, Evan’s hand slowly climbed up to the back of Shantelle’s neck, his other arm circling her waist. As for Shantelle, her hands also crawled up to his chest.

Shantelle did as Evan requested. She allowed her passions to come through. It scared the hell out of her, but at the same time, when Shantelle acknowledged it, it gave her a wave of pleasure that she had not felt in a very long time. Thus, as Evan suggested she let the kiss continue, as it felt very right at that moment. Yes, it felt so right, even if her mind tried to oppose her. Their kisses became louder and more careless. Evan could not help but push a little of his tongue, and to his surprise, Shantelle did the same. The two did not know how long their lips locked together, but they soon pulled away, feeling out of breath. Evan smiled while looking at her flushed face and how she was chasing her breath. She did not say it, but he could tell he had that effect on her. He simply didn’t know the weight of it. Still, he was elated. He embraced her tightly and pecked on the side of her face. He said, “God, I love you. I love you so much.” “I want to keep holding you,” Evan added. He held her stronger that Shantelle was thoroughly wrapped in his arms, her face against the crook of his neck. “I don’t want to go to work.” Shantelle was lost in her thoughts, hearing Evan repeatedly say those words of love. Moreover, being engulfed in his The scent reminded her of how it felt good to be around him. All those years, she tried to forget, but did she really forget? She wondered. Later on, she realized what he had said. Evan can’t miss work. She would hate to be the reason for any delay at the heart and lung center. She looked at him and weakly said, “You can’t skip tomorrow, though. Remember, you will inspect the heart and lung center before it opens next week?” “Are you coming with me?” Evan asked while he slowly peeled off her.

“I wanted to,” she replied, her gaze gradually landing on Evan’s face. “Dad said the robotics arrived. I want to try it. It’s the most advanced technology for surgery.” “Then, I’ll see you in the afternoon,” Evan said. “In the evening, it will be Wendell’s birthday. Can you and Lucas come with me? It won’t be a big event, just family and close friends. He keeps asking about you.” “Wendell?” She asked. She thought about it and agreed. “I suppose it’s okay.” Silence stretched between them for some time but eventually, Evan took the chance to ask, “Shanty, what does this mean. between us? Can we get back together, please? Do you love me?” Yet again, Shantelle toughened. It was as if talking about relationships or commitments scared her to death. Evan saw how she took a deep breath. Knowing what she was doing, he immediately said, “Relax, Shanty. Okay, I -” “Evan, I want you to understand something.” Ultimately, Shantelle expressed, “I hate talking about the past, but it has everything to do with the changes in me.” “I gave everything to you, Evan – told you how I felt every day of my life. But despite that, it wasn’t enough to keep you. So yes, I have shut myself down for a very long time. I avoided these relationships with men, but after meeting you again, I’m trying to open up every day,” she described.

1

“It’s hard for me to even talk about this – to admit this, but I did, so you would understand where I am coming from.” Nearly a whisper, she added, “Please be patient with me. I still don’t know if I am ready for a real relationship, but can we simply see how it goes -” 1 “Okay, I’m sorry. I’m sorry for everything,” Evan said, cutting her off. He returned to hugging Shantelle. It hurt him to remember how he was the reason for her to react so strongly against loving, but he would wait forever if he had to. “I

understand, and I will wait. I will keen showing you how much I love you because -” Evan wound up in tears, declaring, “My life felt empty without you, Shanty – all those years. In response, Shantelle hugged him back. She did not realize how a tear had rolled down her cheek. “Daddy?” As Shantelle and Evan were soothing their emotions, Lucas knocked on Shantelle’s door, asking, “Mommy, is Daddy with you?” “Lucas, I’ll be out in a minute,” Evan said. “You better go,” Shantelle said while she wiped the wetness on her face. When Evan pulled away, she helped clear his face from the tears. Evan held her hand and kissed her fingertips. Before leaving, he gave her one last kiss. He could not help but smile because Shantelle kissed back. Walking away, Evan said, “Goodnight. I love you.” Shantelle smiled, replying, “Goodnight.”

Chapter 70: Like A Queen Shantelle arrived at the new heart and lung center before noon. Her father was appointed as the center’s head administrator. Thus, William had some last-minute preparations before the tour. After helping William inspect specific parts of the building, she waited in the lobby where the tour was to start. Some Doctors recognized her right away. Thanks to the issue in Warlington,

articles about her and William circulated around the internet. Since then, a few residents quickly identified her whenever She went out of the house. It was later that she found out how it was Evan’s work. The articles were meant to hype the heart and lung center for its grand opening “Doctor Shant – the famous Doctor Shant?” A male cardiologist approached her with a huge smile on his face. Shantelle knew this doctor. He had referred some of his patients to Warrington Hospital. He was the new best cardiologist in Rose Hills. “Doctor.” Shantelle dug through her brain. When she remembered the name, she repeated, “Doctor Dimitri Putin, right?” Now, she remembered this was the same cardiologist the nurses talked about whenever he visited Warrington Hospital. The said doctor was Russian but had relocated to Rose Hills a few years back. The nurses said he had a face that could break panty strings, though it didn’t seem to work on her. “I’m glad you know me!” Dimitri said. ‘ You know, I used to see you in Warrington Hospital whenever I had patients for surgery, but you rarely pay attention.” Dimitri was trying to captivate Shantelle, and she felt it. He kept complimenting her, showing off his dimples, and he suggested how they would hit it off. She tried to escape from the chat because the said doctor was very flirtatious, and

Shantelle wasn’t into flirtatious men. While Shantelle tried to leave, Evan arrived with James and Andy. When he entered the center’s lobby, he saw a man trying to charm Shantelle. He recognized this doctor as the center’s elected head cardiologist. His lips twitched, and jealousy filled his heart. The said doctor had very striking features, and he was younger. To his relief, however, it would seem like Shantelle was irritated. Thus, he wasted no time and walked over to his ex-wife, ” Shanty.” “Oh, Mister Thomspon! It’s an honor to be in your presence! Thank you for letting me join the center!” Dimitri said outright. Everyone knew Evan in Rose Hills. The Thompson Group Of Companies was the most influential corporation in the city. Being employed by one of Evan’s The company was an honor to Dimitri. “You are welcome, though. I didn’t choose you personally. Doctor Scott recommended you,” Evan revealed. He then turned to Shantelle with gentle eyes. He put his hand on the small of her back and asked, “Did you sleep well last night? “I decided not to wake you. I figured you were tired,” Evan described. “But I asked our son to tell you what time I left – ” “Oh, I did not know Doctor Shant was married!” Dimitri exclaimed. “Had I known, I – But how come Doctor Shant’s last name is Scott?” “In this generation, the woman can choose to keep her last name,” Evan pointed out. He gave an accurate answer without having to reveal the fact that Shantelle was already his ex-wife. “Do you need anything else, Doctor Putin?” 2

Evan’s eyes narrowed at the cardiologist, and Dimitri understood he needed to leave Shantelle alone. He would not go head-to-head with the wealthiest man in the city! Seeing Dimitri nervously find someone else to talk to, Evan smirked. On the other hand, Shantelle said, “Thank you for saving me. Although, you made him I believe we are still married.” “Oh, well. Many of the center’s board of directors think I am still married anyway, Evan said. “Let it be. That way, no one will dare to disrespect you.” “Or flirt with me,” Shantelle indicated. “That especially,” Evan added. Soon, the facility inspection started. Doctors and board members toured the newly refurbished facility, with Doctor Scott explaining every section of the building. The entire time, Shantelle felt eyes on her. So why was everyone staring at her? Because the most powerful man in the city kept walking behind her. Evan’s hand often landed on the small of her back, guiding her in every part of the tour. Sometimes, Evan would take her hand, but mainly, the way he looked at her with complete adoration made the ladies gape at her with envy. Evan looked incredibly happy that day, like he had won the lottery. There was a glow on his face that Shantelle could not describe. Everyone was introduced by their profession, position, and importance, but her father did not name their relationship with Evan. However, with the way Evan was tailing her, the small crowd had probably guessed she had a special relationship with one of the board of

directors, Evan Thompson. Shantelle could not help but feel important. During their marriage, she followed Evan around, but now it seemed like the tables had turned. Shantelle thought it felt good to be treated like a queen, and she was the center of the king’s attention, a king, that was Evan in Rose Hills.

“Shanty! Oh, the beautiful Shanty is back! “At Wendell’s party, Sean was the first to greet them in the living room. He offered Shantelle a hug. After embracing Shantelle, he pointed to Evan’s smiling face and then back to Shantelle. Sean announced, “See that? Evan is smiling again! The sun around Evan has returned!” “Evan does not deny it,” Sean confirmed. Glancing down at the young boy, he said, “And this is clearly the young Evan. Hello Lucas, I’m your uncle Sean.” Wendell followed behind Sean. He hugged Shantelle while she greeted, “Happy Birthday, Wendell.” Seeing Lucas, Wendell said, “I’m your uncle Wendell! It’s nice to meet you, little Evan.” “I have many uncles?” Lucas asked, his eyes gleaming with excitement. “That mean more gifts for me?” Laughter echoed around the space. Evan seconded Lucas’ claims, “Yes, that’s right, son. Like your uncle Keith, your uncle Wendell and Sean will give you gifts on birthdays. They won’t miss a single holiday either.” “That’s a promise,” Wendell raised his hand and vowed. “As long as you don’t go anywhere else, okay, buddy? Your daddy I was so sad being alone for a long time.” Wendell kneeled down and declared, “In In fact, you don’t have to wait for your birthday. I have a gift for you.” “Gift for me? But it’s your birthday?”

Lucas asked back. “Yes, well, I still have a gift for you,” Wendell announced. “I got a gift on your birthday, Uncle Wendell?” Lucas asked, and Wendell nodded. Wendell guided Lucas into the gardens, where an inflatable bounce house had been set up. He declared, “That is yours! But I had it inflated, so you can use it during the party!” It was a small bounce house with a slide, around six square meters. While Lucas played with his gift, a few kids joined him, too. “Shanty, the maids will look after them here. You can enjoy the party with Evan,” Wendell said, winking at her. Evan guided Shantelle to one table. Like earlier, he always had a hand on her back. He didn’t leave her to chat with his friends. His attention was entirely on her and Lucas. “What would you like? I’ll get them for you,” Evan asked. “I can get my own food, Evan,” she said. “I know you could, but I want to get them for you,” he insisted. “I don’t want your feet to feel sore with all the back-and forth walking. You are wearing heels.” “Pfft! It’s just a little walk, Evan, but if you insist. Do I need to tell you what I like, though?” She asked with a smile. “You don’t. I know you like the back of my hand,” Evan assured her. First, Evan brought Lucas’ favorite dishes. Afterward, he returned to the buffet area to get her a salad and her preferred meat. When he arrived at the table, he mixed her greens before setting the salad in front of her. Then, he sliced Lucas’ meat into bite-size pieces. “Lucas!” Evan called. “Your food is ready, son! Come over before the food gets cold.”

Next, Evan did the same with Shantelle’s meal, slicing them into bite-size pieces. The entire time, Shantelle studied him and rested her cheek on her fist. She recalled the past and compared how Evan treated her differently now. The old Evan never told her he loved her, but now, there was not a day he missed telling her how he felt. Second, he had been so attentive to her, a little too attentive, but she could not help but enjoy the attention, anyway. Shantelle did not know what came over her, but she leaned in and pecked his cheek. She knew she startled him because he stilled briefly. When Evan turned to her, he smiled. He moved closer and kissed her lips. She kissed back, and they pulled away, grinning. “Mommy, Daddy, kissing in their seats. K -I-S-S-I-N-G! First comes love, then comes babies!” Lucas sang before chuckling. He sat in his seat and asked, Mommy, Daddy, can I h now?” a brother Shantelle’s face turned crimson red while Evan chuckled.

Chapter 71: Evan Cooking Following Lucas’ question, Shantelle turned to Evan for help, but the man said to their son, “That’s entirely up to your mommy.” Shantelle’s mouth fell open as she glared at Evan. "Great, so much for the help.’ “Please, Mommy. Please. I want a brother and then a sister and then a brother again!” Lucas said, counting with his

fingers. Before Shantelle could answer, however, she saw Keith walk in. She found a perfect excuse to change the topic. “Oh, look. It’s your Uncle Keith!” “Hi, Uncle Keith!” Lucas waved. Then, he saw a familiar lady who walked up behind Keith. “Hi, Aunt Karise.” Behind Lucas, Shantelle was shocked to see her friend arriving at the party with Keith. She could tell Evan was also taken aback. Keith and Karise first greeted Lucas. After which, they exchanged pleasantries with Shantelle and Evan. Evan gave Keith that probing look that the latter mouthed, ‘Later.’ Shantelle was also curious, but Karise gave her that same face, the kind that suggested she would talk about it afterward. They all ate at the same table. There was silence for the first few minutes, but eventually, Keith and Evan talked business, covering the insurance claims of Lockwood Children’s Hospital. They were all mostly done with their meals when Keith turned to Lucas and asked how he was. Lucas happily shared how he loved his new home, including enrolling in a new school. Lucas described, “I’m going back to school next month.” “That’s great, Lucas,” Keith said, giving the boy a high-five. “And guess what, Uncle Keith? Mommy and Daddy will give me a brother soon!” Lucas announced, making Shantelle choke on her wine. Keith wound up frowning at Evan. He signaled Evan to join the boy’s table by standing up and walking over to where Wendell was. “Shanty, excuse me. I won’t take long,” Evan said. “Go, have time with your friends too,” Shantelle encouraged.

After Evan left, Karise moved to sit next to Shantelle. She whispered, “Are you back together?” “Um, no,” Shantelle admitted. “I want to think this through first. Lucas is just jumping to conclusions because I have allowed myself to spend time with Evan. I don’t want to put a name on it for now, but what’s with you and Keith?” “Oh, me and Keith? Nothing, we are just friends!” Karise replied, her face turning red. “Okay, then. Why did you blush?” Shantelle asked. “There’s something else, is there?” “No – well, we are sort of having a ‘ friends with benefits’ kind of agreement, “Karise revealed. “Don’t tell Keith I told you. “Well, okay. Just be careful. Keith is a serial dater,” Shantelle reminded. “I know that, but he only did that to forget you,” Karise reminded Shantelle.” Sorry, I didn’t mean to bring it up. You are not affected, are you?” Shantelle shook her head and smiled. She replied, “if anything, I want Keith to move on with the right girl. Who knows, you could be the right girl?” Karise laughed and replied, “No, strictly no feelings are involved.” “Well, since you gave me advice the last time, let me point out one thing: where friends have benefits, one usually catches feelings,” Shantelle remarked.

Meanwhile, in the boys’ group, they covered the same. However, Keith only owned up to being friends with Karise. They focused more on Evan and where he stood in Shantelle’s life.

Evan looked at Keith, explaining, “Lucas saw us kiss, and he thought we were ready to give him a brother, but no, we haven’t.” “As for where we stand, I don’t know. We finally went on a date, and I’ll ask Shantelle again this weekend. I don’t I want to scare her and push for a commitment. I’ll just keep working hard, “Evan claimed. “Cook for her,” Wendell suggested. “Yeah, chicks dig that,” Sean approved. They all turned to Keith as if asking for his opinion. Keith chuckled and replied, I think… It’s a good idea. Go for it, Evan.” Evan gulped. When was the last time he cooked? That was probably in college when a storm hit Lockwood and Evan had no choice but to boil some eggs. Was that even considered cooking?

“Here goes nothing,” Evan said as he narrowed his eyes at the pan. Weekend came. Evan was receiving tips on how to flip a pancake from Lucas. “Careful, Daddy. Careful!” Lucas said. He was standing on a chair, waiting for his father to show off that golden brown top. Finally, when Evan turned the pancake to the other side, he rejoiced, “Yey! Nice and golden brown! Way to go, Daddy!” Relief washed over Evan because he had burned some pancakes on one side. He badly wanted the succeeding ones to be perfect and impress Shantelle. To cook and impress, he told Lucas about his plan. His son was excited to help him, and they agreed to be in the kitchen at six in the morning. That day, Evan left the villa at five, bringing bags of ingredients for breakfast. Aside from the pancake, Evan had baked an egg casserole. Now, he simply needed to whip some sausages.

Minutes later, everything was done. The maids helped Evan prepare the dining area for breakfast. Shantelle was the first to arrive. “Surprise!” Lucas exclaimed. Evan stood behind Lucas, still wearing an apron. He said, “Surprise?” “Evan? Why are you wearing an apron – no, wait. You cooked breakfast?!” Shantelle asked in shock. Her ex– husband cooked with his own hands? No way! “Yes, to impress the beautiful Doctor Shant,” Evan said, not hesitating to call Shantelle. “Lucas helped me.” Evan first pulled a chair for Shantelle to take a seat. He said, “Do you want to be the first to try?” “I wanna try it too, Daddy!” Lucas requested. “Okay, then, we will try it together,” Evan answered. He helped Lucas into a chair. He removed his apron and served Shantelle and Lucas with the egg casserole, a single pancake, and two pieces of sausage each. After removing his apron, he sat next to Lucas and served himself. “Mmm. Smell’s good. Buttermilk?” Shantelle sought. “Buttermilk. I tried to mimic Century Hotel’s pancakes.” Evan winked at Shantelle, saying, “The chef there was happy to give me the recipe.” Shantelle laughed at Evan’s suggestion. She shook her head and indicated, “I’m sure he did, with a few thousand bucks, that is.” “On three! Shall we?” Evan proposed. One, two, three!” They all sliced their pancakes and chewed down their first bite.

“Daddy! It’s delicious!” Lucas exclaimed. “I love pancakes. They taste like the Century Hotel pancakes!” “They do, don’t they?” Evan proudly said. If only his son knew how many times he practiced at home with Mrs. Shaw, yet, despite that, he still had some pancakes burned. Glancing at Shantelle, he asked, “Do you like it, Shanty?” 1 “Mmmm.” Shantelle smiled, and then she laughed. “It’s crunchy.” She spat out an eggshell, saying, “It’s fine. It happens to everyone, but great flavor, Evan. You did great.” “Tsk. Tsk.” Evan said, “At least I recovered.” Next, they tried the egg casserole. There was no need to judge the sausage since Evan did not make them from scratch. Shantelle tasted the egg casserole but leaned back immediately after the first bite. Beads of sweat formed on Evan’s forehead, seeing Shantelle’s reaction. He asked, “What’s wrong?” “They are okay, but I think you put in too much cheese,” Shantelle said. Evan groaned and admitted, “Half the pack fell in. I thought it would be okay.” He was so disappointed in himself that he offered, “Let me take this away – “No. No. Don’t,” Shantelle said, laughing. “Don’t! Even! Don’t waste food. Sometimes, cooking is trial and error. Let’s fix the casserole together. We just need to add more eggs. That’s all.” In the next few minutes, Shantelle and Evan redid the dish. They helped together in the kitchen. Evan beat the eggs, and Shantelle remixed the casserole. Lucas cheered them on. When the egg dish was done in the oven, Shantelle and Evan both tried it. The taste was balanced now, thanks to Shantelle’s suggestion.

“Taste so much better now,” Shantelle confirmed. “I think we make a great team,” Evan suggested. “You, me, and Lucas.

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“I’ll help Daddy cook every day!” Lucas declared. “I’ll be happy to cook here every day!” Evan said, giving Lucas a high-five. “And Mommy is going to be our food judge.” Shantelle laughed uncontrollably, saying, “I guess this means I need to wake up early every day!” “Yey!” Lucas added. “Me, Daddy, and Mommy spending time together!” “Well, well. What do we have here?” William said at the kitchen door. Behind William, Eleanor also peeked through the door. She said, “Sounds like a happy family to me.” With Eleanor’s words, Shantelle flushed. Evan felt warmth spread through his chest. The words ‘Happy Family’ were music to his ears.

Breakfast was jolly at the Scotts’. William often joked about how crunchy the pancakes were, but ultimately, everyone had a good meal, mixed with laughter at Evan’s efforts. After breakfast, Evan said to Shantelle, "Ready for our second date?” After Wendell’s party, Shantelle agreed on their next date. He planned the best date he could think of. Shantelle wiped the corners of her mouth with a napkin. She challenged Evan, ‘ Wow me.” “That’s the plan,” Evan promised, before winking at her.

Chapter 72: The Second Date “So, where are we going? How are you going to wow me?” Shantelle asked as she got comfortable on a leather seat.”How much did you pay for this flight? This is really posh.” Right after breakfast, Evan and Shantelle left for the airport. Miguel and Andy came with them as part of their security. There were other passengers whom Shantelle did not know, but she did not bother asking, seeing how they regarded Evan with respect. They boarded a private jet and settled in the middle seats, where a table was available for eating and having refreshments. What surprised Shantelle was how elegant the aircraft was. It wasn’t the same kind that Evan booked for them when they traveled to Rose Hills from Warlington. “Um. A few thousand dollars. As for our date, it’s a secret, remember? You’ll need to wear a blindfold when the aircraft is about to land,” Evan revealed before winking. When the aircraft finally lifted off the runway, Shantelle said, “If we are going outside the country, you better have got my passport.” “No, no. We are going to go around the air and do skydiving,” Evan said out of nowhere. Immediately, Shantelle’s eyes widened. She retorted, “Are you trying to kill me, Evan? I can’t skydive! I’m afraid of heights!” Evan laughed. He put his arm around her and teased, “Don’t worry, I’ll jump down first and catch you when you fall.”

“What kind of date idea is this, Evan?” Shantelle smacked Evan on the arm and angrily said, “I swear if you are taking me skydiving, I will visit you in the villa and put a cockroach in your room!” “What? What kind of comeback is that?” Evan asked, his laughter unwavering. “It comforts me, however, that you intend to visit me in our matrimonial home, regardless of your intention.” Indeed, Shantelle knew him well. It wasn’t that he was afraid of cockroaches, but he disliked them to the core. In the next few minutes, Evan and Shantelle bantered. Eventually, Evan admitted they would see a special place, and no, they were not going skydiving. Still, he did not disclose their final destination. Soon, a flight attendant served the couple red wine with nuts, grapes, and cheese. It was only after taking four glasses of wine that Shantelle dozed off in her seat, her head resting on Evan’s shoulder. Hours passed, and Shantelle awoke with a grumbling stomach. She had a blanket around her and felt Evan’s arm wrapped around her waist. Shantelle comprehended how she was resting on Evan’s chest. She looked up at Evan and asked, “Evan? Are we still flying? What time is it?” When she checked her watch, she was alarmed to know they had been flying for five hours! No wonder she was feeling hungry. Despite her panic, Evan calmly ordered the food to be served. He said, “Eat lightly. We will arrive in two hours and have our special dinner there.” Shantelle’s mouth fell to the floor. They were going for another two hours? Just where was the man taking her? Sadly,

Evan wasn’t giving her any clue. Thus, She followed his orders and ate the fivestar-looking food. Evan ate with her, and after the meal, he asked, “You can take another hour of rest, or if you’d like, you can prepare for our date. There is a stylist on board to do your hair and makeup. I I also have a dress for you to wear.” Shantelle opted for the latter. After sleeping for five hours straight, she wouldn’t feel sleepy, even after another set of wine. The dress Evan bought for her was in the shade of indigo. It covered her arms up until her elbows. It had a satin top with Swarovski stones embellished on the neckline. The skirt of her dress was in a darker shade of indigo, with two layers of fabric. The outer layer was a lace, where the hem was embroidered with flowers and decorated with more gems. Evan had also prepared a set of gold jewelry for her, a golden purse and heels of the same shade. A stylist did her hair and makeup from one seat at the back while Evan changed in the bathroom. An hour later, both of they were done. Shantelle thought Evan looked gorgeous, wearing the same shade of tuxedo as her dress. As usual, his hair was combed upward and styled with gel, and he always had his beard grown only up to two millimeters. He smelled of expensive perfume, and he had that sexy smile that he had confidently worn over the past few weeks. Shantelle could only assume it was because she had allowed their relationship to develop this way. ‘Heck, it better be!’ She thought.

“A blue shade makes you stand out, Shanty,” Evan suggested. “You look so beautiful.” The flight attendant gave Evan a bouquet of sunflowers, and he passed it to Shantelle. He said, “I heard Aunt Eleanor had been planting the seeds, so don’t think it’s a waste.” Shantelle only chuckled. She held the flower with care and replied, “Yes, soon we will have a plantation of sunflowers. Next time you give me tulips, include the bulbs so we can plant them. Mother is now considering getting into the flower business, thanks to you.” “Tulips plus bulbs – got it,” Evan acknowledged. He ushered Shantelle to their seats, and from there, he took out a blindfold. “Sorry, but we are almost here. It’s time to cover your pretty eyes.” Soon, Evan and Shantelle arrived at their date site. Shantelle was absolutely clueless. The pilot did not announce where they landed as well. After the airplane, Evan guided her to the runway, directing her to pose for a photo with him. “Smile for the camera. Miguel is taking our picture and no, don’t remove your blindfold,” Evan said, holding Shantelle by the waist. He claimed, “First memory of our second date captured.” Shantelle complained about how her eyes were covered, but Evan assured her they would have another photo upon their return to Rose Hills. This time, with her eyes looking straight at the camera. For now, she would have to bear it. They hopped in a rented car and were on the road for only ten minutes. Evan said, ” We are here. Are you ready to be wowed?” He leaned in and whispered into Shantelle’s ear, “Do I get a really long kiss if your jaws drop?”

Shantelle laughed and pushed him away. She said, “I’m not wowed yet. Evan was smiling from ear to ear as the car pulled to a stop. Andy and Miguel escorted them to a famous structure in the city. It was already late when they arrived, so only a few people were around. Moreover, Evan paid for private time at the said tourist spot, including an exclusive dinner. The place was practically closed only for their date. “It feels cold,” Shantelle remarked. “Why didn’t we leave the flowers in the car?” “Because, we will capture every memory, including how you hold your flowers,” Evan suggested. “Are you ready to see where we are?” “I am very curious,” Shantelle said. After all, they had been on the super-fast plane for seven long hours! “Miguel, prepare to record Shanty’s reaction,” Evan ordered. He held Shantelle in front of him. He couldn’t contain his smile as he slowly removed her blindfold. When Shantelle opened her eyes, she stared at Evan curiously. She smiled at his excitement and heard him say, “Turn around, Shanty. This is the trip I missed taking you in the past. }) Shantelle did not recognize her surroundings just yet. Her brows met at Evan’s suggestion. Soon, she lazily turned around, and the moment she saw where she was standing, tears rolled

down her face, her heart fluttered, and her jaws fell open. “Oh, my god! Even! I – I can’t believe this!” Shantelle felt goosebumps all over, seeing the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the city of love. When Shantelle and Evan were married, she had hoped they would take this trip and experience the romantic side of Paris, wishing it would make Evan realize his feelings for her.

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It certainly was the vacation she had always wanted. Sadly, Evan had only offered to take her after their divorce, but It was already too late. What was the point of going to the city of love if you had lost the one you love? Shantelle did not know for how long she gaped at the tall tower, her eyes looking at its peak. Her knees weakened. She almost lost her balance, if not for Evan supporting her back. Recalling Evan’s presence, she turned to him and embraced him tightly. She broke down in tears, completely in disbelief. Evan stroked her back and said, “When you left Rose Hills, I had booked a trip for us to Paris, remember? We didn’t get to go, and that was entirely my fault. So let me make it up to you, Shanty. Let me take you to the places you have always dreamed of going, and let’s make memories together.” “Tell me where else you want to go, and I’ll take you and Lucas. I’ll never put it off again – never,” Evan swore. Shantelle and Evan remained to hug each other for minutes. It took a while for Shantelle felt soothed. When Shantelle pulled away, she looked at Evan with tender eyes. She gazed at Miguel and Andy. They were both smiling with contentment.

She returned her attention to Evan, feeling her face, and ears burn. She stuttered in her words as she softly said, Um, but – but we can’t make out here.” She bit her lip, embarrassed at admitting she wanted to kiss Evan. Evan laughed. He leaned in and simply pecked Shantelle’s lips. He revealed, After dinner at the tower, I’ll take you to the perfect place where… we can make out all night.”

Chapter 73: Hottest Kiss No one else mattered, because only Evan and Shantelle were present at the restaurant within the Eiffel Tower. The couple relished in delectable dishes, making Shantelle moan with each bite. “Mmmm… it just melts in your mouth,” Shantelle said. As she relished the flavor of her food, she remarked, “It would be great if you could learn how to cook this, and no, don’t even think about hiring the chef.” She chuckled as she stared into Evan’s face. He looked really pale, following her suggestion. Meanwhile, Evan shook his head and replied, “I’ll do my best to serve my queen all her favorites.” He called one of the food attendants and requested a word with the chef after dinner. Oh, yeah. Shantelle was feeling like wanting to demand things already. Indeed, Evan was spoiling her, and she liked it. In In fact, each and every day, she felt more and more confident about Evan’s intentions. Of course, what greatly affected her The decision was how Evan treated Lucas. Evan proved himself to be a great father, and the way he bonded with Lucas was above her expectations.

Second, Evan saved her life twice. Third, in her trying times in Warrington, he supported her financially and emotionally. Despite Evan’s busy schedule, he would find time to see her and Lucas. In between, he updated Shantelle about his whereabouts. If it weren’t him, James would. She knew precisely where Evan was at a specific time of the day. The gifts were constantly there, and each one wasn’t random; it had meaning, or it fitted her preference and style. If it was a treat, it was definitely her favorite or, at least, Lucas’. After dinner, Evan and Shantelle danced to slow music. They had their pictures taken before heading to the tower’s higher levels for more incredible views of Paris. Soon, they left the Eiffel Tower for their last stop. In the car, Evan said to Shantelle, “We don’t have time to take a tour in all of Paris, but we at least had the Eiffel experience and one more. We will come back with Lucas and stay longer when everything is doing well at the heart and lung center.” “Mmm.” Shantelle smiled and said, “I want a European tour instead.” Evan smiled and replied, “Noted. Tell me everything you want, and I’ll make it happen.” “I might just abuse that,” she suggested before chuckling. “Abuse any way you like,” Evan encouraged. “Wait, so we are going to one more? Nowhere else?” Shantelle remembered Evan suggested they were going somewhere where they could… thoroughly. Her face turned red when she asked, “Where are we going next?” Evan looked out the car’s window and pointed to the huge, illuminated wheel, saying, “There.” Shantelle’s eyes lit up. Realizing where they were headed, she laughed. She felt the butterflies in her stomach already going wild, thinking about her teenage dream of experiencing a kiss with Evan at the top of a Ferris Wheel. Minutes later, they arrived at the Grande

Roue De Paris. Like their special dinner at the Eiffel, there was absolutely no one. Only the operators, who had huge grins on their faces, were present upon their arrival. Evan offered his hand, saying, “Shall we?

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“Let’s go,” she happily replied, taking his hand. They rode on the famous Ferris Wheel in the city of love for minutes. They took pictures and enjoyed the feeling of excitement. Whenever their capsule would reach the top and then take a downward motion, Shantelle felt her blood pumping through her veins. She would giggle each time. “I feel like I’m on top of the world, 11 Shantelle said while looking at the city lights below. “Are you happy, Shanty?” Evan asked while the Ferris Wheel prepared to go up again. Shantelle turned to Evan with a genuine smile. Her eyes sparkled as she admitted, “Yes, Evan. I am overjoyed. Thank you for the most amazing date.” “Shanty, do you know why they say a kiss on top of a Ferris Wheel holds a significant meaning?” Evan sought, his eyes showing complete adoration for Shantelle, his frame moving closer. “No,” Shantelle softly replied. Seeing how Evan was now looking steadily at her lips, she asked, “Why don’t you tell me?” The truth was Shantelle already knew this. In fact, it was why she had thought about riding one with Evan in her teens. However, she wanted it to come from Evan. Suddenly the Ferris Wheel stopped when their capsule was at the summit. It made Shantelle’s eyes widen, wondering how long they would remain on top. “Shanty,” Evan said while caressing her cheek. He leaned closer, saying, “They say if you kiss at the very top of the Ferris Wheel, you’ll be together forever.” “What do you think about proving this myth is true?” Evan said under his breath. He held the back of Shantelle’s neck and

kissed her lips. Evan was over the moon. Whenever his lips brushed Shantelle’s, his heart fluttered in excitement. For years, Shantelle often visited his dreams, sometimes even during the day. In those dreams, Shantelle returned to his life. They kissed and made love countless times. Now, it was slowly becoming a reality, and he would not waste any minute of it. He would treasure Shantelle, put her on a pedestal, and make her feel his love. At the peak of the Ferris Wheel, they continued to make out. Their mouths quickly parted, and their eyes shut. Their hands easily clasped each other’s necks, deepening the kiss while their heads moved from side to side. Nearly a minute into the kiss, Evan wrapped his arm around Shantelle’s waist. He urged her to sit on his lap, and she did. Shantelle’s face remained flushed, her body heating up from their hot kiss. As she sat on Evan’s lap, she dove right in, relishing his flavor, her hands on his face and jaws. As they kissed, she heard Evan groan and moan a few times. Then she felt something growing and poking her ass. Shantelle dismissed it. She knew it was normal for a man to get aroused by a kiss. At the back of her head, however, she was pleased to know their kissing thoroughly stirred Evan. They continued to make out, despite feeling their lips become numb. Their tongues carelessly danced together, and Shantelle swore her jaws were already moistened. With how they were going at it with fervor, she felt fireworks erupting in her stomach and her heart pumping wildly. Then, for the first time in a very long time, she felt excitement in her core! When was the last time she felt this way? It had been a very long time, yet she was experiencing it with the same man all over again. How did fate manage to bring them back together? Shantelle moaned into his mouth, and her body shuddered in pleasure. She could not describe it. It simply felt so good –

so good that she thought she was in heaven. This was definitely the hottest kiss she shared with Evan. Nothing could compared to it! Finally, after what felt like forever, Shantelle pulled away, completely out of breath. As she rested her forehead against Evan’s, he kept rubbing his thumb against her cheek. He said, “Shanty, I love you so much so much. I want that forever with you. Will you take me back?” Before Shantelle could answer, fireworks exploded in the dark sky. It startled Shantelle, but as soon as she saw the beautiful colors and the heart-shaped fireworks, she realized they were Evan’s work. She smiled at Evan and pecked at his lips. More and more fireworks flared up, and the next thing Shantelle saw were letters forming in the sky. It read: WILL YOU MARRY ME AGAIN? Shantelle gulped, and her mouth fell open in shock.

Chapter 74: Officially & Exclusively Shantelle’s eyes fluttered. Her heart was in a panic, reading those words.’ Marriage?’ After returning to her senses, she saw Evan holding up an engagement ring for her. It was a beautiful sapphire ring. During their last marriage, she never had an engagement ring from Evan. That was because Erick Thompson pushed their marriage quickly. Of course, since the wedding was against Evan’s will, he did not give her an engagement ring. Seeing Evan give her one now certainly melted her heart. “Shanty, you don’t know how hard it is for me to stay away from you and Lucas. I want you to be with me – live with me.

Forgive me for being too forward, but I wanted nothing more than to be with you. Will you take this journey with me forever and marry me again?” Evan asked. Shantelle surrendered in Evan’s arms, embracing him tightly. She said, “Evan, I never thought I would open up to the possibility of being in a relationship again, but I am wholeheartedly giving it a chance. Spending time with you has been so overwhelming so far,” She pulled away, saying, “But marriage? Evan? I’m sorry, I am not ready for it.” She saw how the blood drained from Evan’s face, and his brows met. She caressed his jaws and said, “Remember how We got married the last time? We never went through courtship, which, I think, greatly contributed to how our marriage failed. I was also at fault for agreeing with Uncle Erick, knowing you did not want to get married then -” “But Shanty, it’s different now,” Evan claimed. “I want to marry you, and I have regretted losing you for many years. Now more than ever, I want to be with you – to wake up next to see you smiling at me every day of my waking hours. I I want to go home to Lucas and you.” “Evan,” “Shantelle said with her forehead creasing. “Please. Let’s not rush things.” Following her reply, Evan wistfully closed the velvet box and put it back in his trousers. He was completely disappointed in himself. Evan had an idea that Shantelle would shut him down. After all, she had expressed how she wasn’t ready for a commitment, but he badly wanted to push his luck. He just had to, for his sanity and for Lucas. He was already turning thirty-five, at the right age for marriage. He had a whole empire to sustain the family he wanted and much more. He had experienced the ultimate heartbreak and learned from it… the hard way. Evan was beyond ready

to settle down. It was far different when he prematurely married Shantelle many years back. “I’m sorry, Shanty. I don’t know why I proposed. In fact, that was the plan B. Plan A was just to keep this a simple date, but I thought I made you so happy, I thought you would – ” Evan explained. With a sigh, he resumed, “I thought I could make you mine.” “And you did. You made me so happy.” She maintained her arms around his neck, saying, “But getting married is another thing, Evan. It’s a commitment before the heavens and the law of the state – what if you discover something new about me and you change your mind? “I won’t change my mind,” Evan insisted. “And I know you well.” “But many years have passed, Evan. We both have changed. We have yet to discover new things about us and learn how to deal with them.” Shantelle sucked in a breath and asked, “Please, Evan. Let’s not rush things… I am, however, open to the idea of us officially and exclusively being together.” “Officially and exclusively together?” Evan repeated. “You mean like a boyfriend and girlfriend?” Shantelle nodded with a smile. She echoed, “Yes, like boyfriend and girlfriend.” Evan cleared his throat, saying, “I never had a girlfriend before, only a wife.” 1 A chuckle escaped Shantelle’s lips. She replied, “Well, I have never had a boyfriend before either, only a husband. So I guess we needed to experience that.” There was a moment of silence, with Evan merely takes deep breaths. Eventually, he answered, “I – I can live with that. At least I can formally call you mine. I will insist on calling you my wife, though.” Shantelle thought about it and then responded, “Fine by me.” 11

“I’ll definitely claim it,” Evan responded. He cleared his throat and suggested, "And you can call me husband or hubby.” Shantelle chuckled. She asked, “When did you learn those kinds of endearment, hubby?” Evan smirked. He pushed back a strand of her hair that had fallen off her bun and said, “It feels good for you to call me that. “He was almost teary-eyed as he added, ” So good. I miss you – I miss us.” “Evan, I don’t want to get hurt again,” Shantelle gently reminded. “Neither do I,” Evan said back. “I was also hurt, Shanty, but the pain and regret came too late. I would never make the same mistakes. I promise.” “Okay, then. Let’s make this official.” Shantelle pouted her lips and demanded, “Ask me properly.” “You already agreed,” Evan pointed out with a grin. Still, when Shantelle frowned, he took her hand and pecked it. He asked, “Shantelle Scott, the Beautiful Doctor Shant, will you be my one and only girlfriend? And by agreeing, I can call you, my wifey?” “Yes, hubby, I agree,” Shantelle said, her smile reaching her ears. “So from here on, let’s be open with each other – be honest and clear any misunderstandings “To you, I’ll be an open book,” Evan swore. Then, he said, “Don’t do any disappearing act.” Shantelle laughed and answered, “As long as you remember to take care of my heart – ” “More than my life,” Evan described. The two continued to outline their wishes in the relationship. When they agreed, Evan and Shantelle returned to kissing. Minutes later, the wheel went back, going in circles, but the two remained to lock lips, their tongues intertwined. At the same time, Shantelle kept tugging on

Evan’s hair. The sounds of their smacking lips became deafening in their ears, sending waves of pleasure into their abdomens. Moans evidently left their lips, and a few times, skins crawled in euphoria. Finally, when the Ferris Wheel stopped, they pulled away, their faces reddened from sharing such a passionate kiss. While they exited their capsule, Miguel and Andy gave that congratulatory look. Although they got it wrong, Shantelle did not correct them. The proposal was not a complete failure. She and Evan at least moved forward with their relationship. Their date formally ended. They were now driving back to the airport, where they were to make another seven-hour flight back to Rose Hills. In the car, Shantelle noticed Evan checking his phone, and then she saw how his face paled. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead. She also noticed how he held her hand tighter, like he was afraid of letting go. Observing this, Shantelle asked, “What’s wrong, Evan?” “Uh, nothing. Something on g-o-o-g-l-e that bothered me,” Evan admitted before closing his phone. “What is it?” She asked. “Evan?” Evan swallowed air down his throat. He reluctantly disclosed what was bothering him, “G-o-o-g-l-e says, on average, courtship takes two to three years.” It was as if his entire world crumbled as he asked, “You won’t let me wait that long, right Shanty?” 1 Shantelle laughed immediately. Then, Evan had to add, “Poor Lucas. He has been asking for a brother. We don’t want to fail him, do we?” At that point, Shantelle went at it, laughing hysterically. When she calmed her emotions, she suggested, “Don’t always believe what g-o-o-g-l-e says. Since when does Evan Thompson let g-oo-g-l-e dictate his destiny?” “Right. I was just really nervous. I’ll woo you so much, you’ll ask me to marry you instead,” Evan firmly convinced himself,

leaving Shantelle to keep laughing. “Let’s see about that,” Shantelle replied. Then, out of nowhere, Evan whispered into her ear, “you know what else did g-o -o-g-1-e say? Make love only after marriage.” He sneered and concluded, We can’t always believe what g-o-o-g-l- e says, right?”

Chapter 75: Strange Patient “Are you okay, Lucas?” Shantelle asked while combing her fingers through her son’s hair. Lucas nodded, saying, “Yeah, I’m just tired.” “Tired? From the party last night?” Shantelle asked. A yawn escaped Lucas’ lips as he shut his eyes while lying in bed. He said, “Yeah, mommy. I think so.” The other night was the heart and lung center’s ribbon-cutting ceremony. Evan sponsored a grand dinner at a nearby hotel, which lasted until eleven in the evening. Evan didn’t want to leave Lucas. behind, and the boy did not want to part with his father. Thus, Lucas came along. He was introduced to a few board members as Evan’s son and Shantelle’s. Again, it confirmed their suspicion about their relationship, but no one dared question Evan whenever he called Shantelle his wife. “I want to get more sleep,” Lucas pleaded. “Okay, then. When you wake up, eat breakfast straight away, okay?” Shantelle directed, and Lucas nodded.

She pulled up Lucas’ blanket, and part of his leg got exposed. She saw a bruise on his leg, and she instantly checked it. Where did you get this?” Lucas looked at his leg and shrugged, saying, “I’m not sure, mommy, but I fell yesterday from the car.” Shantelle frowned. Last night, after arriving home, Lucas was so excited that Evan offered to read him a book before sleeping that he practically jumped out of the car. He fell on his knees, but Shantelle did not notice if the way he fell would result in a bruise. “Okay. Well, that was a lesson learned,” Shantelle reminded me. “No more jumping out of the car.” “Yes, Mommy, I’m sorry,” Lucas promised before he yawned again. He shut his eyes, curling into the bed while Shantelle kissed his forehead. “Mommy and grandpa are going to work, okay? See you in the evening,” Shantelle said. “I love you.” “I love you too, Mommy,” Lucas replied. Tell Daddy I love him.” After saying goodbye to Eleanor, Shantelle and William drove to the heart and lung center, where they would face an entire day of several consultations.

“Doctor Shant, your first patient is here,” the nurse said after knocking on her door. To Shantelle’s surprise, however, Evan walked in carrying another bouquet. He said, “Good morning Doctor Shant. Evan Thompson here, your husband. I wanted to consult with you about my heart.” Shantelle laughed, saying, “What are you doing here? I thought you needed to fly to Lockwood?” “Doctor Shant, please be serious. I have a heart condition,” Evan suggested.

Shantelle scoffed and giggled. She replied, “There is nothing wrong with your heart, Evan.” “Doctor Shant, not only am I an investor in this facility, but I am also a patient. Please take me seriously,” Evan said while taking a seat in front of Shantelle. She really didn’t like rolling her eyes, but she wound up doing so, asking, “Okay, what’s wrong with your heart?” Evan presented the flowers to Shantelle. He said, “I think my heart is missing.” He got up and kissed Shantelle on the lips. Then, he added, “What do you know? It’s been with you all along.” It could not be helped. Shantelle wound up laughing hysterically before sharing another kiss with Evan. They went at it for seconds, with Evan leaning across her desk. After pulling away, Evan revealed, I just needed to see you before I leave. I’ll be gone for a few days… I went to the house, but Lucas was still sleeping. He only hummed when I said goodbye.” “What? Really?” Shantelle checked the time. It was already past eight in the morning. Lucas should have already taken his breakfast. She sighed and replied, “Maybe he really is exhausted. I’ll check with Mom in a few.” Evan carefully placed the flowers next to Shantelle’s table and declared, “Now that I have filled your room and perhaps your house with flowers, it’s time to fill your office.” While Shantelle smiled in recognition of his plans, Evan also updated, “by the way, the trial court has accepted your case against Frank Morgan. We should hear from Attorney Scarlett about the trial date soon.” “Good to know,” Shantelle replied. “But how is she dealing with the threat?” Shantelle and Evan had learned that their lead attorney had received a threat. It worried Shantelle that she asked Evan to send men to protect Scarlett. “Don’t worry. Scarlett got the military as her security instead. Plus, her family is putting pressure on the Morgans. Then,

with Keith’s influence and mine, they are cowering over these threats,” Evan assured her. 2 “Honestly,” Evan admitted. “I was doubtful if I could handle the Morgans, but with three powerful families putting them in place, Frank Morgan and his family don’t stand a chance.” Shantelle sighed. She remarked, “Thank goodness you hired a lawyer from an influential family.” “Thank goodness Scarlett is a righteous lawyer, too.” Evan embraced Shantelle from behind and said, “I’m going to miss you. I have to go now.” “Okay, see you in a few days, Evan. Don’t forget to call Lucas at night,” she reminded. “I won’t. Goodbye, wifey. I love you,” Evan said. “Goodbye, hubby,” she said back, and Evan smiled from ear to ear. A few days had passed since Evan and Shantelle had gone exclusive. Evan was elated. Shantelle undeniably loved the attention. Lucas was the happiest, although he wasn’t satisfied yet. Their son wanted all of them to live in the same house. Everything was going well for Shantelle, and she hoped she had made the right choice for her heart and Lucas.

The day went on for Shantelle. An hour into her consultations, the nurse advised another patient. “Miss Jessica Turner. She doesn’t have a recommendation from a physician, but she insisted she needed help with her chest?” With a shrug, the nurse gave Shantelle the patient’s file. Soon, Jessica Turner entered her office. “Ah! I can’t get enough of his large penis, “Jessica added before biting her lip, as if thinking about her experience with the said my boyfriend. “Ah, excuse me?” Shantelle asked, utterly disgusted with the necessarily added information. ‘I mean, what was that for?’

Moreover, this woman did not properly research the kind of doctor she should see. ‘What a strange patient!’ “My boyfriend and I are a perfect match. He is smart and well-achieved, just like He is also the wealthiest man in the city, so I will do anything for him and his large dick.” She crossed her legs and added, “You know Evan Thompson? He is my boyfriend.” Jessica fished inside her bag and showed Shantelle an article from a magazine. It was dated today, and it read: [A perfect couple, Engineer Jessica Turner and the CEO of the Thompson Group Of Companies, Evan Thompson.] Below the headline were single photos of Evan and Jessica, taken separately. The report suggested they were a good pair, but it did not confirm whether they were in a relationship. “See that?” Jessica pointed to the article and said, “We look good together, don’t We?” Jessica stood up and ran her hands over her body, saying, “I want to be the best for him. That’s why I want to look sexier. Since you are a chest surgeon, I wanted to have an operation, removing my lower ribs to have that hourglass shape.” Shantelle leaned back, her eyes finding her phone. She did not react. Instead, she did something with her mobile and flipped it facing down. She said, “I’m sorry, but do you mind repeating all that? I want to make sure I got that right.” She pointed at Jessica with her entire hand, asking, “State your name, age, profession, intellectual quotient, and family background. Then, describe exactly what you wanted from me and why? Don’t miss a single detail.”

Chapter 76: Chantelle's Prescription “My name is Jessica Turner, age twenty- eight, and I am a licensed Civil Engineer. I don’t know why you need my IQ, but

My score is a hundred and twenty-nine. I am the only daughter of the Turner family here in Rose Hills. We are in the realty business, and currently, I am a project manager of the condo my boyfriend and I are building together,” Jessica replied. She then described her reasons for wanting to get an operation, repeating how Evan was her boyfriend and how she wanted to keep him happy. She dared mention the size of his organ again. As Jessica talked, Shantelle kept writing on her notes, including her prescription pad. When the lady explained the surgery she wanted, Shantelle returned to her phone and pressed something. She got busy with her mobile for a few seconds. before putting her phone back in the same position. Then, finally, giving Jessica her full attention. “Don’t you think it’s disrespectful to use your mobile in front of me, Doctor Shant? Jessica pointed out. Shantelle merely smiled and leaned back in her seat. She answered, “Miss Turner. You obviously sought me out for a purpose, knowing my relationship with Evan. Otherwise, why would you be here? 11 Shantelle resumed. “Excuse me?” Jessica countered. “Evan?” Jessica was aghast, seeing how Shantelle could casually call Evan by his first name. She never even had that pleasure! It made Jessica wonder if they had really gotten back together. She frowned and added, “I don’t know what you are talking about and how dare you to call my boyfriend that way. Who are you to him?” “Oh, you know exactly who I am to him,’ Shantelle curtly replied. “I am Evan’s wife!” Shantelle did not want to claim something untrue, but the woman gave her a reason to. She figured Evan wouldn’t mind. Jessica laughed. She countered, “Wife? You mean Ex-wife, right? Evan divorced you because you were a paranoid wife

who never gave her husband privacy and respect. What gives you the right to claim to be Evan’s wife? You should be be careful of your words because my boyfriend will sue you for slander.” “Oh, so you do know me after all,’ Shantelle said, shaking her head. “Miss Turner, you say you are a smart woman, yet you came to see me for a job that is required of a plastic surgeon. You made an excuse to see me, yet you made a ludicrous one.” “Second, I am Evan’s wife, and he is my husband. That is how we address each other. I doubt he will press charges. On On the other hand, you are making false claims about my husband with no regard for consequences. You say you are Evan’s girlfriend? Prove it. Show me a picture of you and Evan?” Shantelle challenged. “And that article that you are showing me doesn’t prove anything. You aren’t even in the same photo together. If I call the magazine company, will I find out that you were the one who requested for this article to be published?” Shantelle gripped the magazine and read, “You and Evan, a match made in heaven? Is it the magazine talking, or is it your delusion talking?” “You -” “I think we are done here, Miss Turner,” Shantelle concluded. She scribbled her signature on her prescription pad and gave it to Jessica, saying, “This is my recommendation for your condition. You should attend to it quickly before it gets worse.” Jessica frowned while receiving the prescription note. She looked down and read: [Diagnosis: Delusional Disorder Recommended receiving psychotherapy. Please visit Psychologist Doctor Patterson in Rose Hills South Hospital, Room 204.] With a flaring nose, Jessica said bitterly, You – you

“U, U, U.” Shantelle mimicked and said, "If you need speech therapy, I can recommend you to another doctor.” “You are horrible!” Jessica said in anger before turning to the door. “STOP!” Shantelle said. “Don’t forget to pay for a consultation. It’s a thousand dollars for you, Miss Turner.” “Ahh!” Jessica bitterly fished ten pieces of hundred-dollar bills and threw them on Shantelle’s desk. She warned, “I’m not done with you yet!” When Jessica left, Shantelle picked up her phone and stopped her recording. Just like what she did with the first recording, she sent it to Evan. She recorded her entire conversation with Jessica, starting when she had her repeat everything.

Early in the evening, Shantelle finally received a call from Evan. It was just as she expected; the man had a long day at the Lockwood Children’s Hospital and National Park. From their phone conversation, Evan revealed to Shantelle how the Turners requested a marriage alliance and how he had declined. He said, “I’ll deal with this, Shanty. I’m glad you did not believe her.” “I knew she was lying,” Shantelle replied. “How did you know?” Evan tested. “Well, she said she made love to her boyfriend last weekend, but we were together the whole weekend in Paris,” Shantelle answered. “Right,” Evan acknowledged. “Then, she, ” Shantelle laughed. In her office room, she found herself flushing before resuming, “She said you had a large male reproductive organ.” “Right,” Evan said. “I don’t have a large size.” “Right,” Shantelle admitted. “She was just making it up!” “So you still remember, wifey?” Evan teased. “What time is it? I think I need to get home and check on Lucas,” Shantelle suggested.

“Okay. Okay,” Evan said on the phone. But just in case you forgot, I have an extra large size – ” “I didn’t forget, Evan!” Shantelle shot back. “Including how it felt?” Evan playfully added. “Evan! Please get back here soon so you can take care of this woman. I don’t want to deal with her coming back here, Shantelle said, her face burning and her laughter unwavering. A chuckle escaped Evan’s lips. He swore, I’ll take care of it before returning. Trust your hubby.” “We did agree to trust each other,” Shantelle reminded me. “Thank you, wifey. I love you, and I miss you and Lucas. I’ll see you in two days,” Evan said. “Then, you can recheck my size in case you have doubts – ” “Evan!” Shantelle scolded. 1

Meanwhile, Jessica was seething in anger in a private office of the Turner’s Realty. She said to her father, “That woman has such a sharp tongue!” “She isn’t that vulnerable woman we thought she was! She knows how to fight back!” She added as she walked back and forth in front of her father’s desk. “Then, if you can’t get Evan to marry you, I will give the CEO seat to your cousin. A woman is not fit to run a company. I considered giving it to you if you had Evan Thompson’s support, but unfortunately, he doesn’t look at you that way,” Mister Turner said. “I’m sorry that you lost, Jessica -” “I am not done yet, father! Watch me. I will make Evan see who that woman really is. She is evil!” An idea suddenly popped into Jessica’s head. She declared, “I will set her up. Doctor Shant will be greatly humiliated!”

Chapter 77: Mark Evan Walking into the heart and lung center the next day, Shantelle felt eyes on her. Wherever she went, whether during her consultation hours or discussing with the other doctors about their patients, someone always gave her that worried look. It was only until mid-afternoon that her father’s assistant, Eana, told her why Everyone was giving her that strange gaze. Eana showed her an article that circulated over the internet. “Shanty, I just thought that you should know. The people around the center are talking about you – more like, they feel sorry for you,” Eana revealed. “I told your father first, but Doctor Scott believes this news is fake.” “Why, Eana? What is going around the internet?” Shantelle asked with a frown. Eana showed her an article online. It was the same report printed in the magazine from yesterday, only that many bloggers shared it through their social media pages. It looked to her like the entire community of Rose Hills was talking about the article featuring the perfect couple, Jessica Turner and Evan Thompson. Shantelle frowned, reading the comments. [They are great together.] [I can’t believe it. My ideal man is already taken.] [Miss Jessica Turner sure is a lucky girl.] [I think they look good together.] [Miss Turner, in case you break Mister CEO’s heart, can I be the next in line?]

[Evan Thompson is the next hot thing. Too bad he is taken. He has that mysterious vibe in him, and I heard he is a very generous man.] Some thought it wasn’t true, countering the comments on social media. [Get in line, Jessica. You aren’t the only one who wants Mister Evan Thompson.] [Hi, Mister CEO, wanna date me? I’m prettier than Jessica.] [Miss Turner is not the first woman linked to a great CEO. Clara Thorn, Venice Sash, etc. But Evan Thompson has always denied being in a relationship with these women. Besides, no one had ever seen Evan Thompson with a woman.] [I work in the Thompson Group of Companies. Our CEO is already married, so stop dreaming about him.] Shantelle went on and on, reading the remarks. She could not help but go through them since there were over a thousand comments and likes. It shocked her how so many ladies were interested in Evan’s life, particularly his love life! She felt proud of Evan, but at at the same time, she felt a hint of jealousy.’ Just how many women wanted to be with Evan?’ She was at least happy when one remarked that Evan was already married. As she clicked and clicked, expanding the comments, she read one remark that made her lips twitch. [Really, he is married? Maybe she isn’t that pretty since he doesn’t show her off!] A full grown body formed on Shantelle’s face. Me? Not pretty?’ She had the urge to reply to the comment and present herself, but she held back. She didn’t think she had the right. Introducing her is supposed to be Evan’s job and not hers. At least, that was how Shantelle felt about it. An entire half an hour was wasted just checking on the comments. When Shantelle realized what she was doing, she

gasped, complaining at Eana, “Eana! Why did you show me this? We should be working. This article will not affect me in any way. Besides, I know the full truth. Evan is not with this woman. I’m sure of it.” “Oh, okay, Shanty. I just wanted to tell you this, so you know why the staff is looking at you strangely,” Eana reasoned. “I don’t need to explain myself to them. Besides, they had seen me with Evan during the ribbon cutting,” Shantelle pointed out. “Why would they believe a mere article when he spent nearly every minute by my side during that event?” “Well, that’s true, Shanty. It’s just that, you know, the comments and the rumors turned it into a big deal,” Eana suggested. “I think you and Evan should go public with your relationship.” “We aren’t hiding it,” Shantelle pointed out. “Yes, but Evan is a famous man, Shanty. He is close to being a celebrity, given his status and name,” Eana suggested. ” What you need to do is to put your mark all over your man” “Mark Evan? Like, bite him?” Shantelle asked, lifting her brow. Eana laughed. She said, “Oh, Shanty. Sometimes, you can be too literal. You can do many things, like go with Evan to some of his events, especially company events. Get yourself photographed with him, and for crying out loud, Shanty, when have you used your social media?” Shantelle thought about it. When did she last use her social media? She can’t even remember. Yes, she was too busy with her life. She did not have the time to go to the internet and put her pictures there. “I don’t need to prove anything, Eana,” Shantelle pointed out. “It’s not about proving yourself. It’s about making yourself be known and saving the hearts of those poor women who remained hopeful for Evan’s attention.” Eana shrugged and added, ” Trust me, you are doing them a favor but shutting down their dreams of sleeping with your ex-husband – now future. husband.”

Eana laughed at the end of her words. She then patted Shantelle’s back and left her office. In the afternoon, Karise visited her at the center. Shantelle was surprised to see her friend, but simultaneously, she was comforted. Shantelle and her friend had mended entirely over the past few days since Wendell’s birthday party. Karise was one of the first to learn about her and Evan getting back together as a couple. If anything, Karise would be an excellent person to talk amid the rumor that she may be a fake girlfriend slash wife. After ending her shift, Shantelle took Karise out for coffee. It was from the coffee shop that they covered what was going on around the internet. Karise asked, “Have you spoken to Evan yet?” Shantelle shook her head. She revealed, There was a fire at the Lockwood National Park today, so Evan’s pretty stressed. It came unexpectedly. I mean, yes, we spoke, but simply to inform me about the incident.” “Shanty, I want you to know this is not new. Many women had tried to get their hands on Evan. There was this actress, Clara Thorn? She cropped her photo and edited it next to Evan.” Karise laughed hysterically before revealing, “The The following week, she lost all her sponsorship. I bet that was Evan’s doing. From a rising star, she is now a backup dancer.” “If I were you, I’d leave my mark on your man,” Karise said before laughing. Shantelle’s eyes widened. She chuckled and replied, “Funny how I’ve heard those words already. And you know what, I will probably bite him.” “You have every right!” Karise encouraged.

It took Evan four days to return to Rose Hills instead of three, and when he did, he went to Scott’s residence first. He put

Lucas went to sleep, and after kissing him goodnight, he and Shantelle spoke on the mansion’s patio. “I’m sorry about the article. I was going to order it to be removed, but I thought of a better way to counter it. However, needed your on first,” Evan “My permission. Why?” Shantelle asked. “I am considering hiring a top magazine to feature us, you, me, and Lucas – our family. I want the article to name it as The Thompson Family,” Evan proposed. It requires us to have a family portrait. Can I Shanty, please?” Shantelle thought about it. If Evan ordered the article to be shut down, it would not change the minds of those who had I already read it. Meanwhile, if an article featured Evan in a relationship and having a family, that would end rumors and potentially cut her rivals in half. Maybe. Turning to Evan, she cautiously replied, saying, “I agree.” Evan smiled from ear to ear. He asked, ” Really? You like the idea.” “Someone told me I should mark you,” Shantelle reported, her ears burning as she admitted, “I thought it was a good idea.” “Mark me? Like bite me?” Evan asked in confusion. Shantelle laughed and replied, “Yes, well, not literally. Haha!” “I don’t mind if you bite me, though,” Evan suggested. He leaned closer and said, “I love you and miss you so much.” He pecked her cheek, and she turned to kiss him back. From there, he begged, ressed over the fire incident in Lockwood. I need my wifey’s love.” I’m so He whispered, teasing, Please, bite me.” Evan littered kisses on Shantelle’s neck, and she felt happy electricity running through her body. She moaned from Evan’s touch and said, “Mmmm… okay, but… not here.” Bemused, Evan asked, “What?”

Shantelle suggested, “Let’s go to the villa. Hearing Shantelle’s suggestion, Evan gulped. He felt his throat dry up. He said, “Let’s go to the villa.”

Chapter 78: I Miss You The truth was Shantelle had an awakening. While Evan had hurt her in the past and knew she needed to guard her heart, She also realized many women wanted to be with him. And these women weren’t just average. She recalled the names Karise had given her two nights back. She was shocked to learn who they were. Some were supermodels, and some were well- respected socialites. They weren’t as forward and cunning as Jessica Turner, but a few had expressed their interest in Evan through an interview or simply by complimenting him in one article or Wo. It did not stop from Clara Thorn or Venice Sash. Karise dug up a few social media posts or tv interviews where these women flush at the mention of Evan’s name. Of course, Shantelle did not belittle herself. She was one of the country’s best doctors and believed in that firmly. However, more than just marking Evan, she admitted it was time for her to give back. After all, she agreed on a relationship, and all relationships require a give and take. Thus, she agreed when Evan suggested they would go public with their relationship. Deciding to bite him was another way of her… giving back. She figured flourishing her relationship with Evan and Lucas would be more critical than keeping

her heart partly caged. Evan was blowing his horns in the middle of the road. A car had stopped from nowhere, creating traffic at nine in the evening. “Oh, come on!” Evan barked, and it left Shantelle laughing in her seat. “Relax, will you!” Shantelle said. “It’s the weekend tomorrow. We have… all weekend.’ “Did that mean you’ll stay with me?” Evan asked, leaning over and kissing her cheek. A laugh escaped Shantelle’s lips. She replied, “I mean, I don’t mind staying late.” Then, she added, ” And I thought we Would I have a photoshoot?” “We are. Tomorrow afternoon. After that, you and Lucas should stay with me until Sunday. It would be good to let Lucas know where I live – where we used to live, Evan suggested. “Please, just a day to make me feel like we are a family living in one house. Shantelle turned to Evan and studied his pleading. She saw through his eyes how he badly wanted it. Softly, she replied, We are a family.” Caressing his face, she added, “Legality won’t change that.’ “Please,” Evan repeated. Shantelle pecked Evan’s lips, and with a sigh, she answered, “Okay. We will stay in the villa tomorrow.” Evan was delighted. He was going to make the most out of the traffic and kiss the hell out of Shantelle, but the next thing He heard the beeping of the horns behind him. He groaned, discovering the road had already been cleared. Still, he looked forward to Shantelle biting him; he sped on his way to the villa. When they made it to ་་ Ta, Shantelle met Mrs. Shaw. She smiled from ear to ear, saying, “Welcome back, Misses! It’s good to see you home –

“No, I'm, I'm just visiting,” Shantelle reasoned. On the other hand, Evan claimed, ” Today, she is, but soon, she and Lucas will live here. Excuse us, Mrs. Shaw.” “Enjoy your night!” Misses Shaw suggested. As Evan dragged her toward the master bedroom, Shantelle saw how the house was maintained almost as she did before. The vases, and the carpets, were precisely the ones that she had bought. The furniture arrangements were also the same. When they made it inside the main room, she found herself studying the portrait of her and Evan. It was their wedding photo. She had seen this exact picture when Evan was on a video call with Lucas, but seeing it for herself made her emotional. Shantelle peered at the same photo for seconds. Her eyes landed on Evan’s expression. Yet again, she was reminded of how Evan was so unhappy that day. She weakly said, “Evan, you should take this down.” “No, I won’t,” he said, embracing her from behind. “Why should I?” “Evan, you don’t look happy in the photo, Shantelle weakly admitted. “You should take it down.” Hearing Shantelle’s words, Evan embraced her from behind. He moved her to face him as he said, “I’m sorry, Wifey. Can Do we forget about the past?” 1 Shantelle shut her eyes and caressed Evan’s face. She rested her forehead on his lips and replied, “Evan, I just think you should put a happy picture there from now on.” When she opened her eyes, she saw his dark brown orbs and suggested, “We are going to have a photoshoot. So why don’t you replace that with the new photo?” Evan nodded. He explained, “I kept it because that is one of my only memories of you, and you looked so beautiful there, but if it makes you uncomfortable, I will take it down.”

“Let’s just… replace it with newer, happy- looking photos, Evan. Is that okay?” Shantelle asked. Reaching for her hand, Evan suggested, ” When you’ll marry me again, I’ll be the happiest man alive. It will show in my eyes, my smile, and how I stand beside you. I’ll put a photo in the house.” Ty corner of the Shantelle giggled. She replied, “No – not every corner, Evan, but yes – if I’ll marry you. When Evan’s face paled, Shantelle laughed. She teased, “You should see the look on your face.” “Shanty, please don’t break my heart, " Evan requested. “I wanted you for so long. I can’t see myself being with another woman.” (1) Shantelle did not reply. Instead, she wrapped her hands around his neck. She revealed, “Evan, I have something to tell you.” Her face turned crimson as she admitted, “I practiced saying it for the entire day yesterday, but seriously, it was a lot easier saying it to a pretend Evan.” Evan frowned. He asked, “You practiced?” She nodded, saying, “I don’t know, but I find it hard to say it… to you, but it doesn’t mean I don’t feel it.” Her mouth parted, struggling to let the words roll out of her tongue, and while her mouth remained open, Evan waited and waited; all his attention was on her. Eventually, she declared, “I miss you.” She gasped, and her forehead formed beads of sweat. She resumed, “I miss you so much that I realize I did not like being far from you. Shantelle embraced Evan, hiding her blushing face from his direct view. She expressed, “I want to hold you longer, kiss you longer, and that’s why I decided to come with you to the villa because I want to feel more of you.’ ”

Listening to Shantelle admitting her feelings, Evan was overjoyed. He forecasted how he might hear her say how she loved him very soon, and it might not be such a distant future when she would say I do. He lowered his head and pecked her lips. He replied, “Thank you, Wifey. I needed that.” He pulled her closer to his frame, his arms completely embracing her. Every day, I miss you and Lucas so much.” Evan lifted Shantelle’s weight and pushed her against the nearest wall, kissing her intensely so that her jaws moistened. Their tongues quickly became entangled, and they moaned into their mouths. With how they were making out intensely and how her legs hanging in midWere air, Shantelle automatically circled her limbs around Evan. It urged the man to push his entire weight against her that Shantelle felt the hardness of his shaft. Next, Shantelle felt Evan’s hand climb up to her chest. He briefly pulled away and informed, “I want to touch you so badly – “Touch me,” Shantelle said, and instantly, she saw Evan’s eyes filled with passion. “Touch me, Evan, because I will definitely… bite you.”

Chapter 79: Taste Good Shantelle threw her head back and heaved. Evan’s hand cupped her breast, and it felt so damn good. Evan only touched the outside of her blouse, yet her body was already sent into a sea of pleasure.

Next, she felt Evan’s lips on her neck, pecking and sucking her skin, which made her shiver in satisfaction. She remembered how it felt so good to be with Evan in this way, in this very room, but she could tell the difference – a big difference. — Now, Evan was taking his time, like a boy slowly eating his candy. He was kissing nearly every part of her skin as he massaged one of her breasts while still in her clothes. I miss this. I miss touching you, and god, how I missed the feel of being buried inside you,” Evan recounted. The couple went at it, kissing carelessly while Evan carried Shantelle’s weight. Her frame remained pressed against the wall. Evan wanted more that he wound up tearing off her blouse. At that point, Shantelle did not know how to react. She wanted to continue that she cared not for her blouse. The next thing she knew, her bra was dangling in her arm. Evan pulled away to relish the view of her naked top. As he did, Shantelle said, ‘ They aren’t as perky as before. I breastfed your son for two months before returning to school.” “They are beautiful. You are so beautiful, “Evan commented before returning to kiss Shantelle, his hand finally feeling her bare bosom. Shantelle felt goosebumps all over her body. Evan’s hand on her skin sent tingles down her core that she clenched her legs around Evan. She bashfully admitted, “Your touch feels amazing.” In the next few seconds, Evan and Shantelle made out senselessly, their heads turning from side to side and their breathing labored. As they kissed, Evan’s hands alternately grabbed her breast, his hips unwittingly grounding against her pelvic area. Later on, Evan brought her to bed. He lowered her to the sheets and continued kissing her. From there, Shantelle urged

Evan removed his clothes, starting with his coat. Then, she began unbuttoning his shirt. When Shantelle ran her fingers over his chest, Evan pulled back. He removed his shirt and the compression garments. He briefly kissed her on the lips again, started giving Shantelle love bites on the neck, and soon began sucking on her breasts. “God, I miss this,” Evan swore. He circled his tongue around the areola of her breast before sucking her nipple, and he did the same to the other mount, fondling them leisurely, a Evan left love bites on her chest too, and he did so generously. Eventually, his eyes landed on Shantelle’s pants. He hissed, feeling his size enlarging. He swore his member would pop out of his trousers anytime soon. He sat up and gripped the waistband of Shantelle’s pants. Before removing it, he gazed at her, silently asking for approval. She did not refuse him, so he took it as a yes. Evan enthusiastically removed her pants, and her underwear came off with it. When he saw her bare bottom lips, he lifted a brow at her, asking, “Do you always shave down here?” Shantelle turned to the other side, ashamed at admitting, “I thought about letting you touch me since… yesterday.” “Fuck!” Evan did not think twice. He dove right in and sucked on her core. “Evan – Evan!” In a split second, Shantelle felt a warm tongue against her peach. Evan was hungrily drinking her, sucking her bottom lips and flicking his tongue against her clit. As he did, he reached for her bosom and kneaded it. ” Fuck I love you, and I miss you so much.” He licked her from her entrance and up to her clit, declaring, “This one, I definitely miss!” He ate her thoroughly before adding, “You taste so good! I can’t get enough.” Shantelle was floundering in bed. Her hips would not stop waving, and her back repeatedly arched.

Evan relentlessly fondled her rose. He was so hungry for her that he swore he could go all night pleasing her and making love with her. “Evan, I – I can’t handle this, I can’t – Shantelle announced. She was ready to reach the peak in no time and felt utterly ashamed of how prematurely she gave in to the pleasure, but what could she do? It had been a long time for her. Every The moment she lay in that bed felt like heaven. Yes, she had not been with a man, but she was sharing the exact intimate moment with Evan. It was all familiar to her, as if every excitement she used to have about this very scene came rushing back into her head and in her heart. “Ahhh! Evan!” With that thought, Shantelle eventually came. Her insides. pulsated, and her body mildly convulsed. Despite her reaction, Evan continued to suck her, drinking her love juice altogether. After pleasuring Shantelle, Evan climbed back up to kiss her, and they did so passionately. Seconds went by, and Evan’s gaze returned to her core. His eyes were yet again filled with desire. He was about to sit up and removed his trousers when Shantelle stopped him, saying, “No… I – I want to kiss you too.” At first, Evan was puzzled, but soon he recognized what she meant when Shantelle tried to turn him over. Unfortunately, she couldn’t, and Even laughed. “Cooperate!” Shantelle warned, and Evan pivoted to the other side of the bed, lying on his back. Shantelle climbed on top of him, straddling his groin area, her body completely bare and in full view of Evan. “Oh, god, Wifey. You are so beautiful, and it feels so good with you on top of me. Movie it a little for me – god, it has been too long,” Evan remarked, shutting his eyes and relishing the moment. Shortly, Evan felt Shantelle kissing his chest. It quickly sent shivers down his spine, knowing she had made such a bold

move. It wasn’t new to Evan, Shantelle used to kiss him in the chest often when they did the deed as a married couple, but this time, it was different. When they were married, he refused to acknowledge whatever excitement he felt about her, especially when they were in bed, but now, Evan was expressing it, knowing what he had lost for a very long time. “Evan? You swore you haven’t been with a woman other than me?” Shantelle asked, her eyes fixed on him as she lowered her chest to his. The man looked into her eyes and replied, “I swear, I haven’t. I couldn’t. All I think about is you.” He coughed against his fist and admitted, “I – um. I think of you when I – you know. You are my only release.” Shantelle’s eyes reflected a hint of desire as she kissed his chest. She returned her regard to Evan and naughtily asked, ” How? What am I doing when you think of me? Like this?” Evan nodded. He gulped and replied, You, kissing you, making love with you. You, sucking me. Your perfect lips around my dick.” Shantelle’s eyes became hooded. She kissed Evan’s chest repeatedly, leaving him marks, just as she promised. Soon her gaze lowered to his trouser. She looked back at him and asked, “Do you want me to?” “Oh, yeah. Very, very much,” Evan said. Every second mattered at that point for Evan. When Shantelle unbuttoned his slacks, his heart raced. When she helped him off his trousers, his excitement was off the roof. After years of having wet dreams about his ex-wife, it was finally coming true! Evan swore he had a precum before Shantelle could even hold his length. It did not take long for his underwear to be on the floor, his manhood erect like a stiff rod.

Shantelle’s slender hand wrapped around his stick, and she palmed it briefly, declaring, “You are so big, Evan.” “Aaah!” Evan moaned as soon as Shantelle’s lips touched the tip of his manhood. He soon felt her mouth warming half of his full size. “Fuck, yeah. Shantelle felt her face burn as she ate his shaft. Evan tasted divine! Everything about him gave her waves of pleasure. Looking at and feeling his body bedazzled her. Evan had the right amount of muscles, and she loved his flat yet firm waist. In his clothes, anyone could see through his sexy manly frame, but without it, it was even more alluring. Now, while eating his member, she was delighted with the softness of his skin and was pleased with how hard he was. She did this to him. He was so aroused because of her. When Evan revealed how he had masturbated at the thought of her, she did not know why, but it thrilled her. Shantelle wasn’t a sexual woman, but the idea of Evan thinking of her through those years somehow flared the fire of her desires. Her inner self wanted to do what Evan described: the intimate moments she had with him when they were married. Up and down, Shantelle’s head bobbed in between Evan’s legs, but with everything they had done for that night, the man was ready to explode. 1 “Shanty, I’m going to cum,” Evan warned. Shantelle let him go with a pop. Evan jerked himself in front of her, erupting on her chest and some on her face. Evan was panting when he said, “Fuck, that felt so damn good. How much more. when I enter you. With conviction, he declared, “I swear, Wifey, I would probably go at it all night long.”

Chapter 80: Filled Because Evan wasn’t satisfied, feeling Shantelle’s soft skin, he urged her to take a shower with him. As they did, they kissed and groped each other’s bodies. After the bathroom, Evan carried Shantelle back into the bed and laid her gently on the sheets. He eagerly covered. her mouth, assaulting it like he had not done so in the last hour. His hand senselessly roamed Shantelle’s body. It wasn’t just him, though. He was proud to say that Shantelle did not hesitate in feeling his chest, back, and especially the She claimed to be perfect. She used to do this a lot when they were married. Evan recalled how Shantelle was always fascinated by his body. Little did Shantelle know, it was the same with Evan, only that he had never expressed it before. Now, he would forever correct his mistakes and shower Shantelle with the compliments she deserved. Descending to her neck, Evan added more kiss marks on her skin. He remarked, “So beautiful. Your skin feels like silk.” Evan was on top of Shantelle, pressing his entire weight on her. He felt her breast against his chest, her bare thighs around his waist, and her pubic area making contact with his groin. He did not think twice about grounding his member into her soft skin. He wound up moaning in pleasure at the thought of being able to enter her. Soon, he climbed down to her stomach and kissed it generously. Then, he asked, “Turn around for me, Wifey. You know, I love your ass.” Shantelle bit her lip and did as he requested. While changing position, she seductively raised her ass cheek at him before giving him her entire back. At the view of her firm, two-round flesh, he grabbed them with both hands, saying, “God, I miss this too. I had probably

dreamed about this a thousand times.” He kissed each bottom cheek and bit it gently, making Shantelle gasp in desire, her body twitching. Repeatedly, he kissed and felt her ass, and when he was satisfied, he spread her ass-cheek apart and studied where he would enter. “Fuck, it looks so nice. I really miss this, Evan said again. He could not help but want to tell her how much he had wanted her for many years. “It’s everything I’ve always imagined.” He used his fingers to feel her entrance and was pleased with how she was still wet. He said, “Lift your ass for me, Wifey. I’ll taste you again.” “Okay, Hubby,” she replied. Shantelle thought he was already going to fondle her rose, but he was still at it, kissing and biting her butt. She was Certainly Evan wound up leaving marks there, too. “Mmmm, Evan. That feels so good,” she admitted. She felt his fingers gently rubbing her entrance, and his tongue joined in the stimulation too. Indeed, their love making this time was far different from when they were married. “Aahh! Evan!” Shantelle felt goosebumps with the way Evan’s tongue tasted her again, his fingers relentlessly caressing her clit. “Evan, I’m going to cum – god!” She revealed. Truth be told, she was surprised by how she was moaning and calling his name. However, it was inescapable. Evan’s fondling utterly stirred her, Shantelle’s desires came overflowing. “Cum for me again, Shanty. I want to taste it, to feel it with my fingers,” Evan encouraged. “Cum on my fingers.” It did not take long for her body to mildly convulse with pleasure. She slammed onto the sheets as the pleasure spread throughout her body. Shantelle was chasing her breath, relishing the moment with her eyes shut. As she did, she felt the tip of Evan’s stick,

wiping the wetness of her core. She heard him say, “Wifey, I won’t hold back. More than seven years, Shanty. I haven’t done this for too long. I want to go deep, and I you know I can’t – ” “Mmmm. I know,” Shantelle replied. When they were married, Evan never managed to pull out whenever they were intimate. He always said she made him feel so good that he didn’t have the strength to cum outside of her. That was why she needed to take contraceptives. back then. This time, however, they were not married, and despite Lucas’ request to have a brother, Shantelle wasn’t ready to have another child, not when the heart and lung center had recently opened. She already had surgery scheduled for the next two months. She wasn’t ready to go through nausea and everything else that came with pregnancy. 1 “I’ll have my period in two days,” Shantelle admitted. It was another reason to be intimate with Evan. Women, in general, are wired to procreate following their ovulation period. The hormones significantly make women feel the need to be intimate with their partners during such days. Before Evan returned to her life, Shantelle would simply busy herself with work, but the center was still new, and surgeries were still being scheduled. Shantelle admittedly had the free time to think about Evan intimately, especially after missing him for a few days. ‘I’ll have my period in two days.’ Hearing Shantelle’s reply, Evan’s eyes narrowed. That meant he only had two days to be buried inside of her! “Fuck, we need to do a lot of this before your period,” Evan proclaimed, making his wifey giggle. He lined up his shaft in in front of Shantelle’s opening and began pushing it in. “Oh, yeah.” He pushed again, making it halfway through. Evan’s eyes never left his manhood. He celebrated the way his

size was entering Shantelle’s pink hole, and he especially loved how he had a perfect view of her behind.”It feels so good.” “You are so tight, Shanty,” Evan remarked. He shut his eyes, relishing being sucked in around her tight and wet flesh. When he made it all the way in, he moaned, “Aaahhh! My god. It’s way better than I remember – Ahh! Ahh!” His hips moved slowly, thrusting back and forth. “I love it. I love you, Shanty. I love how you make me feel.” Finally, he opened his eyes. He held Shantelle’s ass as he watched how his stick was glowing with her love juice. He was especially delighted at how her The entrance stretched for him, accommodating his size. Meanwhile, Shantelle clenched her hands into fists. Her eyes closed, recognizing the sensation of being filled. Evan was so big, he filled her completely. There was not a space left untouched inside her hole. It felt amazing, especially since she had just come. Her insides were still throbbing, and then came Evan’s manhood. It simply sent her to an ocean of pleasure that she found herself moving back and forth along with Evan. She felt Evan’s hand reaching for her breast. Then he urged her to rest her back on his chest while still making love. Shantelle arched her back so her head would rest on his shoulder, his arm over her breast, his hand firmly cupped on one mount, and his lips covering hers. Evan maintained to pump in and out of her while keeping her in place. It was a difficult position to preserve, but she loved how their lips were locked, and the sound of their slapping flesh was so arousing, she did not want it to stop. Eventually, Evan’s thrusting became more demanding. Shantelle knew he was about ready to cum. Thus, she let go of their kisses to give him more room. She returned to giving Evan her entire back, her arms resting on the sheets.

Evan held her waist, and from that moment on, he moved faster, pumping two to three times per second. As he did, his moans became unending, and erotic wails filled the air. He shut his eyes, calling, “Shanty – Ahh. Shanty!” He was going at it passionately that Shantelle lost her hold, falling flat on the bed. Evan quickly followed, lying above her while still thrusting from behind. “I’m cumming. I’m cumming,” Evan announced, and as soon as he did, he pushed in hard, really hard. “Aaaah! Fuck, Shanty!” Like Evan, Shantelle had also reached her peak. Evan was hitting all the right places, and another orgasm came to her. It felt even better to cum while his rod was inside of her. She moaned, “Oh, god, Evan. Mmmmm.” “Ahh! Fuck. Ahh!” Evan pushed and pushed until he squirmed his hips leisurely. He stayed there for an undetermined time, remaining buried inside Shantelle. He kissed her back, neck, and cheeks, saying, “I love you. I love you so fucking much. I want to make love with you every day of my life.” Evan flipped Shantelle to lie on her back. He climbed on top of her and showered her with kisses once more. Shantelle happily kissed back, feeling fulfilled by their lovemaking. They went at it for minutes, nibbling on their lips like there was no tomorrow. Shortly after, Shantelle felt his tip poking into her rose again. She pulled away from the kiss, asking, “Evan? Are you serious?” Evan stared at her with complete yearning, saying, “I am dead serious.” “We – we never had a second round before,” Shantelle recalled. “Well, Wifey. It’s different now. I want a second, third, and maybe fourth round,” Evan declared. “Shall we?” Before Shantelle could answer, he had already pushed inside her, and she felt filled again. “Aaah!”

Chapter 81: A New Business Partner “Shanty. Where are you? Shanty, come back! Please!” Evan’s dream startled Shantelle. His hold around her waist tightened, and her naked body was pressed against him. “Evan. Evan!” Shantelle called, waking him. “Evan, I’m here.” Evan jerked awake, his eyes rounding while his breathing hitched. He held Shantelle tightly, repeatedly calling her name, “Shanty. Shanty.” He turned to her side and hugged her firmly. “Don’t leave me again, please. I can’t bear it.” Shantelle returned the embrace. She wrapped her arm around his neck, answering, “I’m here. I’m not leaving, Evan. Whatever it was, it was just a dream. I’m here.” It took some time for Evan to settle his emotions. When he did, he revealed, “I haven’t been dreaming of such a scene lately, but it came so often during the first two years when you left.” “Lately, I have been sleeping better,” Evan disclosed. His words made Shantelle wonder how badly Evan struggled to sleep at night for many years. She had those nights too, when Evan broke her heart, but when she learned she was pregnant, her hormones aided in her rest. Shantelle pecked his cheek, saying, You’ll be sleeping much better now.” “You promise to stay with me all night?” Evan softly asked. Shantelle chuckled and replied, “In some nights.” With a nod, Evan replied, “I’m okay with that.”

Evan realized how it was nearly dawn. He checked the time and said, “I’m fucking hungry.” He should. He made love with Shantelle until one in the morning, making it until the fourth round. When Evan realized it was half an hour past four, he suggested they have an early breakfast. “Lucas should be awake soon. Let’s eat first, and then I’ll eat you for dessert before heading back to your house.” “But, I don’t have a top anymore,” Shantelle reminded him of how he tore off her blouse. Evan pointed with his head and said, "You have lots of clothes inside the closet.” Shantelle remembered how Mrs. Shaw suggested the same. Well, seeing it would be much better. ‘Did he maintain all my clothes?’ She got up, covering herself with a blanket, leaving Evan baffled. He asked, ” What are you doing? I have seen you naked. I have tasted every part of your body. Why are you covering up?” Shantelle rolled her eyes before leaving the blanket on the floor. When she entered the closet, she was shocked to see all the clothes. It was more than what she remembered! There was so much Evan barely had space for his own. She saw several pieces that were unfamiliar to her. She asked, “Are these new?” “Yes, I buy clothes for you now and then, “Evan said behind her. He entered the walk-in closet to fetch a shirt and pajamas. “How did you guess I would be back here, though?” Shantelle asked. Evan laughed and embraced her from behind, cupping her breast while he was at it. He kissed her cheek, saying, “I did I do not know, but I never stopped hoping. “I’ll head down first,” Evan said. After hearing him leave the room, Shantelle found a good pair of shorts and a shirt she remembered Evan bought her when they married. She was about to leave when a particular white dress caught her attention.

“Wow,” she remarked. It was a Sarah Kate dress. she bit her lips, remembering how she used to be so particular about buying only the same designer dress, but it wasn’t her priority after leaving Rose Hills. Still, she bought a dress or two, but because Warlington did not have a Sarah Kate boutique, she had failed to follow the trend. She went through the dresses and found more limited edition ones. Her eyeballs would have fallen off just by how they were rounding in each dress she pulled out. “So beautiful,” she complimented on a blue dress. Some needed resizing since Shantelle had lost weight, but not significantly. She checked the mirror and said, “This brings out the color of my eyes, but then again, the white dress is so elegant!” a Shantelle felt like a princess, having many clothes to choose from, yet she didn’t know about them until now. “I love this.” “Can’t decide which one to wear?” Evan walked in behind her. “We will have a formal wear photo shoot later. Let’s have white and blue?” Shantelle’s eyes were gleaming. She smiled brightly at Evan, saying, “Thank you, Evan. These are so beautiful. Some are even more stunning than the ones you recently gave me.” “I wasn’t sure if you’d want these since they are old,” Evan described. Fashion styles always come back every few years. Some of these will return to trend,” Shantelle suggested. “Some designs can be timeless.” She turned to Evan and kissed his lips, saying, “I love them.” He kissed back, asking, “How about you love me?” Shantelle’s face burned. Instead of answering, she tasted his mouth and relished in a deep kiss. When she pulled away, Evan said, “Mmmm. I’m going to eat two servings of dessert later.”

Evan had his double dessert after an early breakfast. Next, they went to the Scotts mansion to fetch their son.

Lucas was over the moon when he learned they would spend two days together as a family. His tired self became. full of life as he jumped for joy. He excitedly packed his bags with his parents. help and left with them for their family photo shoot. From formal to casual wear, the family of three changed from one set of clothes to another, posing for the cameras. Evan brought them to a studio full of professional stylists and photographers. Shantelle and Lucas were introduced as Evan’s family, and they had Evan’s full attention the entire time. “Make sure my wife and son look good in the photo,” Evan instructed while posing for the cameras. “Does my son look like me or what? Make sure our angles are the same,” Evan added. When Shantelle changed into a new dress, he constantly checked if it fit her well. As for Lucas, he personally helped him with clothes and styled his son’s hair to make it look like his. During breaks, Evan took it upon himself to prepare his family’s meals, and they all ate together simultaneously. James, Evan’s assistant, was also present to direct the team of writers and the magazine representative on how the features will go. Evan’s plan was to block an entire five spreads, equal to ten pages all in all, of the magazine to introduce Shantelle and Lucas. When the photo shoot was done, Evan selected from all the pictures and decided which ones would be published in the magazine. He and Shantelle also quickly met with Evan’s PR manager to discuss the subsequent publicity that needed to be done. As the family drove to the villa, Shantelle asked Evan, “So about Jessica Turner With a sigh, Evan said, “Wifey, I don’t want you to think I’m not doing anything. I am working on it. Let them think they

have escaped my punishment; the higher they climb, the harder they will fall. So be patient with me. Just one week more, and everything will fall into place.” “I have canceled our future collaboration, but I am having difficulty buying their rights in the newly built condo. I will let them glorify for now, but I’ll take everything back, eventually, eventually. With Attorney Scarlett’s help, I’ll have full rights to the condo and a new business partner, too,” Evan revealed. ‘ Everything will unravel at the company’s anniversary party, where I will reintroduce you and Lucas and formally announce the new business partner.” “The new business partner?” Shantelle repeated. 2 “Yes,” Evan smirked and announced, Scarlett’s husband will buy the shares of the Turners and will convert the condominium into a Diamond Hotel, the first here in Rose Hills.” 2 “Oh, wow. Nice catch, Evan. Good job,” Shantelle remarked. The Diamond Hotels was one of the biggest hotel brands in the country. Making partners with the said hotel brand would certainly pave the way for Evan’s growing empire. “Yes, well. Everything happens for a reason,” Evan remarked. “It was a good decision for me to hire Attorney Scarlett and her team to represent you against Warrington Hospital and Mayor Frank Morgan.” “I have invited Scarlett’s family to the anniversary party,” Evan announced. “I can’t wait to meet them,” Shantelle commented. “Yes, I heard they have lots of kids.” Evan winked at Shantelle, saying, “Maybe, we can learn from them, Wifey. Make loads. of babies.” Shantelle shook her head as she looked outside the window of the car. Meanwhile, Lucas, who had been lying on her lap the whole time, exclaimed, “I want a brother!” “Sure,” Evan promised, while Shantelle glared at him.

Chapter 82: William’s Support “This is where your mommy used to cook, “Evan described, taking Lucas to the kitchen. “Your mommy always loved putting things in order.” Walking back into the living room, Evan pointed to the furniture. “Your mommy bought these.” Evan was giving Lucas a tour of the entire villa. Shantelle followed behind them, smiling and giggling whenever her son made a silly remark. Taking Lucas to the main bedroom, Evan revealed, “This is Mommy and Daddy’s room. Wanna look around?” “Uh Uh!” Lucas exclaimed. The first thing he saw was their wedding portrait hanging on the wall. “Wow! Is that Mommy? She looks so pretty!” “The room is nice, daddy! It’s so big!” Lucas added. “It is,” Evan confirmed. “Now, let me take you to your room.” “My room? But I want to stay with you,’ Lucas begged. “You did not put me to bed for days!” Lucas hugged Evan, asking, Please, daddy. Please. Can I sleep next to you? I miss you. Can I stay here with you and Mommy?” The plan was to have more of Shantelle, but that would not happen if Lucas slept in the same bed with them. But how can Does he ever deny his son? He owed him so many years of his time and attention. Behind the door, Shantelle was giggling at him. She raised both her hands, suggesting how it was all his decision to make. Thus, he surrendered to Lucas, saying, “Alright, buddy. We will all stay in the main room.” “Yey! Yey!” Lucas jumped for joy. He then revealed, “I remember my classmate in Warlington telling me that when he was little, he used to stay with his mommy and daddy at night, but I never did, so I wanted to try it!”

Lucas’ words made Shantelle choke on her spew. Her face paled, knowing that it was her fault, but thankfully, Evan was quick to divert the topic. When he saw Shantelle’s reaction, he immediately carried Lucas into his arms, saying, Let’s do everything you wanna do. What else do you want to do with your mommy and daddy?” ” “I want to do hand painting with Mommy and Daddy! I want to swim with Mommy and Daddy! I want to go to an amusement park with Mommy and Daddy.” Lucas went on and on, even repeating some of the things they had already done. The last thing he requested, however, made Evan laugh. The young man said, “I want to take care of my little brother with Mommy and Daddy!” At night, Lucas slept in between his parents. He turned from side to side, repeatedly hugging Evan and Shantelle. He kept saying, “I love you, Mommy. I love you, Daddy.” “I love you, Lucas,” Shantelle said each time he expressed those words. “I love my little man,” Evan said whenever Lucas would turn to him. For an hour, Lucas was restless, circling his leg around Shantelle and then turning to Evan to do the same. He did it so many times, unable to decide which position to take. In the end, Lucas grabbed Shantelle’s arm and wrapped it around him, forcing his mommy to face the boy’s back. Whereas, Lucas’ legs were around Evan’s thigh. Evan and Shantelle both patted Lucas to sleep. When he was completely out, Evan said, “I know we are supposed to teach him independence, but I figured, let’s have him experience the things he missed when I wasn’t around.” Shantelle nodded. She said, “This is just a phase. He is overwhelmed that I have allowed this intimacy between us. He’ll want his own space in time.” “I guess it’s the same for me,” Evan admitted. “Having you both here, sleeping in the villa – our villa, resting in our bed.”

He smiled, nearly teary-eyed, adding, “It makes me so elated to be able to make up for lost times.” Evan’s hand reached for Shantelle. He caressed her cheek and said, “Thank you so much, Shanty, for giving me this a chance to be with you and a chance to be a father.”

The next day, Evan brought Shantelle and Lucas to the old Thompson mansion, where Erick and Clara had the opportunity to play with Lucas. As Evan promised, they swam together at the swimming pool behind the mansion. Erick and Clara were photographers as Evan taught Lucas how to swim. They played ball in the water and played with sharks. Shantelle would carry Lucas on her shoulder while Evan chased after them, pretending to be a shark. “Mommy, hurry! Daddy’s going to catch us! Ahhh!” Lucas screamed, and each time Evan would catch up, he would tickle his son. The sight of which added to everyone’s amusement. Evan also found time to have a hand painting-session in the afternoon. Howard had bought large papers and oil paints from the nearby bookstore, and the family of three indulged, coloring the paper with their fingerprints. After they were done imprinting the paper, Shantelle suddenly smudged Evan’s face. It started a gleeful battle that ended in tickling, smearing their entire clothes, and endless laughter. Lucas happily yielded, painting both his parents. Clara and Erick happily took pictures repeatedly, utterly entertained. He also sent copies to William and Eleanor. Needless to say, Lucas had the time of his life. He had so much fun that he dozed off while riding back to the Scotts’ mansion in the evening. When they arrived, Evan carried Lucas to his room for a nap while Shantelle carried their things. In Lucas’ bedroom, Evan watched his son sleep. He did not know how long he stayed there, simply admiring his son. He

ran his fingers through Lucas’ hair and said, “I wish I were there when you were born. I would have been the happiest dad. After checking the time and realizing how late it was, Evan kissed Lucas’ cheek, saying, “Goodnight, my little man. Soon, we will live together.” He turned to the door and found Shantelle standing there. She immediately wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his lips. She said, ” You are such a great father, Evan.” “Thank you,” Evan said, kissing her back and circling his arms around her waist. “I love being a father to Lucas.” “Did you already have your period?” Out of nowhere, Evan asked. He hoped a little that he could still make love with Shantelle. 1 However, his wife laughed and replied, ‘ I did. Just now.” A hiss left his lips, and he swore, “Next week, then. During the anniversary party. Shantelle did not know why, but the thought of doing it with Evan again made sense. her core tingle. She tried to dismiss it by laughing, but her face showed everything as she turned tomato red. Bashfully, she replied, “Next week.” She walked Evan down the mansion. They were about to make it out to the driveway when William called their attention. “Evan, a word, please,” William said, his head leaning toward the study. Evan followed Doctor Scott and closed the door behind him. After settling in his seat, he asked, “What is it, Uncle?” William showed him the photos that Erick had taken. He smiled and said, "Look at Lucas here.” His eyes gleamed as he described, “I’ve never seen my grandson is happy.” “I think I spent half an hour just going through these pictures. Both my daughter and my grandson look so happy,” William described.

William leaned back and said, “Of course, I have seen this for a while. I just did not want to admit it yet.” “Evan, you broke my daughter’s heart. You made her take away her glow, that beautiful smile on her face. You don’t know how much that hurt me too,” William said. Evan did not know why William was suddenly bringing this up again. He honestly thought they were done talking about the past. He wound up looking down apologetically. “But who would have thought,” William resumed. He sniffed and added, “Who would have thought, you would be that same person to make her smile this way again, and bring so much happiness to my grandson.” “You know, Evan. I was worried that I might be talking to you about this prematurely. I meant to wait it out, observe some more – maybe another month or two, but I realize it is just holding me back from fully moving forward,” William described. “So, let me say it before I change my mind.” “Evan, I give you my support wholeheartedly. I pray that you won’t hurt my daughter or Lucas, because I would hate myself too – ” “Uncle, I won’t. I swear I won’t,” Evan promised. He felt so relieved; it seemed like a needle had been pricked out of his heart. Evan wound up letting out a sigh, massaging his chest. He looked down and then back up. Water welled in his eyes as he said, “I will love Shanty and Lucas with everything in me – with all my life. Thank you, Uncle. Your support means a lot to me.” “Please, Evan, take care of Shanty and Lucas, because not everyone gets a second chance in love and life,” William closed. Evan nodded and replied, “I am giving it my all, Uncle, all the way.’ Chapter 83 Chapter 83: The CEO IS Off The Market

“The Thompson Group Of Companies’ CEO, Evan Thompson, is already off the market. A full five-spread of CELLE Magazine featured happy photos and an interview with the great CEO. In that interview, Mister Thompson admits to being in love with the same woman for many years. Mister Thompson also confirms having a son,” a news anchor reported on TV. “According to the powerful CEO, his family is everything to him, and he loves them beyond words; he would move mountains for them.” The news quickly flashed the photos featured in CELLE Magazine, showing off the stylish poses of Shantelle, Evan, and Lucas. The same report also featured Shantelle’s profession, highlighting how she was the lead surgeon of Saint Dominique Heart and Lung Center. There were single photos of her where she looked like a top model from the best agencies in the country. The finest shot. featured Evan and Shantelle wearing formal clothes. They were facing each other with passion in their eyes. Their arms were wrapped around each other, and their lips nearly met. After the photos were shown on TV, the news anchor reported, “So, Unfortunately, ladies, Mister Thompson has given a statement himself. He clearly said he is not interested in meeting other women, for he is madly in love with Doctor Shant. He wishes his fans to find the love of their lives and contentment like he did.” The news was everywhere. In the center, Evan had ordered every TV to tune in to Channel Six, where the magazine would be highlighted. From the receptionist, whoever was lounging in the canteen, to the facility’s private rooms, there was no escaping the critical breaking news of Channel Six. Wherever Evan had control, they all saw the broadcast.

All businesses of the Thompson Group of Companies were urged to watch the news, including business partners. If that wasn’t enough, the same report was also presented on the internet. Evan had ordered all employees to share the article, like it, and leave comments. [Wow, Mister Thompson has a handsome son like him and his wife is absolutely gorgeous.] [Beautiful and smart! It’s not easy to become a doctor.] [Mister Thompson is a philanthropist who married someone who saves lives. It’s only fitting.] [Now, this is a perfect couple.] [There is no denying this. There is a photo of them together and an interview with Mister Thompson. Sorry ladies, it’s time to move on and find another man.] [Ufff! Jessica Turner was just another rumor or a Misses Thompson wanna-be!] [Oh, my god! Doctor Shant is way more beautiful than Jessica Turner! No wonder Mister Thompson never batted an eye on all those claims.] [Doctor Shant is a 10/10. Jessica Turner is a 4/10] [Back off, Jessica. Mister Thompson is already married! Have some decency!] James, Evan’s assistant, left several comments too. He gave his personal thoughts about the couple. [I have been Mister Thompson’s assistant for nine years. He is very in love with the Misses, Doctor Shant.] [Mister Thompson only has the Misses in his heart, Doctor Shant.]

[The boss talks about being a father to Lucas all the time. He loves his boy just as He loves the Misses.] With Evan’s corporation having over thirty thousand employees all over the country, the article became the town’s news, and it went on for days. There was no denying Evan and Shantelle’s relationship at that point, especially since the man was around town. To back up the article, Evan consistently picked up Shantelle from the heart and lung center every afternoon. They also went out for dinner with Lucas once in a famous restaurant. Evan allowed photos to be taken each time, and like the article, the same pictures went around the internet, where remarks were flying at how perfect their family was. As for Shantelle’s colleagues at work, the turn of events has reconfirmed her relationship with Evan. No one was giving her that doubtful look. In fact, many of her colleagues apologized to Shantelle for questioning her place with Evan Thompson. Many began calling her as ‘The Boss’ Boss,’ seeing how Evan was smitten by Shantelle.

Meanwhile, in a private office of Turner’s Realty, Jessica was cursing while reading the trending news. She could not believe how her efforts were quickly overshadowed. The article about Jessica and Evan was supposed to lift her worth so Evan would see her as a potential partner. Reading all those compliments about her and Evan being a good pair sparked her interest in Evan more. She fantasized about the possibility, sometimes thinking of Evan in her room. Getting married to Evan hit two birds with one stone. Jessica could be her father’s new CEO, and she would be married to her ideal man.

Jessica had always appreciated Evan’s looks, power, and wealth. So when her father presented the idea of a marriage alliance, she willingly agreed, thinking that his father had that much footing with Erick Thompson. The article that she hyped up was also supposed to make Shantelle paranoid. This was only her first step; to create suspicion in their relationship. However, with the way it was going now, how was she supposed to make Shantelle jealous? Evan had practically declared his love for Shantelle in public! In the end, Jessica was the deeply jealous one. The worst part was how people mocked her for being a nuisance to Evan and Shantelle’s relationship. Much more, she was deemed less attractive than Shantelle. How did she end up getting humiliated instead? 1 Jessica thought back to her plans. She was failing miserably. It did not help, but she could not even get close to Evan, thanks to his number one rule. How was she going to make Evan think that Shantelle was not good for him? And what Can she make Evan give her attention? “Ah! What am I going to do?” Jessica asked herself bitterly. She searched online, trying to find ideas until she stumbled on an old news. Jessica bit her lip, thinking it was the perfect plan. She could play the victim, and Evan would feel sorry for her. The news read: [Jealous Wife Tries to Kill The Mistress.] Jessica’s eyes wandered to the left side of her table and saw her invitation to the Thompson Group Of Companies Anniversary party. She smiled and said, ”During the party. I’ll finally catch Evan’s attention for sure.”

Days came and went. It was finally time for the anniversary party. Shantelle was chatting with Attorney Scarlett and her

husband, sitting at one table while Evan briefly excused himself to speak to a client. Jessica Turner approached Shantelle from nowhere, saying, “I want to apologize for everything. Will you ever find it in your heart to forgive me?” Turning to Jessica, Shantelle lifted her brow, thinking, ‘Is this woman serious?’

Chapter 84: Jessica’s Apology “Wifey, you’ve met Attorney Scarlett. This is her husband, Kaleb Wright, the CEO of the Diamond Hotels and my soon- to-be business partner,” Evan presented after meeting Scarlett’s family at the Intercontinental Hotel’s grand ballroom. The Wrights had already settled at one table with their kids. Scarlett and her family were all dressed in white; coincidentally, Shantelle and Evan were too. Lucas was also in a white tux, and instantly, their party laughed at how they all turned up in the same shade. “It’s nice to meet you again, Scarlett.” Shantelle extended her hand to Kaleb and said, “Mister Wright. It is truly an honor to meet the great CEO who runs biggest corporation in the country -” “Oh, that’s not me,” Scarlett’s husband replied. “That would be my brother. Our company has become too big, and it was too difficult for my brother to handle everything. Thus, we decided to separate the Diamond Hotels and put it under my leadership. My older brother is the one handling the mother company.” “Oh, is that right?” Shantelle remarked.

It looked like she missed that detail entirely. Last night, Evan had given her a rundown of the Wright family. Over the years, their company had risen as the country’s wealthiest corporation. Being associated with the Wrights was considered an honor and a once-in-a- lifetime opportunity. Thus, Evan was looking forward to the partnership with Kaleb Wright, Attorney Scarlett’s husband. “Like the Thompson Group of Companies, it will eventually separate other companies as the expansion continues for each entity,” Evan described, and Kaleb agreed. Looking past Kaleb, Evan asked, “And these must be your lovely children!” Scarlett’s husband said, pointing to the tallest young man, “This is my eldest, Liam. Next are Lewis and Levin. Our only rose, her name is Lily Rose, and there are Kayden and Kristoff.” “Wow, six kids,” Shantelle remarked. ” What a happy family.” “It is. While more kids can be a mess, in the end, it’s enjoyable. You both should try it,” Scarlett proposed. “Have at least five kids.” “Meaning, I’ll have brothers and sisters!” Lucas exclaimed from behind Evan. 11 Shantelle flushed while Even laughed. He made a mess of Lucas’ hair and said, ” That depends on Mommy.” Guiding Lucas in front of him, Evan said, “And this is my son, Lucas.” “Oh, only one. Tsk. Tsk,” Scarlett expressed. “The poor boy needs a brother and sister.” Scarlett elbowed Shantelle and suggested, “Aim for a girl. It’s really nice to have a girl – the dress up and how they act like princesses is just adorable.” “I wish it works that way,” Shantelle responded, chuckling. “Oh, it’s simple. You just need to keep trying!” Scarlett suggested. “Take those supplements that make you ovulate more. Have fraternal twins!” Yet again, Shantelle’s face burned. She turned to Lucas, ensuring her son was not paying attention. She whispered, “I’m

not ready yet to have another child. Evan invested in a heart and lung center for my father and me. I can’t fail him. He spent a lot of money so I could continue my career here in Rose Hills.” “I understand, Shantelle. I took a break from making babies after Levin and Lewis, but you know what? Each time I was pregnant, I won big cases. They say pregnancy is a lucky charm,” Scarlett winked at Shantelle. 3 “We will be joining your table. You are our most valued guest, after all,” Evan proposed. Shantelle and Evan sat next to Kaleb and Scarlett, while Lucas sat next to Lily. As Lucas settled himself, he smiled at Lily, his face turning red at the beautiful young girl. He said, “Hi, Lily. It’s nice to meet you.” 2 Lily Rose beamed at Lucas. Her cheeks also flushed as she replied, “Likewise, Lucas.” Seeing Lucas’ and LiLy’s reaction, Kaleb’s eldest son commanded, “Let’s exchange seats, Lily. You should stay near Dad.” “It’s okay, Liam. It would be good for Lily to chat with kid’s her age,” Scarlett recommended. “You need to watch over Kristoff and Kayden. They are still young to be on their own.” “No, Lily, stay with us!” This time, it was Lewis who ordered. “Your sons sure are protective over your only rose,” Evan remarked. 1 “Ah, yes, they are. Too overprotective, I should say,” Scarlett acknowledged. She leaned closer and whispered in Evan’s and Shantelle’s way. “Sometimes, I worry about Lily’s future love life, if you know what I mean.” “Anyway, sorry about that,” Scarlett said before turning to Lucas. She said, “Sorry, Lucas. You can chat with Lily next time.” “If there will be a next time!” Levin sarcastically said. “What? Do you like my sister? You’ll have to fight us first, including Kayden and Kristoff.” 6 “Levin! For crying out loud, Lucas and Lily are still young. You are feeding them the wrong ideas,” Scarlett complained.

Just as Evan and Shantelle were getting entertained by the kids, Mister Romanov arrived. Evan excused himself to welcome the client, saying, “I’ll speak to Mister Romanov. I’ll be back in a few seconds.” Shantelle’s eyes followed Evan, and after seeing him with Mister Romanov, she returned her regard to Scarlett and Kaleb. She said, “Thank you for coming.” “Oh, it’s our pleasure. I have always been interested in expanding my hotels here in Rose Hills. I never had the proper connection before. I’m glad my wife worked with you and Evan,” Kaleb replied. “By the way, you are wearing a beautiful dress. I like it very much.” The first thing that came into Shantelle’s mind was how Scarlett’s husband was flirting with her. How does she get out of this situation? However, before she could answer, Scarlett laughed and revealed, He is just proud of her sister because you are wearing her sister’s designed dress.” “What?” Shantelle asked, utterly bemused. “Sarah Kate?” “Yes, Sarah Kate. My sister designed the dress you are wearing,” Kaleb revealed proudly. “Sarah Kate is my twin.” Shantelle leaned back in her seat. She figured the designer Sarah Kate must have carried her married name. She clarified, “Sarah Kate is a Wright?” “Yes, she is. She married Carlos Ronaldo, the tennis superstar, and that’s why she carries a different last name,” Kaleb explained. 11 “Oh, my god! I wanna meet her! I wanna see her! I want a custom-designed dress, Shantelle went on and on with excitement that her eyes sparkled. “That can be arranged,” Kaleb promised. “She would be delighted to meet you too.” “I’m sure she would, and if she ever finds out that you are planning to have a child in the future,” Scarlett moved closer to

Shantelle again and then suggested, “My sister-in-law is very good with sexual advice.” 1 “Oh, my!” Shantelle laughed. She loved the idea of meeting her favorite designer, and she supposed getting sexual advice Would it be a bonus? 2 Shantelle continued to have a pleasant talk with Attorney Scarlett and her husband until she heard a woman’s voice. “Doctor Shant, I am sorry to interrupt, but I would like to apologize for everything. Will you find it in your heart to forgive me?” In response, Shantelle leaned back. She asked, “Miss Turner?” “Yes, it is. I wanted to show you how I am sincere about my mistake, so I approached you personally. I am still invited to the party since my father, and I own half of the condo unit,” Jessica reminded. Shantelle only blinked her eyes. While that was true, Evan had another reason for not canceling their invitation. She told Jessica, “I don’t know what your plan is, but if you are going to use this to cause trouble, I’m telling you, Miss Turner, it won’t work.” 1 “I swear, I am being sincere. I won’t bother you at the center ever again. Honestly, I admire Mister Thompson greatly, but I give up knowing he is fully committed,” Jessica admitted. “And about the article featuring you and Evan?” Shantelle asked, she remained seated while asking, “Aren’t you going to take that back?” “The article?” Jessica pretended to be clueless. She replied, strengthening her voice, “I swear I have no involvement in that article.” Jessica’s eyes scanned the area, searching for witnesses to their exchange. When she locked eyes with a she continued, “Some people think Evan and I look good together. I can’t dictate their actions or opinions. It’s because I am a known socialite who is single, reputable, and available -” “Evan is not available, though,’

Shantelle retorted. “You knew that.” “Yes, but the people don’t know that, and whoever wrote that article was probably just a fan whom I don’t know,” Jessica insisted, making her voice more audible. She giggled, and while looking at others, she remarked, “Please, Doctor Shant. Don’t be jealous. Evan and I are just friends.” Shantelle lifted a brow at Jessica. On the other hand, Scarlett quickly whispered to her, “So this is Jessica Turner. She is on to something.” “She is trying to make me look bad,” Shantelle admitted. “Be mindful,” Scarlett said. “I definitely will,” Shantelle replied. Meanwhile, Jessica saw Evan glaring at her. She also noticed how Evan’s security team was approaching her. She said loudly, “Again, I am sorry for any misunderstanding, Doctor Shant. Please don’t be jealous. I really don’t have a clue about who made the article. Thank you for listening. Goodbye.”

Minutes went by, and all the guests had already arrived, including Evan’s friends and their dates. Shantelle was surprised to see Karise with Keith. It made her wonder if there was something more going on between them. However, because she and Evan were with special guests, they only said their hellos before Keith brought Karise to the table where Wendell and Sean were. Soon Evan was asked to go on stage. He spoke of his achievements last year and the company’s upcoming growth. Evan highlighted a potential partnership with The Diamond Hotels, introducing Kaleb Wright to all the visitors. At the end of his speech, he spoke of the most significant people in his life. “Of course, I would not be as successful as I am today without my parents’ support – Erick and Clara Thompson,” Evan said. And I would not be as motivated to create

more projects if it were not for my personal inspiration. Ladies and gentlemen, you have read the feature from CELLE Magazine. In front of you now, let me introduce you to the two people I love the most, Doctor Shantelle Scott and my son, Lucas.” When Evan called their names, a spotlight spotted Shantelle and Lucas. Everyone applauded, throwing them compliments. 11

**

At another table, Jessica was rolling her eyes while Shantelle and Lucas walked to the stage. She took a walk, not wanting to see any public display of affection. As she left, she heard murmurs around. “I don’t know what Jessica was talking about. Why would Mister Thompson’s wife will be jealous of her when Doctor Shant is so much more beautiful!” One woman said. “And classy too!” Another one was praised. Jessica stopped in her tracks, hearing those remarks about her. Her eyes darkened as she mumbled, “Let’s see later if you still think that woman has class.”

Chapter 85: Call For Help

In the middle of eating dinner, Jessica’s eyes narrowed at Shantelle. Jealousy completely filled her heart. Everywhere Shantelle turned, the people gave her a smile. They respected her because she was Evan’s partner – whatever was her relationship with Evan. They were already divorced, but they called each other husband and wife. What really happened between them? How she wished she had more insiders. Jessica noticed how Shantelle had already finished her third glass of water. Earlier, Shantelle also drank a glass of cocktail. Jessica knew Shantelle was bound to go to the comfort room soon. Thus, she executed her plan. As she got up, her father grabbed her wrist, reminding her, “This is your chance to prove yourself. One of the richest families in the country are here. Make sure you don’t fail.” She smiled and replied, “Don’t worry, father, no one will ever look down on a victim.” 1 Jessica left the ballroom to find the hotel staff she had earlier commissioned. His name was Oscar. He was the hotel’s F&B supervisor. “Here is the rest of the five thousand dollars,” Jessica said to Oscar. “You rarely get this opportunity. All you need to do is to direct Doctor Sent to the nearest restroom and make sure the others take the other.” “Yes, miss. Easy work,” Oscar acknowledged. “Thanks for this job, but why do you need to have private time with Mister Thompson’s wife?” “I need to clear up a misunderstanding. Because of that article on the internet, Doctor Shant is jealous of me. However, there is absolutely nothing going on between Evan and I,” Jessica said, purposely calling Evan by his first name. “I see. I hope you and the doctor clear up any misunderstanding,” Oscar said. 1

Jessica smiled and then proceeded to the restroom, saying, “Don’t forget to warn me when she is about to come in.” 1 Oscar nodded. From her earlier observation, Jessica noticed how Evan’s security guards often followed Shantelle and her son. She feared that it would be the case when going to the restroom too. Thus, she decided to wait in the ladies’ room instead! Thankfully, she managed to hire Oscar at the very last minute. With money, she can do anything. Besides, Oscar did not know the full details of her plan. Five thousand dollars was good pay for simply directing someone to the restroom and giving her a heads-up.

Back at the hotel ballroom, Shantelle had a pleasant time, having drinks while chatting with Attorney Scarlett and her husband. She felt the need to relieve her bladder. 1 Before heading to the female’s restroom, Evan put a necklace around Shantelle’s neck. He whispered into her ear, and she nodded. She got up and found her way to the nearest restroom, with Miguel behind her. 1 “I’ll be right outside,” Miguel said, saluting Shantelle. When Shantelle entered the ladies’ room, she saw Jessica inside, powdering her face. She ignored the woman entirely and went straight to one of the cubicles. As she did her business, Shantelle saw lipstick rolling inside her cubicle. She then heard Jessica say, “Ooops! Sorry. Do you mind giving that to me when you are done?” Rolling her eyes, Shantelle picked up the lipstick and carried it with her until she was done. When she made it out of the cubicle, she gave the lipstick to Jessica, saying, “Here. Be careful where you put it around.” Just as Shantelle returned the lipstick, she noticed how Jessica already had gloves on. Jessica held the lipstick and

began screaming, “What are you doing, Doctor Shant?! Get a hold of yourself!” Immediately, Shantelle’s eyes widened. Before she could evaluate the situation, Jessica had already uncovered the lipstick, which turned out to be a knife! “Stop, Doctor Shan't! Stop!” Jessica screamed before stabbing herself in the left outer arm, causing her to bleed. Ahhh! What a crazy woman you are!” 11 She quickly tossed her gloves into the trash before anyone could see them. While all that was happening, Miguel walked in, finding Jessica in pain. He asked, “What’s going on here?!” Before everything could sink into Miguel and Shantelle’s heads, Jessica ran past them while maintaining her acting, ‘ Help! Help me! Doctor Shant has gone mad!”

Inside the ballroom, many guests heard Jessica’s voice from the entrance. The security team had halted her from entering so as not to cause any unnecessary commotion. However, Jessica was still at it, shouting, “Doctor Shant did this to me! Call the police!” Some guests quickly surrounded Jessica while the security team tried to help her. One was putting a handkerchief around the wound and the knife to stop the bleeding. Jessica’s father was now on the phone, calling the police. “Whatever you do, do not touch the knife! It will have evidence to put Doctor Shant in prison!” Jessica claimed as she sat on one chair while being attended to. “Oh, god. It’s bleeding so much. She howled and pointed out, “I’m losing so much blood!” “You are going to be okay, Miss Turner. Don’t worry. We are trained to cover trauma wounds such as this,” said one security. “Trust me, this loss of blood is only minimal.” Shantelle and Miguel also arrived at the ballroom entrance. Everyone saw how Jessica was bleeding in the arm. A knife was sticking out of her flesh, and her face became stained with tears.

Seeing Shantelle in front of her, Jessica screamed, “It was her! She did this to me! I want Doctor Shant arrested! She tried to kill me! She was so jealous of me that she tried to kill me!” The crowd that surrounded Jessica was swift to judge. Shantelle could hear murmurs about her from every side. “I can’t believe she was really jealous, to the point of stabbing someone.” “Maybe Mister Thompson cheated on her, and she has proof.” “She looks so elegant on the outside, but apparently, she was just holding it all in. I guess it was true what we heard earlier. Mister Thompson’s wife must have been really jealous of Miss Turner!” The words of the guests made Shantelle’s skin crawl in anger. However, she could not blame them. Jessica looked incredibly pitiful. It showed in her tears, the mess on her face, and the apparent wound where the knife remained attached to her arm. To add to that, her dress was stained with little blood. Some quickly took a video of what was happening, and Jessica encouraged it. She challenged, “Post it in your live feeds! Everyone should know what kind of a doctor she is!” Just then, Evan made it out to the entrance, along with Keith Henderson. Scarlett also stepped out to settle the commotion. After all, being a lawyer, mitigation was her field of expertise. “What’s happening here?” Evan asked coldly, his eyes narrowing at Jessica. Seeing Evan, Jessica broke down completely. She claimed, “Eva – I mean, Mister Thompson. I tried to reason with Doctor Shant. She was very jealous of the article about us. I tried to tell her I had nothing to do with it, but she would not believe me, and then, she stabbed me with this knife!” Jessica stood from her seat, hoping to get Evan’s sympathy. “Mister Thompson, I don’t deserve this -” “Stop right there! No woman is allowed to go near Mister Thompson,” Andy stepped in, warning Jessica.

James, Evan’s assistant, also made it out in time. He reminded Jessica about the number one rule. “Miss Turner, You cannot go near Mister Thompson.” Jessica heaved. She pointed to her wound and explained, “But this is Doctor She's doing! She did this to me – Before Jessica could finish her words, Evan walked towards Shantelle. He checked her face, her hands, and her arms. He urged her to take a full turn, asking, “Were you hurt? Tell me, what did she do to you?” “Nothing, she just.” Shantelle’s eyes widened, saying, “She just stabbed herself! She is crazy!” Jessica was stunned by how Evan inspected Shantelle instead of her. Wasn’t she the one bleeding in the arm? She needed more attention and not Shantelle! Angrily, she said, “Mister Thompson, she is lying. You know better than to be deceived by her. She is an insecure woman who is constantly jealous of the women around you -‘ 11 “Enough!” Evan barked. “She has no reason to be jealous because no other woman is around me!” “And all of you here, do not listen to a single word Jessica says!” Evan warned. “How dare you, Evan!” Finally, Jason Turner, Jessica’s father, got involved. ” Why would my daughter stab herself in the arm? Do you know how hard that can be? The amount of pain? It was clearly inflicted, and you know it because your wife is a paranoid woman!” “Unless!” Scarlett Wright, Evan’s lawyer, said. She strengthened her voice as she pointed out, “Unless Miss Turner has something to gain by putting the blame on Doctor Shant!” 1 “Why don’t we test my theory, and let’s prove or disprove whether Doctor Shant stabbed Miss Turner,” Scarlett suggested, her eyes confidently looking at everyone standing outside the ballroom’s entrance. “How would you like this to go, Miss

Turner? Would you like to settle this now? Or perhaps you’re guilty and afraid and want to avoid the discussion?” “Let’s settle this now! No one dares to accuse my wife and gets away with it!” Evan ordered the head of his security, ” Secure the entrance and exits! We can let the police enter, but no one leaves until the real culprit is revealed!” “No, we want to go to the hospital and deal with this later,” Jason hurriedly grabbed Jessica’s arm. He tried to get away from the crowd, but the next thing he heard was Evan’s commanding tone. “No one leaves! And that’s an order. Don’t you know who I am, Mister Turner? In this city, I am god!” Evan said, his eyes darkening. “STAY!”

Chapter 86: Jessica Begging The police eventually arrived, but because Evan was Evan, they agreed to evaluate both sides before taking anyone for questioning. Evan wanted to take the discussion in the other ballroom, but Shantelle said, “No, let everyone who has come out here stay.” Shantelle glanced at those who had earlier judged her. She said, “It will be good for everybody to make their own decisions about what happened.” Looking out to the others, she added, And to those who had posted this on social media, please continue to put it on your live feed. Let the community be the judge as well.” When Shantelle sat on her designated chair, Scarlett, the lawyer, winked at her, and she winked back. Shantelle did not know why, but it felt to her she and the attorney were entirely in sync.

Scarlett sat beside her while Evan took the other seat to Shantelle’s left. Keith was behind Shantelle, and so was Karise. Wendell and Sean also came out, along with William, her father. Evan did not bother calling his parents out. He did not want his father to have added stress, considering he was still recovering from his operation. A police officer divided the crowd. One from Jessica’s side and one from Shantelle’s side. The authorities who were present already aided in securing the weapon in Jessica’s arm. Now, her wound was covered appropriately by the hotel nurse. The injury was not too deep, and it did not require surgery. Thus, Jessica was capable of explaining her side of the story. “Let’s start with Miss Turner. Please tell What happened?” The police asked. Jessica turned to her father. Jason nodded back at her. Some of his business acquaintances expressed their support and stood by them. Some couples, who wholeheartedly believed Jessica, gave support them as well. “I was in the restroom when Doctor Shant came in. I think she followed behind me,” Jessica narrated. “She confronted me about the article that came out, but I kept telling her I had no idea about it, and besides, that article was just saying that I was a good match to Mister Thompson.” “Suddenly, she stabbed me in the arm! She said she wanted to kill me!” Jessica described. Tears began to roll down her face again. “You all heard her being jealous earlier. She was very envious of me.” “She was so strong. I was powerless over her. She said she wanted to kill me for trying to get in between her relationship

with Mister Thompson. Jealousy can do that to a woman, you know.” Jessica looked at the individuals around her and said, “Many women have been killed because of jealousy!” “You can check the lipstick knife. It would have Doctor Shant’s fingerprints on it,” Jessica added. “You lying bitch!” Behind Shantelle, Keith spoke, “Shanty would never hurt anyone. Watch me ban you from any insurance company.” Scarlett opened her mouth, ready to question Jessica’s claims. However, Shantelle raised her hand, suggesting she wanted to speak. Shantelle said, “Allow me.” Scarlett nodded in approval. Shantelle calmly looked at the police officers. She narrated her version of the story, telling everyone how Jessica tricked her into holding the lipstick. Then, she said, ” Police officers, everyone, I am a surgeon. I am one of the best in my field. Almost every day, I hold a surgical knife and use it to save lives. Given my anatomy knowledge and skill in holding a knife, if I truly intended to kill Miss Turner as she claims, I certainly WILL NOT FAIL.” 2 “Why would I stab her in the outer arm when I know where her major veins are? I would have aimed for her brachial artery or jugular vein, leaving her to die in just seconds. She wouldn’t be here to tell the tale,” Shantelle described. “On another note, why would anyone want to stage a killing in a hotel full of people, much more at my husband’s event?” Shantelle looked around and asked, “Any other medical professionals here? You know what I am talking about.” The nurse who had earlier attended to Jessica nodded repeatedly. She said, "That makes sense.” The moment Shantelle let out those

words, the crowd surrounding them began to whisper, considering Shantelle’s remarks. Then Shantelle smiled at Jessica, saying, "When you planned out this whole scheme, you didn’t think this through, did you?” “Oh, my god. Did Jessica stage this whole act?” One guest said, and the rest began to pick up on what Shantelle suggested. “I bet if we order the court for your credit card history, we will find that you purchased the lipstick knife. Right, Miss Turner?” The lawyer implied. Jessica’s face paled. She turned to her father, and seeing how he was also stupefied, she answered without thinking, “Yes, she is a knowledgeable doctor, but I fought back so she could not stab me properly.” Laughter left Scarlett’s lips; she said, ” Didn’t you say you were overpowered? Besides, every stab-wound victim who fought back would have cuts in their hands and below the forearm as a way to protect themselves you, on the other hand, have none.” Just then, James returned with a laptop and a speaker. He placed it at the table meant to be the receiving area for the event. Seeing how they were ready to fry the Turners, Evan stood up and said, “But let’s not waste any more of our precious moll up time because we have a party to attend.” Evan glowered at Jason and Jessica, saying, “I was going to discuss this with you privately, but seeing how you had called out my wife in the way you did, let’s go public all the way. “Are those taking videos still recording?” Evan asked. After seeing nods, he said, "Then, let’s watch this.”

“What what is that?” Jessica asked. ” Did you install a camera in the ladies’ room? That is against our privacy!” “Of course not!” Evan barked. “I respect women’s privacy in using the restroom.” He pointed to Shantelle and revealed, I did, however, put a camera on my wife’s necklace.” “I knew you were on to something the the moment you approached my wife, so I took measures.” Without giving Jessica a chance to report, he ordered his assistant, “Play it, James!” In her seat, Jessica was taking deep breaths. Blood drained out from her face as she studied the laptop. ‘Is Evan serious? Maybe he is joking. Maybe it’s just a way to scare me off. Yes, that’s right. He is just trying to see if I would freak out.’ Jessica tried to convince herself. However, the video began to play, showing the events leading to her stabbing. She stilled, her eyes roaming the crowd, trying to find an exit, but there there was none. The people began to call her names, and it did not miss Jessica’s ears. “She is crazy.” “Jessica should be put to jail.” “A mental institution is more like it.” Jason was the same, trying to figure out how to flee, but as the second went by, the closer the security team circled them, the eyes of the policemen throwing daggers their way. The video did not stop there. It also played Shantelle’s and Jessica’s conversation back in the hospital – how she claimed to be Evan’s girlfriend. At the end of the audio presentation, a picture of an email flashed on the screen. It showed Jessica sending an email to the local magazine requesting a feature of her and Evan.

One lady said, “Oh, my god. It was her all along. How delusional!” “So she featured herself and Mister Thompson? Haha!” The nurse from earlier remarked. “How desperate!” Jessica realized how people were recording everything. She stood up and tried to get their mobiles. “Stop recording! Stop! Stop everything that you are doing!” “Wasn’t it you who wanted to record your schemes?” Evan shot back. “Well, you got your wish! You wanted to be famous. Tomorrow, you will be more than a celebrity!” “Anyway,” Evan’s lawyer, Scarlett, stood up. James handed her the documents and said, “The reason for my presence Today is to present you with this lawsuit, Miss Turner. We will be filing a legal case against you for stalking my client, Doctor Shant, and falsely claiming a relationship with Mister Thompson – a defamation case.” “Defamation! His reputation was not ruined by what I said!” Jessica rebutted. “By claiming Mister Thompson is having a relationship with you when he already has a family will undoubtedly make people think less of him, thus, ruining his reputation,” The lawyer, Scarlett, reasoned. “Now we are done with this show. Are you ready to stop this nonsense and make negotiations? Prepare your lawyers because you are going to need them badly.” She turned to Jason Turner and added, “I will also prepare another lawsuit for your involvement in all this, Mister Turner. We will see you again tomorrow.” “In the meantime,” Evan said in an angry tone. “Police officers, arrest Miss Turner for false accusations against my wife and for wasting police hours!” “No! Don’t!” Jessica screamed. “Mister

Thompson, don’t. Please, forgive me. I won’t do it again! Please have mercy on me.” Jessica kneeled in front of Evan and pleaded. Tears rolled down her face as she said, “I’ve learned my lesson. Please. I won’t do it again.” a “You certainly won’t because you will rot in jail for the rest of your life!” Evan claimed. “You think I don’t know the kind of woman you are? Trust me when I say one kind of crazy woman was more than to teach me a lesson. You will never stop, and I know it, so let me do the community a favor and protect others from the likes of you!” (1 Turning to the police, he called again, Officers! Bring her to the police station Now!”

Chapter 87: Love Again, But Not Me Mister Thompson, please! Please have mercy!” Jessica begged as the police dragged her in the lift’s direction. She looked at the man one last time, but Even gave no response. He only stood distantly while holding Shantelle’s hand. Jessica reminded Evan of Nicole. When Nicole was Melody back in high school, she was merely expelled for nearly killing Shantelle. Years later, Melody reappeared in his life as Nicole, and to Evan, that woman made a mess of his life. 1 Earlier, when Evan claimed that Jessica would never regret her mistakes, he was sure of it. For women like Jessica resembled Nicole; she was calculative, selfish, and thought she could do anything she wanted without being punished.

Women like Jessica had no respect for others or regard for the law. The younger Evan might have given a little mercy, but that Evan was gone. The present. Evan was unforgiving to anyone who wanted to break his rules and hurt the woman he dearly loved. Seeing Jessica gone, he walked over to Attorney Scarlett, bringing Shantelle with him. He used Shantelle as his middle person, to keep his safe distance from Scarlett, following his number one rule. Evan instructed Scarlett, “Attorney, please add the false accusation to the defamation case against Jessica. Seek moral damages amounting to ten million dollars.” The lawyer Scarlett kept leaning sideways to view Evan’s face entirely. She replied, “So basically, you want to find the Turners a hefty amount of money so they would give their condominium shares for free.” “Haha! How I wish.” Evan laughed behind Shantelle’s ear. Shantelle wound up getting tickled, and she acted to move away from the conversation, gently pushing Evan’s face. out from the side of her face. “You can still speak to Attorney Scarlett. from this angle,” Shantelle suggested. Besides, I’m standing right here.” Scarlett laughed. Evan cleared his throat and stood beside Shantelle instead. He said to the attorney, I’m sorry. I meant no disrespect.” “No offense taken,” Scarlett replied. “I’ll add it to the lawsuit and be in touch with the Turners so we can have a better settlement soon.” “The sooner, the better,” Evan added, and the attorney nodded in approval. After Scarlett, Evan instructed his public relations (PR) manager to release a statement about what happened that night. His PR manager was on it immediately, realizing damage control was necessary.

“Everything okay, Shanty?” William asked, seeing Shantelle walk back in, ahead of Evan. “You did great. You sure showed that woman how no one should mess with you.” Shantelle smiled at her father and embraced him tightly. She said, “Dad, Evan has too many admirers. Some are obsessed with him. Do you think I can keep up with this?” William walked with his daughter to their table. As they strolled, he replied, ” Sweetheart. You are strong enough to withstand such trials, and you are far better than those women who are after Evan. Whether or not you can keep up is entirely up to you. How much do you love him? How badly do you want to keep your family together?” Knowing they were almost at Shantelle’s table, he stopped and asked, “Do you love him already?” Shantelle opened her mouth, but no words came out. Instead, she flushed utterly. William smiled and said, “Remember, now that you are giving this relationship another chance, do better than the last. Communication is the key, like when I tell your mother how beautiful she is every day.” He winked at Shantelle, saying, “I better get back to your mother.” Shantelle returned to their table to explain everything to Kaleb, Scarlett’s husband. As she did, Evan also took the stage to apologize for Jessica’s drama. He compensated generously, ordering the hotel to serve several bottles of their most expensive wine. Soon the party resumed. Evan’s company gave away anniversary gifts, including gift packs, hotel stays, airline tickets, laptops, cellphones, and a brand-new car. Some employees rendered dances and songs. And to close the formal program, a professional band took the stage and played several songs. Employees, investors, and clients soon danced at the center of the ballroom, depending on the tune.

At the couple’s table, Evan noticed Shantelle. admiring those dancing on the floor. He was about to ask her to join him when someone else beat him to it. “Can I have this dance, Shanty?” It was Keith Henderson, offering his hand to Shantelle. Lucas also received a dance offer from Karise, and they first went to the center and swayed to the tune. “I miss my friend. Come on, Shanty, let’s dance,” Keith requested. Wanting to speak to Keith about Karise, Shantelle accepted Keith’s hand. As Keith walked to the dance floor, Evan glared at him. Keith mouthed to Evan, ‘Do you know how to dance?’ Coincidentally, when Shantelle danced with Keith, the female vocalist sang a song somewhat related to their situation sided love. a one“That’s awkward,” Keith remarked. Still, he held Shantelle by the waist, and they began to sway to the music. Shantelle saw Karise glancing their way while she danced with Lucas. She occasionally made funny faces so Lucas would laugh, but Shantelle knew her friend was bothered by how Keith danced with her. She looked Keith in the eye, saying, “Keith, I never really got to sincerely apologize how- how I couldn’t return your feelings.” “Oh, Shanty. You did. You apologize too many times,” Keith replied. “You used to tell me that you don’t want to love again, but maybe there is no place in your heart because Evan is still in it, right? I already accepted that fact. That was why I gave way to Evan.” Shantelle did not directly answer his probing. She looked down and said, “I’m sorry, Keith.” “Don’t be. You were being honest with me. At least I tried,” Keith said. “I want you to be happy, Keith – to find that person who can love you back,” Shantelle said. “Promise me that you will try.”

With a long sigh, Keith answered. “You don’t know how much I tried -” “Keith, look at me. I won’t love you. I can’t. To me, you will only be my friend,” Shantelle said. “Love again, but not me.” “Did I just ask you to dance with me so you could hurt me all over again?” Keith teased. “I meant to hurt you so you can wake up and start seriously considering other love interests. Think about it, Keith, before you realize that you like someone else and they decide to give up on you,” Shantelle said, her eyes briefly checking Karise. “You know that someone is not as patient as me when it comes to love.” Instantly, Keith understood what Shantelle meant. He also turned in Karise’s direction. He did not say anything, but he kept staring at her. After some time, Keith returned his attention to Shantelle. He asked, “Are you happy with Evan, Shanty? That’s all that I want to know.” Shantelle was teary-eyed. She did not know what caused her tears, but she replied, “Yes, I am. I have never been happier. We still have a long way to go, but Evan is giving me no reason to doubt him. More than that, he loves Lucas so much.” This time, Keith’s eyes were welled with tears. He sniffed and said, “Very well. Let me hug you one last time before Evan marches over here and takes you away from me. He is looking at me like he is ready to snap my head off.” Keith and Shantelle shared a hug for a second. That was all it took for Evan to jump in and join their dance. Evan said, “I I think that should be more than enough, Keith. You have danced far too long with Shanty.” “I did not even finish a song,” Keith said. ” Let me finish a song, Evan! It’s just one dance.” Evan’s lips twitched. He snapped his head in the band’s direction and ordered, “End this song now! Just this song.” The song ended prematurely, marking the end of Keith’s dance with Shantelle.

“What a sneak attack,” Keith remarked, shaking his head and saying goodbye to Shanty. “Careful, Shanty. Evan has two left feet.” Meanwhile, Shantelle was laughing so hard at Evan’s tactics. She remarked, “That was indeed sneaky.” “I wasn’t sneaky, Wifey. I was taking control, “Evan said. He took Shantelle’s hand and pulled her closer to his frame, saying, ” Sometimes, I can’t help but want you all to myself. The only man I want to share you with is Lucas.” Shantelle chuckled and replied, “Well, too bad because I want another baby boy.” Evan stilled. His mouth fell to the floor before he asked, “You want to make a baby now? Let’s go -” 1 “No. No. Not now!” Shantelle laughed. “I mean in the future!” “Define future, Wifey. Future can mean the next day, week, or month.” Evan smirked and suggested, “It could also mean the next minute.” Shantelle laughed again. Her face burned while she was at it. After dancing with Evan, she proposed, “Having a baby is a distant future, but the process of making a baby, we could do that tonight.” “Hmm,” Evan said. “I like the sound of that. He pressed his lips against her ear and claimed, “I want to be buried inside you the whole night.”

Chapter 88: All Of Me “Have you noticed how he is easily tired lately?” Evan asked while carrying Lucas into his designated room within the villa. Lucas and Shantelle were staying two nights with Evan that weekend. “He used to wait up for me, no matter how late I visited your house.” Upon entering, Shantelle immediately pulled the bed’s comforter open, and Evan laid Lucas down. She frowned at Evan’s

words and replied, “During the first few months, yes, Lucas would try his hardest to wait for you, but lately, I assumed he was just getting used to our set-up, Evan.” Evan stepped back, walking to the closet. When Shantelle had agreed to sleep in the villa occasionally, Evan bought a set of clothes for Lucas. That way, they did not have to pack each time they stayed overnight with him. While Evan pulled out pajamas for his son, Shantelle admitted, “But yes, I admit that he seemed more tired lately.” Because of Evan’s suggestion, Shantelle wound up checking Lucas’ hand. She pressed her son’s fingers and evaluated his oxygenation. While Evan removed Lucas’ shoes and pants, he added, “He doesn’t even wake up when I change him, Shanty.” Shantelle frowned, realizing how Lucas’ palm was not as pinkish as before. She checked his eyes. Lucas finally complained when she evaluated his tongue, saying, ” Mommy! I’m sleepy!” The young boy merely rolled to his other side, avoiding his mother’s inspection. “What is it?” Evan asked. Her reaction may have been evident that Evan also grimaced. “He looks a little paler than the last. I’ll run a blood test on him tomorrow morning,” Shantelle suggested. “Just to be sure.” “You don’t take him to a pediatrician?” Evan sought. Shantelle shrugged and replied, “Medicine is practiced the same way, regardless of our specialty, but I will take him to a specialist if I find anything odd. In the past two years, though, Lucas showed signs of anemia -” “So that’s why he takes iron?” Evan sought. “Yes,” Shantelle acknowledged. “But every time we put him on a serious iron diet, he would have his red blood cells up.” Shantelle noticed how Evan was taken aback. She supplemented, “Anemia is pretty common, Evan. Many people

normally live well with the same condition, thanks to iron supplements and an iron-rich diet.” 1 “Okay. You are the doctor,” Evan remarked. “I don’t mean to be paranoid about it. I’ll come with you tomorrow.” “But I thought you would see Attorney Scarlett and Jason Turner?” Shantelle asked. “There is no confirmation yet from Jason Turner’s side. Scarlett was only threatening, hoping to get a faster settlement, but most definitely, I will demand a meeting within the week. I don’t want to waste her husband’s time, especially since Scarlett and Kaleb brought their entire family to Rose Hills,” Evan described. Shantelle helped Evan in changing Lucas’ top. After which, they both kissed their son goodnight. Before they walked into the main bedroom, Evan suggested, “I have some documents for you to sign. The judge finally approved Lucas’ name change. You can shower ahead.” “Um.” Shantelle tried to hide her dismay. She secretly wanted to shower with Evan, but with him walking toward the staircase, she replied, “Okay.” Shantelle entered the main bedroom. Before getting a nightgown, her eyes landed on the framed photo on the wall. She smiled, observing how Evan had changed it to the family photo of her, Evan, and Lucas. Her heart fluttered, noticing the glow on their faces and the sparkle in their eyes. Unlike her marriage photo, where Evan looked incredibly sad, the picture she was looking at included genuinely happy people. She muttered, “So much better.” After choosing a nightgown to wear, Shantelle bathed thoroughly. When she stepped out of the bathroom in her sleeping gown and robe, Evan was already back. He pointed to the table and said, “The documents for you to sign. Take your time. Go through them while I shower.”

“Pfft. I trust you,” Shantelle said, merely skimming through the documents. The attorneys handling the first name change The request failed to include Shantelle’s testimony, resulting in a denial. It caused a delay in giving Lucas Evan’s last name. Eventually, though, they re-applied for the name change, and finally, it was approved. “I signed it!” She said out loud. Evan replied inside the bathroom, “Okay, I’ll take it back after I shower.” “Where? To your study? I can put it there,” Shantelle said. There was a moment of silence, but eventually, Evan replied, “Okay, you know where the safe is.” Shantelle walked into the bathroom and asked, “The safe? I don’t know the passcode. Evan peeked out of the shower’s glass divider and answered, “The passcode is… 04051994.” “0405 – wait. That’s my birthday!” Shantelle said. “Mmmm. It is,” Evan admitted. Shantelle went to the study and found Evan’s safe behind his bookshelf. She entered her birthday and smiled at how it indeed opened. She wondered where else Evan had used her birthday as a passcode. The plan was to simply leave the document inside the safe, but her eyes caught a folder. that was labeled under her name. She bit her lip, wondering, ‘Would Evan mind? Why would he have a folder for me, anyway?’ Curiosity got to her, and she grabbed the folder and read the documents inside. In total, she skimmed through three very important files. Her mouth was open the whole time. She muttered, “Evan is crazy!” Shantelle probably spent fifteen minutes making sure she read it right. However, no matter how often she reflipped the papers, her findings were correct. She marched back to the main bedroom. Evan was done showering and had just exited the bathroom with only a robe

around his waist. He winked and said, “Ready for me. She wasn’t quite ready to get naughty just yet. She wanted to flaunt her new discovery. She cleared her throat and claimed, “I’m thinking about buying an island – a vacation island.” “An Island?” Evan asked, bemused. “Yes, an island. At the top of my head, I want to buy The White Coral Island,” Shantelle described. The island she named was a famous island resort in the next town.” What do you think?” “You want me to buy you the island?” Evan asked, his hands on his waist, thinking. “Nope!” Shantelle said, “I want to buy it with my own money.” She marched closer to Evan and indicated, ” I’m thinking about spending a lot of money. Lots and lots of it.” When she was inches away from Evan, she said, “I just found out that I am… a billionaire, and I didn’t even know how it all happened!” Folding her arms against her chest, she asked, “Who could my generous benefactor be?” Evan laughed. His eyes thinned in amusement as they gleamed. He answered, ” Oh, that.” “What do you mean, oh, that? You just transferred thirty percent of your company’s share into my name! And the heart and lung center? How in the world did I end up owning half of the facility?” Shantelle asked. “And when did you transfer the villa under my name?” “The villa has been under your name for a while. The company shares the heart and lung center? I had transferred them recently. So yes, I am your benefactor, Miss Billionaire,” Evan said while grabbing Shantelle’s arm and pulling her closer to his frame. He cupped her chin, sealed her lips with a kiss, and said, “Spend your money any way you want.” “Why did you transfer all those shares under my name?” She asked. “I can accept the villa, but the shares? Evan?”

“What’s mine is yours,” Evan expressed, wrapping his arm around her waist. “Evan.” Shantelle’s hands settled behind Evan’s neck. From there, she said, “It’s just that… you are giving me too much. I can’t possibly accept that.” “It will eventually be yours soon. I am just speeding up the entire process, and no, I won’t transfer it back to my name. I refuse to, and you can’t make me. Just accept them for Lucas.” Evan argued. “Everything that I worked hard for is all for you and Lucas. Besides, that’s just money. I intend to give more than just money and assets.” Lifting her brow, Shantelle asked, “And what is that?” Evan pecked her cheek. He littered kisses on her neck while securing her into his arms. He answered, “My time, my love all of me.”

The CEO’s Ex-Wife Is A Famous Doctor by LiLyz Chapter 89 Chapter 89: Where It Belongs It was the way Evan held her, the way his lips came in contact with her neck, that made the butterflies in her stomach go wild. More than just that ticklish feeling, she sensed thrilling electricity running down her spine, and she moaned, ” Mmmm.” “Mmmm,” he teased. A smirk formed on his face as he said, “I like the sound of that.”

“Pfft! Stop,” she said, pushing his face away from my neck. “That really tickles – stop!” Evan kept at it, tickling her thoroughly that Shantelle wound up retreating to the bed. They both fell onto the sheets, with Evan on top of Shantelle. Inevitably, Evan’s lips crashed into Shantelle’s, and they started kissing each other hungrily. And as their lips were locked, Evan’s hands were getting restless, going under her robe. Eventually, Shantelle also touched his body, especially his chest. She reached for his towel and pulled it off of his waist. “Someone is excited,” Evan teased. Shantelle laughed and replied, “It was getting me wet.” “Rrrr,” Evan said. He hissed and lust reflected in his eyes. “Not that kind of getting wet!” Shantelle laughed entirely as her eyes watered. “I mean, your towel is wet!” “Excuses, excuses,” Evan implied. He helped her off her robe and began kissing her shoulders, his hand caressing her breast from the outside. “I have been thinking about this all week.” Pulling down the strap of her nightgown and purposely exposing Shantelle’s breast, he said, “My addiction.” He cupped a bosom and eagerly sucked it. Shantelle gasped from ecstasy and wrapped her legs around his waist.” Mmm, Evan – Evan!” Out of nowhere, Evan tore off her nightgown, shocking her completely. She snapped, “I liked this nightgown! Evan!” “I bought you five of the same kind,” he said before returning to eat her chest. His hand went down on her peach and tore off her lace thong. Shantelle could only give up. Who was she to complain when Evan bought all her clothes in the villa? Like the last time they were intimate, Evan took his time. He scattered kisses all over her chest, going down to her abdomen. When Evan disappeared between

her thighs, Shantelle bit her lip, and her body waved as she drowned in pleasure. Evan loved her bottom lips. He especially noticed how soft Shantelle’s groin area was. was. He was pleased beyond words. knowing his wifey made the necessary preparation. It invited him to keep at it, tasting her entrance as Shantelle floundered with his tongue work. When Shantelle began to raise her hips, he knew she was nearing climax. He palmed himself, wanting to enter at the right time. “Aaahh, Evan – Aaah!” The instant Shantelle came, Evan sat up and entered her, his manhood fully erected. “Oh, god. It’s so big.” Evan was so huge, yet it felt so good for Shantelle. The way her walls were stretched to accommodate his rod, all while her insides were still pulsating. “Eva” Shantelle’s calling muffled into Evan’s mouth. He sealed her lips with a hot kiss as he moved to and fro. They were skin to skin, chest to chest, and their hands senselessly grabbed each other’s folds. Evan was a heavy man, but Shantelle bore his weight on top of her. In fact, she loved how their skins created friction. Shantelle did not also spare Evan’s back. She was constantly feeling his muscled back and sometimes his fine ass. Having waited for days to make love to Shantelle, Evan orgasmed faster than he had hoped. He let go of the kiss to cry out his desires and pushed his hips harder against Shantelle’s. “Fuck. It feels so good,” Evan had his eyes shut, enjoying the moment. On the other hand, Shantelle traced his arms and felt the goosebumps on his skin. She panted as her man kept pushing and pushing, releasing every seed inside her. While Evan remained in that position, Shantelle ran her hand against his chiseled chest. After some time, she realized that Evan was at it again, moving his hips. She was sure he had come inside of her. She felt that warm fluid filling her, but why was Evan still thrusting his thing?

And his member was still stiff as a rod? She asked, “Are you already going for a second round?” Evan smirked and admitted, “Yes, I can’t help it.” Learning of this, Shantelle felt her face. burn. Her mouth parted for an undetermined time. In their second round, Evan took longer than the last, but he maintained the same position, pumping on top of Shantelle. The man’s thrusting became so needy that their slapping flesh echoed around the room. Their bodies stayed pressed against each other, and their tongues felt forever intertwined. Shortly after the second round, Evan was. at it again, making love with Shantelle. This time, they were spooning, allowing him easy access to her peach. As Evan thrust behind her, his fingers. rubbed her clit. Shantelle could not help but lift her leg, giving Even better access. To her, it felt terrific being filled with his length while also being fondled within the clit. When Evan came for the third time, Shantelle felt some of his fluid escape her core, dripping to the side of her thigh. Moreover, Evan’s stick twitched inside of her. The experience stirred her thoroughly, and she chased her high soon after. With both of them satisfying their desires, the couple cuddled into sleep. Evan was still buried inside Shantelle, her back facing him. He kissed her cheek and said, “I’m too exhausted to pull out.” “Hmmm,” Shantelle replied. “I’m too tired to move either.” “Let it stay there,” Evan suggested. ” Where it rightfully belongs. Shantelle snorted but soon gave in to exhaustion and shut her eyes. Barely a whisper, she replied, “It better be.”

Dawn came. Shantelle felt something big inside of her, and it was moving. She moaned as she fluttered her eyes open. She shortly recognized that she and Evan were still completely naked under the blanket.

Evan was holding her waist, and his hips moved back and forth behind her. Shantelle turned to him, asking, “Did you pull out?” “No, when I woke up, it was swollen. I was stuck inside you. I figured the only way to shrink it back was to cum again,” he replied with a sly grin. Yet again, they made love at five in the morning. However, the man’s member did not shrink. He pulled out, but Shantelle saw how hard and big he remained to be. She pouted and presented, “I guess we must take care of that. How I'll be on top this time.” A hiss left Evan’s lips. He replied, “Oh, yeah.

The CEO’s Ex-Wife Is A Famous Doctor by LiLyz Chapter 90 Chapter 90: Went Viral “What did you and Keith talk about?” Karise asked on the phone. While Shantelle was choosing clothes to wear, she received a call from her friend, and this was the first thing Karise asked when she picked up the call. “What did we talk about? Why?” Shantelle asked back. “It’s just that he never stays overnight, ever!” Karise revealed. “So he is at my apartment, and his sexy ass is still in my bed. He never does that. Every night, he always leaves when we – you know – do it. After choosing a dress to wear, Shantelle lifted her brows. She can never be like her friend, Karise or Keith, for that matter. They both could casually hook up with anyone without establishing feelings or connection. The only man she had

ever slept with Evan, and oh, how she thanked the heavens Evan hadn’t been intimate with anyone else either. “I did not say anything relevant.” Shantelle did not want to tell her friend how she suggested giving Karise a try. Instead, she implied, “I told him that he should… move on from me and open up to others. Who knows, he is considering you ‫ו‬ “Pffft!” Karise reacted. “What?” Shantelle asked. “Did you know that Ivana Lee, the supermodel who attended the party last night, flirted with Keith, right in front of me – the nerve,” Karise said. “Many women want to be with him -‘ “But who was Keith with last night? Who did he go home to?” Shantelle answered. “Oh, don’t give that crap. I might develop feelings,” Karise said. Shantelle laughed. She pointed out, “I think you already did.” “What? No!” Karise shot back. The two friends continued to argue about it until Shantelle excused herself. “Karise, I need to go to the heart and lung center. I’m sorry to cut you off, but I need to have Lucas checked,” Shantelle said. I’ll call you later?” “Okay, girl. Thank you for taking my call. By the way, you have gone viral again. Everyone is talking about Jessica Turner’s drama. Check it out. I’ll – Oh, my god, Keith! Why are you walking naked in my living room – “Karise ended the call, making Shantelle’s eyes widen. It took a few seconds for Shantelle’s senses to return after discovering how far her friends, Keith and Karise, had gone. She changed into her clothes and wound up checking online. News about Jessica was indeed everywhere. On social media, people were mocking Jessica, calling her a scheming bitch. Then, there were remarks about Shantelle. Many complimented her for fighting back with her intelligence and

knowledge of anatomy. What stood out to her, however, were the comments about involving Evan. She read: [I’m backing off from crushing on Mister Thompson.] [Mister Thompson is a scary man. He has the city in the palm of his hand. No one should have messed with his wife. Else, he will pin just about any lawsuit against you.] [It’s excellent how Evan Thompson protected his wife.] [I heard he doesn’t let any other women approach him. Only his wife could stay close to him.] [Any other women out there fantasizing about Evan Thompson? Carefully, your might end up with the same fate as Jessica Turner – behind bars!] There was much more for Shantelle to read, but she stopped after a few minutes of scrolling down. She had more important things to do. Ultimately, she understood what good came out of everything; the public realized how far Evan would go for Shantelle. She certainly hoped the news about Jessica scared off all the other women who were after Evan.

In the car, while Howard was driving the family of three to the heart and lung center, Evan was frowning. “Evan? Are you still upset about the chicken?” Shantelle could not contain her laughter as Evan acted like he was incredibly hurt. “Yes, I am upset with myself,” Evan replied, shaking his head. The man cooked for them, and he was proud of his efforts. Evan made a pan- fried pesto chicken filet. The flavor was great, but he overcooked the chicken, and it became rubbery. When Shantelle only ate one piece of the chicken, Evan immediately knew it did not meet her standards. She said good words about the flavor since it was delicious. However, Evan knew her well; besides, they had just had hours of bed exercise, which should have made her extremely hungry.

So when Evan tried the chicken himself, he fell silent and decided to cook bacon and eggs. In the end, they had a regular breakfast meal. So much for his specialty chicken. Lucas, who was next to Evan, laughed with his mother. He said, “Daddy is so silly.” “I am a Billionaire CEO. They say, I am the most desirable man in Rose Hills, but… I can’t cook,” Evan stated about himself. Howard chuckled with the family. Shantelle held Evan’s arm and pulled him. down to kiss his cheek. He said, “Thank you for cooking breakfast. It was still great, but just a little tough to chew. All you need to remember is that chicken. breasts cook faster than thighs and drumsticks.” Evan sighed. He wrapped Shantelle in his arms and asked, “How is cooking so easy for you?” “It wasn’t always easy for me,” Shantelle said. “I used to work hard – practiced to make the best dishes so you would have a decent meal every day.” With the sudden recollection of the past, Shantelle softly said, “I – I wanted you to appreciate me.” While Lucas was clueless about what Shantelle was talking, Evan tightened his hold around Shantelle. He leaned in and kissed her cheek. Pressing his lips against her ear, Evan said, ‘I’m sorry. I wanted you to know that I did and missed your cooking every day, but you don’t have to cook for me now. I want to learn how to cook for you and Lucas instead – well, not every day, but I will try to make time always.” Shantelle’s smile widened while looking at him. She grabbed the collar of his shirt and warranted a kiss. After a peck, she replied, “If you insist.” “Mommy! Daddy! Can I get a kiss too?” Lucas asked, inserting himself between his parents from the backseat of the car.

Evan and Shantelle laughed before moving Lucas in between them. They both take turns pecking his cheeks and wound up tickling him too. Laughter filled the air within the car, and their eyes gleamed in cheer. Howard said, “Do I hear wedding bells, Mister Thompson? Misses?” Evan smiled. Shantelle flushed.

“Wow, my son is so brave!” Evan remarked, seeing Lucas willingly stretch his arm to the man in charge of collecting the blood sample. Lucas laughed and said, “I’m used to it, daddy. Mommy always takes me for a yearly check-up.” “That’s great. Mommy takes care of you well,” Evan said, nodding his head. He looked outside the glass window and saw Shantelle speaks to one of the doctors. on duty. He was the one who accompanied Lucas to the collection area of the center’s laboratory. After a sample of Lucas’ blood was taken, the father and son stepped outside. Evan overheard the female doctor’s report to Shantelle, “He underwent a heart transplant across the state, at the LH Heart Clinic, but after being sent home, he experienced heaviness in his chest and just collapsed!” The female doctor took a deep breath and described, “We had a CT scan done, and it would seem like one of his major veins was sewn in together – not entirely, but it restricted the blood flow to his heart -” “Okay, prepare the operating room. Offer the family the option of robotic-assisted surgery,” Shantelle instructed. “It will reduce operation time and hospital stay, benefit them in the end rather than cutting the patient’s chest open again.” “Yes, Doctor Shant. Thank god you are. here today,” said the doctor. She nodded. in Evan’s way, greeting him before rushing to the patient’s aid.

When Shantelle turned to Evan, she reported, “I have an emergency operation. A heart transplant has gone wrong.” “Go,” Evan said. He turned to Lucas and declared, “I guess I’m going on a date with Lucas.” “Date with Daddy?” Lucas asked, turning to Evan. “Just you and me, Lucas. What do boys do?” Evan asked. “Ice cream and popcorn!” Lucas announced. “Arcade, obstacle course, race track, movie, and basketball!”

Chapter 91: Date With Daddy "Jason Turner has agreed to meet for a settlement,” Scarlett, Evan’s attorney, reported. "He said he will be ready on Monday." "Will that be okay with you and your husband?" Evan asked on the phone. "Yes, it's fine. We can wait," Scarlett replied. "The kids are still on school break. We were taking them to the beach next to town. I heard the resorts there are excellent." "They are. Go to the Sand's Resort. It's amazing there. Thank you, Attorney Scarlett, and please extend my gratitude to your husband. He has been patient about this the entire time," Evan responded. "Don't worry about him. He is thrilled to start a hotel in Rose Hills. Aside from that, he is dying to take a break, and now, he finally has an excuse to have one,” Scarlett replied. "See you on Monday, Mister Thompson. Please send my regards to Lucas and Doctor Shant."

After the call with Scarlett, Evan turned to Lucas. They had just finished the first on the boy’s list of activities, and Lucas was eager to accomplish the next. Lucas made a list on his tablet. He checked the first one, which was ice cream and popcorn, then went to the next. "Arcade!" In the next hour, Evan and Lucas played arcade games at a nearby mall. Evan closed up the entire arcade only for his son. Miguel and Andy had to follow after them since they went out in public. Lucas also tended to run like the wind when He was overly excited. Evan needed a second runner to chase after his son from time to time. After the arcade, they head off to a go-kart race track. Evan promised to take Lucas on an obstacle course at a later time. There wasn't one in Rose Hills, which meant they would require going out of town. At one in the afternoon, Shantelle was still not finished with her surgery. Thus, after a late lunch, the father and son watched a movie together. The film was a kid's cartoon about super pets. Lucas was thrilled, while Evan did not care for the movie. All he saw was the joy in Lucas' eyes. To him, his son's expression was more entertaining than the cartoon. Finally, at three in the afternoon, Shantelle had called Evan, alerting him that she was done with her surgery. Lucas and Evan drove in the heart and lung center's direction, with Miguel and Andy following behind them in another car. While on the road, Evan noticed how Lucas was fixed on his tablet, happily updating his list. From where he sat, Evan could not see clearly what his son was up to. All he observed was how the list wasn't marked out. He asked, "We completed some of your lists already, Lucas. You should crush it out? Or does my son want a repeat?" Lucas turned to him and realized what his father had said. He chuckled and replied, "Daddy, this list is different." Leaning back, Evan reacted, "A different list? What would that be?"

Lucas gave his father the tablet, and Evan read each one. [Things to do with Daddy when school is back: Ask Daddy to take me to school. Show Daddy to my friends and teachers. Ask Daddy to join the school's family day with Mommy. Ask Daddy to join the class' career day. Ask Daddy to come with Mommy and receive my honors certificate during the school awards. Ask Daddy to watch my recital.] After reading the new list, Evan stopped breathing altogether. He wound up teary-eyed. Evan had to take deep breaths and sniff his tears away before smiling at Lucas. He claimed, "I will definitely do these with you, Lucas. I will give up anything to experience this with you." Lucas reflected a bright smile and said, Really, Daddy! Back in Warlington, only Mommy, grandma, or grandpa came to school for me. It would be great if you would join my school activities then." "I'll be there. I'll take you to school, not every day, but I promise on some days, I will. You can introduce me to your classmates and friends, including your teachers. Mommy and I will join your school activities, and I will most certainly be there to receive my son's award. And it's not just me. Your grandma Clara and grandpa Erick will be there too," Evan swore, sniffing more of his tears away. "Come here." Lucas excitedly unbuckled his seatbelt and hugged his father. Evan embraced him tightly, saying, "I'm not going anywhere. I'll be here. I love you, son." "I love you too, Daddy," Lucas replied. The rest of the drive to the heart and lung center was an emotional one for Evan. He missed so many years with Lucas, He vowed to make up for it every day.

"What's wrong? How did the operation go?" Evan asked Shantelle as soon as she rode in the car with them.

"Mommy, what's wrong? Why do you look sad?" Lucas asked from his seat. Shantelle shook her head. It was as if she used every muscle to force a smile. She cleared her throat and lied, "I - I'm tired. That's all. It's nothing, baby. Can Mommy get a hug? I miss my baby already." "I'm not a baby, Mommy!" Lucas complained, but he still embraced his mother, saying, "I miss you too, Mommy! Daddy and I had lots of fun today. I wish you were with us to play." "I'm glad you had a date with Daddy," Shantelle said. She shut her eyes, relishing the scent of her son, and then pecked his cheeks. She added, "I love you, baby." "I love you too, Mommy,” Lucas answered. When they arrived at the villa, Lucas went to sleep. It was in the main bedroom when Shantelle finally told Evan what was bothering her. She said, "Evan, I got the results of Lucas' blood test." "And? How was it? Was that the reason why you were so troubled earlier?" Evan asked. Shantelle nodded, admitting, "Yes." She took the blood test from her bag and showed it to Evan. She described, "In the past, Lucas would have low red blood cells, and that would suggest anemia. However, these results show that Lucas has low red blood cells and low white blood cells. Aside from that, his platelet count is at the borderline." "Evan, it - it suggests that he has a bone marrow failure," Shantelle finally revealed. "God! I'm a doctor. I'm not supposed to be scared like this, but I can't help it. This is my son!" "Shanty, wait. Lucas is my son too. Wifey, please, explain it to me," Evan asked. Shantelle took a deep breath and said, "Bone marrow is a substance found in the center of our bones. It manufactures bone marrow stem cells and other substances, which in turn produce blood cells." Shantelle gulped and added, "Lucas, is not producing enough of these healthy blood cells. It's not severe, but the fact that his results are below the normal range

means we need to have him checked further." Running her fingers through her hair, she added, "We need to bring him to a blood specialist. He may have... a blood Disorder."

Chapter 92: The Ultimate Cure A Book can Change your Life 10 Lessons school won't teach you that help you reach your goal amazon.com Open "Ten million dollars, and that's a deal," Evan curtly said in front of Jason Turner. "But-," Jason groaned, thinking about his losses. His attorneys also tried to reason with Evan and Scarlett. However, Scarlett, Evan's attorney, opposed it, saying, "Then, we will go to court. Trust me when I say we will get those ten million dollars, one way or another. Plus, an additional penalty to cover all our service fees." Evan had to go to the police station without Shantelle since his wifey was trying to seek out the best pediatric hematologist in town. He wasn’t sure what was the result of her efforts just yet. He needed to settle the issue with Jason Turner and close the deal with Kaleb Wright. The man was with two other local attorneys to support Scarlett. Kaleb Wright, Scarlett's husband, was also present. They were all seated in front of a long table, negotiating, and had been for an hour. Aside from Jason and his attorneys, Jessica was also present, giving Evan a pleading stare, but the man was unmoved. He did not spare her a glance.

Eventually, the lead counsel of the Turners asked, "And you will drop the defamation case?" "We will drop the defamation case, yes," Scarlett replied. The lawyers of the Turners re-discussed for over a minute until finally arriving at a decision. Jason's lead attorney said, "Then, we will agree to the terms." Jason Turner was to give up the full rights to the condo. He would be penalized ten million dollars, and Kaleb Wright would only need to buy out twenty million dollars of his shares. They signed the agreement in that same place, and Mister Turner reluctantly affixed his signature on a sale deed to Kaleb Wright. After which, Kaleb gave Jason Turner the check for twenty million dollars. Scarlett's husband said, "It's a pleasure doing business with you, Mister Turner. You made the right choice. Your realty company would have suffered from trust issues after your daughter's shameful acts." Following the settlement, Jessica wept, saying, "Thank you, Mister Thompson. Thank you for showing me mercy." Evan did not reply. Jason and Jessica were about to celebrate the agreement with a lavish meal. Jessica presented, "Maybe we can treat you to lunch, Mister Thompson?" She even dared to give Kaleb Wright a flirtatious smile and said, "Mister Wright? Can we treat you to lunch?" Before receiving an answer, however, a police officer entered the room and gave Jessica another arrest warrant. The The police said, "Miss Turner, the prosecutor had filed a formal complaint against you for wasting police hours. You will, therefore, remain locked up until your trial period." 1 "What? What is going on?" Jessica snapped her head at Evan. She said," Mister Thompson. What is the meaning of this? We signed an agreement." "We did. We agreed I would take back the defamation case," Evan responded. "The case presented to you is from the

prosecutor. It's entirely outside my jurisdiction. I can't help it if you angered the district attorney by faking a stabbing attack. Good luck with that!" Together with the Wrights, Evan left the police station. From behind, he heard Jessica and Jason indicating they were deceived. As they made their way to the parking lot, Scarlett asked, "You know the district attorney?" "I know everyone,” Evan acknowledged. "But yes, I am connected to the prosecutor." Scarlett laughed and concluded, "I guess Miss Turner is not escaping punishment." "She won't," Evan claimed. "Anyway, from here on, we can forget about Jessica Turner. She is no longer our problem," Evan suggested. "Attorney, Scarlett, please have your team carry on with the case against Frank Morgan." "Absolutely," Scarlett replied. Evan extended his hand to Kaleb, saying, "And I look forward to seeing more of you in the coming months, Mister Wright." "Definitely," Kaleb shook Evan's hand and revealed, "I'll be back next week to discuss the rebranding of the condo. For now, I'll need to see those plans and the building itself." For the rest of the morning, Evan gave Kaleb and Scarlett a tour of the newly built condominium. After which, Evan said goodbye. The Wrights were returning to their hometown, and Evan had to catch up with Shantelle.

Evan arrived at Rose Hill’s Children’s Medical Hospital and found Shantelle and Lucas just in time for their consultation. The blood specialist doctor was a male in his forties. He wasn't just a hematologist but also an oncologist. The pediatrician was very good with his approach toward Lucas. His name was Doctor Patel.

After studying the blood results, Doctor Patel said, "I've seen worse cases. Though, we should not undermine it. Yes, These are low, but they aren't that alarming yet. I suggest we do a bone marrow biopsy and figure out what's happening beneath those bones. Let's schedule this in two days." "For now, let's change his iron supplements. The one you have given him is a relatively low dose which is okay for children with no blood disorders, but for Lucas, we may need a bit more," the doctor advised.

Lucas underwent a bone marrow biopsy as required. Five days after the biopsy, Doctor Patel recommended Lucas be admitted to the Children's Hospital. On the day of his admission, Lucas underwent several blood tests to check his improvement after taking a different iron supplement. Then, Doctor Patel asked for a blood donor for Lucas. Luckily he was matched to Evan, as far as regular transfusion would go. Lucas received his blood transfusion in the evening, and in the morning, the couple finally got to speak with their son's doctor. Doctor Patel was very jolly when he entered the room. He greeted Lucas with a smile and said, "Good boy, Lucas. Your blood cells have improved. Did you eat a lot of beans?" Lucas eagerly nodded, saying, "And spinach too. I ate a lot of beef last night!" "Ata, boy! Because you did so well, I'll send you home this afternoon." Doctor Patel turned to Evan and Shantelle, saying, "Doctor Shant, Mister Thompson, you have an amazing boy. Shall we step outside to discuss my findings?" The doctor ordered one nurse to attend to Lucas while he ushered the couple to one corner of the hospital's hallway. A a resident doctor aided the pediatrician, carrying several documents.

"What is it, Doctor Patel? Please tell me it's not anything serious. I'm so stressed out about this," Shantelle revealed. Doctor Patel smiled and said to the couple, "Lucas is still responding to basic iron supplement treatment. It wasn't that significant, but it is improving, so his bone marrow cells are still working. However, I still ordered a transfusion because he needed those blood cells up. After the transfusion, his tests came back normal." Evan sighed in relief, as did Shantelle, but just as they felt comforted, Doctor Patel said, "The biopsy report indicated that Lucas is showing signs of aplastic anemia, but it's not severe." The doctor showed the couple all of Lucas' recent results and suggested, ’ As you can see, he still has blood cells in his bone marrow, but it's low. For now, let us observe him thoroughly. We don't want him going through harsh treatments that would affect his immune system." "Always check for signs of bleeding, check his oxygenation and check for signs of regular bruises," the doctor warned. "We must have a weekly blood test in the first two months." The resident doctor then handed a flowchart to the couple. Doctor Patel educated the two, pointing to the diagram, "This maybe be familiar to you, Doctor Shant. This is the process for aplastic anemia treatment. For severe cases, a bone marrow transplant is the only best treatment. Usually, we go through the siblings and find a donor that would be a match for Lucas. Thankfully, his case is not severe." Pointing to the other side of the chart, the doctor said, "For non-severe cases, observation is needed, blood transfusion, and supplements. However, if his condition progresses, there comes a time when the blood transfusions will no longer work. From there, we will need Lucas to take immunosuppression suppressant medications. We call it ATG treatment."

"The ATG treatment will suppress the T-lymphocytes. These are the cells that are attacking the bone marrow cells. It will give time for the bone marrow to produce more cells," the doctor described, i "Will that cure his condition?" Evan asked. "It can be, depending on how the patient responds to the treatment," the doctor described. "But the ATG treatment will make Lucas prone to infection," Shantelle weakly revealed. Doctor Patel nodded. He admitted, "The ultimate cure for children with the same condition is a bone marrow transplant. And the best donor is a sibling." "Let's be positive, but also, let's be prepared." The doctor pointed to the charts and said, "All these are meant to help Lucas recovered, but overtime, after going through the same treatments, it may no longer work." 1 "Would you consider having another child? Because, more than just a potential bone marrow donor, Lucas' sibling could positively be a stem cell donor through cord blood. Cord blood transfusion has shown very minimal side effects compared to bone marrow transplantation," Doctor Patel described, 1 "Having another child?" Evan repeated. "If it means finding a cure for Lucas. " The man shrugged and said, "We can have lots of children." "Haha!" Doctor Patel laughed. He then told one story, "I had a patient with the same case. The child had severe aplastic anemia. He couldn't find a bone marrow match. The parents decided to get pregnant - went through fertility medication, and had twins. Their child had a double cord transplantation from her twin sisters' umbilical cord." "That child is now doing well, thanks to a mere medical waste. I'm telling you, it's amazing what an umbilical cord can do," the doctor added, "it's such a shame that not many mothers know about the wonders of the umbilical cord."

After their talk, Doctor Patel excused himself to give the discharge order for Lucas. When the couple was alone in that hallway, Shantelle turned to Evan and cautioned, "You better be good for it, Mister Thomspon." "Do you question how Lucas was made?" Evan asked. "I suggest you ask tips from Mister Wright on how to make twins!" Shantelle challenged. "I'm stopping contraceptives as of today." 2 "I've always wanted to have another child," Evan resumed. "You better stock up on your Viagra," Shantelle challenged. "My wifey, you are all the Viagra I need," he teased, and despite the worry over Lucas' condition, they both wound up chuckling at what they were about to do in the next few weeks.

Chapter 93: The Plan

"Mrs. Shaw! I'm home!" Lucas happily announced as he entered the villa. "I'm so happy to see you, Lucas!" Mrs. Shaw replied. "Mommy and Daddy said we will live together now. Isn't it great?" Lucas cheerfully said. While Lucas and Mrs. Shaw chatted, Evan whispered to Shantelle, "He looks better." "Yes, his skin color is better," Shantelle agreed. Evan took his family home to the villa. Since the plan was for them to have another child, they decided to live together.

Shantelle also figured it was best for Lucas since the boy always asked for his father. In the evening, Lucas' grandparents, from both sides, came for a visit. They had dinner together in the villa and spent time learning about Lucas' treatment plan. After confirming that Lucas responded to the essential treatments, Willaim said at the dinner table, "Trust in medicine. Trust in the science behind it." "I know my grandson will be healthy. You eat well, my boy. I heard broccoli is also good for blood production," Erick Thompson said, glancing at Shantelle. Shantelle smiled and acknowledged, "Yes, Uncle. Proteins are, but vegetables with proteins are better since they contain folate. And folate helps in the production of healthy red blood cells!" "I'll eat broccoli!" Lucas declared. "We can make grilled broccoli. Battered deep-fried broccoli with barbecue sauce," Evan suggested. Daddy is going to learn how to cook that!" "Evan cooking? I'd like to see that!" Clara remarked, leaving the table laughing. "Oh, he has been cooking. I've tried a few whenever he would cook for Lucas in the morning," Eleanor revealed. "I would say, Clara, Evan has changed so much." "By the way, Lucas, grandma, and grandpa have gifts for you in the living room. Why don't you check them out with Mrs. Shaw," Clara suggested, and Lucas jumped for joy, running to the living room with Mrs. Shaw chasing after him. When the adults were left behind the table, Erick asked Shantelle, "So, potentially, the plan is for Lucas to have a cord blood transplant. Is that better than a bone marrow transplant?" "Yes, uncle," Shantelle confirmed. "Cord blood stem cells are superior to bone marrow stem cells in terms of risks of rejection, contamination, and infection. They also outperform bone marrow in their ability to replace damaged cells." "That's why Doctor Patel called it an amazing medical waste because not all mothers will choose to save the cord blood

after giving birth. It's just... thrown away," Shantelle added. "We could spare a space at the heart and lung center for cord bank donations and maintain it for free. That will add to the reputation of our facility," William suggested, and everyone agreed. "Shanty, I've always meant to ask. How much blood can be drawn out from an umbilical cord? Will that be enough for Lucas?" Evan sought. "On average, about ninety to a hundred twenty milliliters of blood with potent stem cells can be extracted from an umbilical cord," Shantelle replied. "It may not be enough, but that small amount is very potent." "With new advancement, however, there are ways to grow these stem cells in a marrow-like environment until it's ready for transplantation," William supplemented. "The Children's Hospital should have that kind of facility now." "I see." Erick nodded after learning so much from both William and Shantelle. "I think we are good in this direction, then. Of course, we hope that Lucas doesn't have to, but in any case, I'm glad that the end solution is to give me more grandkids. Haha!" The reason for having another grandchild was not at all compelling, but it could not be helped. The Thompsons had I always wanted more grandkids. They were delighted with the possibility of taking care of new babies. "We will support you in any way we can," Clara offered. "We can look after Lucas for some days, and you both can... you know, do it all day!" 4 Evan chuckled, whereas Shantelle turned bloody red. The Scotts, on the other hand, shook their heads. William cleared his throat to divert everyone's attention and said, "Mind has power over our body. Our mindset can be our greatest healer. Let's all keep influencing Lucas with positivity. Keep him happy always. So I think it is a good idea to stay

as a family. Lucas began tiring himself, always waiting for Evan, and we don't want him getting tired right now." "That's true, and he is always looking for Evan," Eleanor admitted. "Make the villa he's having - his secured environment," William suggested. He turned to his daughter and said, "Shanty, you know what to do." "I do, Dad," Shantelle confirmed. "I'll hire more help for the villa," Erick suggested. "We can have a nurse on standby while you are at work." "Unless I am not feeling well, I'll come here every day," Eleanor swore. Evan nodded, "Thank you, Aunt. Miguel will also be focusing on being Lucas ' constant companion." "We will all get through this for Lucas because we love him. So don't think you are alone in this. You have us too," Clara reminded me. Shantelle wound up in tears hearing both Evan's and her parents' words of encouragement. She replied, "Thank you so much, Mom, Dad, Uncle, and Aunt. I feel much better knowing you are there for us." "And, until when will you keep addressing Clara and me as Aunt and Uncle? Shanty, aren't we family? Call me Father Erick, like you used to," Erick proposed. "And your Mother, Clara!" Clara offered. Shantelle's face burned. She turned to Evan, and he was smiling from ear to ear. She said, "Okay, father Erick. Mother Clara. Thank you for always treating me like your own child." "And you are. You will always be," Clara insisted.

In the evening, after putting Lucas to bed, Evan and Shantelle covered their plans for the next few days. Shantelle was holding her phone, marking her calendar. While sitting on the bed, she said, "So I stopped taking pills today. I'll bleed tomorrow or the next day. We have a few days before ovulation kicks in. So we can go back to work this

week, but you need to spare time on Friday to meet a fertility doctor. I want those medications to have more than one egg." "Mmmm," Evan acknowledged. "Is that how you end up with fraternal twins?" "Yes," Shantelle said. She returned to her phone calendar and said, "So after two weeks, we can do it every day - have lots of sex." Because of the way Shantelle was describing things, Evan laughed thoroughly. His wifey wound up getting angry that she smacked his arm repeatedly. She asked, "Why are you laughing?!" 'Because, the way you are planning things, you are making it all too complicated," Evan pulled her into his lap. He hugged her tightly and kissed her arm, saying, "While we want to give Lucas a sibling, let's not forget the reason why we make love - it's to enjoy our time together and express our love for each other-" "Did I say I would not enjoy it? I'd say it's hitting two birds with one stone. It's a stress reliever and the answer to our prayers," Shantelle remarked, raising a brow at Evan. Then she smirked and climbed on top of him. She suggested, "Speaking of which, I was so stressed the past few days, I could use a stress reliever." Evan lay on his back. He smirked and watched Shantelle's beautiful figure that was merely covered in thin silk. He asked, "What did you have in mind, Wifey?" Shantelle did not say anything. She moved forward and flaunted her naked peach in front of his face. A hiss left Evan's lips, realizing Shantelle wasn’t wearing any underwear. He licked his lips as she slowly lowered her hips, and his mouth came in contact with her core.

Chapter 94: Chocolate

"I am just stapling the upper right lobes. Prepare to remove the affected lung," Shantelle instructed her team as her eyes were fixed on the console of the robotic surgery. She was operating on a patient with lung cancer, cutting a portion of the patient's lung with a tumor. Seeing her patient's overall lung, Shantelle remarked, "I will never, ever smoke." "Agree to that Doc," her assistant surgeon said while watching the monitor from a distance, observing Shantelle's work. They looked at the patient's lung, which was covered with several dark spots because of his smoking habits. "I have been telling him that for years. Mister Sanchez is just a hard headed rich old man," the patient's direct physician said, shaking his head. "Affected lung is inside the bag. You can take it out now," Shantelle instructed. Shantelle studied each part of the lung closely, with tiny cameras going inside the patient's chest. It took her a few minutes, but after confirming that there were no other tumors, she concluded, "The tumor was just contained in the upper right lung." ”We are done with the surgery. Close up the patient’s incisions," Shantelle instructed. "Yes, Doctor Shant," her team of surgeons responded one by one. "Thank goodness it's the robot holding a knife now, Doctor Shant!" One nurse teased, and everyone laughed. Jessica Turner's scandal became the talk of the center. They especially teased Shantelle about how she could potentially take anyone's life with a surgical knife. Shantelle shook her head as she removed her surgical gown. She remarked, "If you are not after my man, then you don't have nothing to worry about." 1

"Ayeh! Mister Thompson and Doctor Shant are so possessive of each other. When Mister Thompson comes here, he doesn't let go of Doc's hand, " one nurse remarked. "They are so sweet together." "Doctor Shant is so lucky to wake up in bed with Mister Thompson daily! Sex must be amazing!" The assistant surgeon remarked. "That's probably why Doctor Shant keeps smiling in her office. Do you often think of Mister Thompson, Doc?" The anesthesiologist added, encouraging more laughter inside the operating room. "Focus on your job, people, and get your own sex life to talk about!" Shantelle shot back, smirking at her team. "Bye, I'm taking my lunch break!" Days had passed since Shantelle and Lucas lived back in the villa with Evan. Everything was different now, with Lucas' condition. She and Evan had to work together to provide their son with a happy environment, despite not being able to go to school. Doctor Patel had recommended keeping Lucas away from potential infections for now. Although Lucas' tests were better than the last, the pediatrician did not want Lucas to catch anything that would affect his blood count. Sadly, the school was the number one source of infection. Many kids go to school while having the flu or fever. Kids were like that. They were stubborn and would prefer to go to school, even when sick. 1 To give him that school environment, Evan converted one room on the first floor into Lucas' school and study area. It would be the place where Lucas would receive his one-on-one lesson with a private teacher. When Shantelle made it inside her office, she called her mother. Eleanor had been committed to visiting Lucas daily. While on a conference call, her mother showed her how Lucas responded to his teacher.

Eleanor said, "Say hello to your mommy, Lucas?" "Hi, Mommy! Are you coming home soon?" Lucas asked, waving his hand. "In a few hours, honey! Study well, and I love you!" Shantelle replied. Evan and Shantelle promised Lucas that it was only temporary. Thankfully, their son was too happy about living together as a family that he did not mind having school at home. After speaking with Lucas, she checked her calendar and realized it was day one of her ovulation period. She bit her lip and suddenly felt excited. Tingles ran through her core. Sex with Evan had been outstanding. It was beyond her imagination - a huge difference from when they were married. With both of them sleeping in the same bed each night, getting intimately familiar was unavoidable. Evan was always hungry for her, and Shantelle could not complain. She was extremely satisfied. Last night, Evan made love to her in the kitchen. He arrived very late, and she made a simple dinner for him. While she was tossing up a salad, she got pounced on from behind, and it was incredibly thrilling. All that thinking about Evan made Shantelle incredibly inflamed. She tried denying it, drinking all the water in her tumblr, but it didn't help. She wound up imagining getting filled that she swore her panties became damped. She puffed and complained, "Damn you, Evan. Phew!" She fanned herself as she clamped her legs together, trying to stop the excitement between her thighs. However, no matter what she did, it wasn’t working. A nurse walked in, giving her the schedule for the next day, and said," Doctor Shant. You are sweating all over, but your The office is so cold. Are you okay?" "Haha! I'm okay. I'm just craving chocolate," she lied. The nurse shrugged and proposed, "Well, aren't you going out for lunch? You might as well get that craving satisfied. There's a convenience store across the street."

When the nurse left, Shantelle thought about it. While she did, she kept pressing her thighs together, trying to control her desires. It was as if her ovulation was calling her. She found herself staring at the ovulation medication, one that she had secured last week while visiting a fertility doctor with Evan. She hissed and said, "This is all your fault." Finally, she decided to satisfy her craving. After calling Andy to pick her up, she ordered food at the nearby restaurant and left for the Thompson’s Group of Company office building. It was her first time returning to the same building since coming back to town. It felt so surreal being back and walking in. She used to come to the same office building nearly every day to surprise Evan with his lunch. Now, she was coming over to have her version of chocolate. Andy merely dropped her off at the lobby while he parked the car in the underground parking area. Knowing exactly where Evan's office was, she went past the reception area and into the lift's hallway. The receptionist clearly did not know her, so she called Shantelle's attention, "Excuse me, Miss, but you don't have an ID. Are you a visitor?" Shantelle studied the woman. It was hard to decide if the person before her had seen her at the anniversary party. Some employees chose not to attend. Shantelle replied, "Yes, I'm here to see my husband. Evan." "Your husband?" The receptionist said, leaning back. "Mister Thompson?" "El! El! That's Doctor Shant! The boss' wife!" The other receptionist called the lady, which was Shantelle's cue to get going. At least, someone did pay attention to the news or was present at the party. "Yes, that is Evan. Excuse me. I urgently need to see him," she said before pressing on Evan's private lift. It required a

passcode, and she noticed how the receptionist studied her closely. She thought about it and made an accurate guess. She entered her birth date, and the elevator doors opened! Her eyes widened in disbelief, but soon a smile replaced the expression on her face. Shantelle entered the lift and waved at the receptionist goodbye, and she waved back, saying, "Nice to meet you, Doctor Shant. I'm sorry for the inconvenience." Shantelle made her way to Evan's office floor, carrying the boxes of food, and as soon as she walked past the rows of secretaries, they all stood up in respect for her. "Good noon. Doctor Shant!" "Hello, Doctor Shant. Good afternoon." One male assistant walked over to her, saying, "Doctor Shant, Mister Thompson, and James are in a meeting in the main conference room. Do you wish to wait in Mister Thompson's office? May I carry the boxes for you?" Shantelle smiled brightly. She could not help but be pleased with how everyone on the floor knew her. She gave the a young man took the food boxes and said, "I'll wait in his office." She walked in front of Evan's door and noticed it required a passcode, too. Shantelle wondered if it was her birth date again. She hesitated but keyed in her birth date, anyway. Her eyes widened when the office door opened. It was still her birthday! Before she could enter the room, however, she heard the man's voice calling out to her. "Shanty! Shanty! It's really you!" Evan was smiling from ear to ear, seeing her. He asked, "Did you come to see me?" Shantelle nodded, smiling back at him. She answered, "I thought I'd pay a visit." The truth was, Evan was so elated. The last time Shantelle visited him was when they were married. Could his Wifey finally be putting effort into seeing him?

Evan excitedly turned to his companions. Shantelle could tell they were either clients or new investors, judging by their custom-made suits, expensive jewelry, and watches. "This is my beautiful wife and the mother of my son, Doctor Shant. She is the lead surgeon of Saint Dominique's Heart and Lung Center," Evan proudly introduced, after pecking Shantelle's lips. "What a beautiful wife you have, Mister Thompson. No wonder you threw out Miss Cartera earlier," an older man said before he and the rest of his companions laughed. Shantelle gave Evan a question mark look, but it was James who explained everything. He said, "Miss Cartera was a potential investor to the shipping lines who joined the meeting earlier. She broke the number one rule and purposely sat next to the boss's chair despite being warned against it. Mister Thompson called security on her." "Oh," Shantelle said. She pouted her lips and asked, "Did Miss Cartera get to touch any part of you, husband?" 1 The group of men laughed, each of them commenting on Shantelle. "Doctor Shant is protective of Mister Thompson," another man responded. "Don't worry, Doctor Shant, the only the thing Miss Cartera touched was Mister Thompson’s seat." "Well, since your wife is here, then we better get going," the same man said. James ushered Evan's visitors, and Shantelle walked into the CEO's office with her man. The young assistant placed the food on Evan's coffee table and excused himself. When the couple was alone, Evan wrapped his arms around Shantelle. He pecked her lips and asked, "What a pleasant surprise! What brings you here, Wifey?" Shantelle kissed Evan's lips. When she pulled away, her face burned. She bit her lip as her hand made it down to his trousers. She grabbed his manhood, and they were immediately hard following her touch. She chuckled and revealed, "I wanted... chocolate."

Chapter 95: Not A Quickie

"Tell me the truth, Evan, did Miss Cartera get to touch you?" Shantelle had not seen this woman, but again, this mystery The lady tried to catch Evan’s attention, and it did not sit well with her. Was Jessica not a lesson for everyone? With Lucas' condition, she and Evan were taking it further into their relationship. She wouldn't sit and watch any woman try to seduce her man! For starters, she wanted Evan to know how she felt about it. "She did not. I swear." Evan's eyes narrowed. He suggested, "Although, she was eye-fucking me the moment I entered the conference ro - Ahhh!" Shantelle squeezed Evan's manhood. She said, "Evan, let me make it clear that you should protect what's mine, and that includes this "Ahhh! Wifey, how will we have another child if you keep squeezing it like that?" Evan complained. Shantelle loosened her hold on Evan's rod and instead began stroking it up and down. "Ah, fuck," Evan hissed, already feeling aroused. "You should... visit me daily, Shanty." Next time, let James assess your meeting before you make it inside the conference room," Shantelle suggested.

"I will," he said with a smirk. Of course, he purposely made Shantelle jealous because, since they had gotten back together, she hadn't shown an ounce of jealousy. Seeing her reaction now, however, made him feel achieved. He wondered if Shantelle already loved him. "Now, about that chocolate you wanted?" Evan asked, lifting his brow. Shantelle's face burned again, and he was pleased. He pulled her back into his arms and suggested, "Shall we go to my private room?" With a nod, Shantelle replied, "We've - we have never done it in your private room." "Well, from here on, we will explore other places to make love, other than our villa," Evan suggested before crashing his lips into Shantelle's. When they entered Evan's private room, they were carelessly removing each other's clothes. Their lips remained locked, and their tongues senselessly intertwined. Shantelle efficiently unbuckled Evan's belt and pulled down his pants. She did not spare a second before she dropped to her knees and put his member inside her mouth. "Oh, fuck!" Evan threw his head back and gulped. He shut his eyes before returning his attention to Shantelle. He caressed her face and watched as his rod gleamed. His gaze was fixed on how her thin and pinkish lips enveloped his width. He especially loved how Shantelle watched him the entire time, i He reached beneath her bra and cupped her breast. He played with her nipple as he relished the feeling of her warm mouth sucking his rod. Because Evan was so excited, he could feel his climax coming. He said," Wifey, we shouldn't let my cum go to waste. I'm about to cum." Shantelle frowned. She felt Evan especially tasted good that day. Perhaps the idea of doing it in his office exhilarated her.

She wasn't sure. However, acknowledging that Evan was right, she got up and looked around. Evan had a double bed inside his private room. He guided her to the bed and said, "Lie down for me, Wifey." They had already covered this with the fertility doctor. Missionary was the best position to get pregnant. It allowed deeper penetration without wasting a single drop of sperm. She spread her legs as soon as Evan climbed on top of her. She was expecting him to do the deed right away, but Instead, he still took the time to please her. Moans easily left her lips as soon as Evan's tongue played with her clit. He stimulated her along with his fingers, thrusting inside her core. Orgasm came quickly, and her toes curled when her body shivered in delight. "Evan, hubby, I want you inside me now." Her brows met as she watched Evan sit up between her thighs, his hand holding his stick, aligning it to her pulsating rose. She demanded, "Now, Evan! Now-Ahhh!" With her throbbing peach being fully penetrated, Shantelle moaned endlessly. She called his name repeatedly, and her erotic sighs filled the room. Evan eagerly pumped in and out of her, making her reach another high in no time. She came before Evan, and he exploded into her womb in no time. The man held her waist, pushing and pushing. He ground against her entrance, feeling her every side. He said, "Feels so good to be inside you, Shanty. Fuck, I love you so much." After making love, the couple lay next to each other, kissing. They spent about two minutes numbing their lips before Shantelle pulled away and said, "Let's eat lunch. I only came here for lunch break. I might have a patient who needs me." Evan narrowed his eyes. He asked, "My wife. Did you come here for a quickie? You hurt my feelings."

Shantelle laughed. She kissed his lips and said, "We did not do it quickly. We did the whole thing, from foreplay to finish, and we kissed at the end. It wasn't a quickie." "But," Evan opposed. "We always go for a second round. One round is a quickie for me." Ignoring his suggestion, Shantelle got up and picked up her clothes. She said, "We can go for a second round at home." Evan smiled. He especially liked how Shantelle called their villa their home. "I think you tore my skirt a little,” Shantelle complained. "But, it's okay. My coat can cover this up." "I'm sorry. I was too excited," Evan said while getting up from the bed. "I don't have your clothes here, but I'll ask James to order a few for your size." Evan hugged Shantelle from behind. He littered kisses on her face and neck, asking, "Please stay longer. Let's have a second round." Shantelle giggled. She answered, "I can't. I am meeting a patient before two in the afternoon. It's already twelve-thirty." She turned to kiss Evan's lips and said, "Let's eat, hubby. I'm hungry.” Evan and Shantelle ate in his small lounge area very quickly. Afterward, the man walked Shantelle out of the office and into the driveway. Andy was waiting to drive her back to the heart and lung center. Shantelle arrived at her office on time and met with the scheduled patient. At three in the afternoon, she was about to check on Mister Sanchez, the same older man whom she operated on earlier that day. However, a nurse walked into Shantelle's office and said, "Doc, there is another patient to see you." "Who?" She asked. The nurse chuckled and replied, "Your regular patient, Doc." When the nurse left, Evan walked in, smirking. Shantelle laughed and asked, "What are you doing here? Didn't we just see each other?” "Round two," Evan replied before locking the door to Shantelle's office and pulling down the blinds.

Chapter 96: Lucas' Birthday "Books?" Lucas asked after opening his gift. It came in a huge box, and he was surprised to see how they were all related to math. Not just any books. These are all hard-bounds, fully customized math books - look, it has your name on them. It includes math tables, mastery activities, and some interactive learning materials. It will help you become a master accountant like Uncle Sean," Sean suggested, giving Lucas a wink. "I like math, Uncle Sean. Thank you very much," Lucas said, giving Sean a hug. "Happy Birthday, Lucas. When you get fully healed, Uncle Sean and your Uncle Wendell promise to throw you a big party!" Sean added. Lucas laughed and said, "Thank you, Uncle Sean." My turn to give little Evan a hug," Wendell said, offering his arms to Lucas. He embraced the young man tightly and pecked on his head. Wendell gave a little prayer before letting go. Then, he handed Lucas his gift, and the boy excitedly unwrap it. "Woah, it's a drone camera!" Lucas exclaimed. "To capture every moment, from whichever angle, little guy," Wendell said before pinching Lucas' cheek.

Over a month had gone by, and it was Lucas' birthday. Instead of a grand celebration to welcome Lucas using his new last name, they only had a small gathering between friends and family. Yet, despite it being an intimate gathering, not everyone made it. Keith gave Lucas a full insurance policy for treatments related to his case as a gift, plus his favorite brand of shoes. As he gave it to Lucas, he revealed," Your Aunt Karise could not make it. She is down with a flu and can't see you while she is sick." Everyone was gathered at the dining table of the couple's villa. They had just finished their meal and had begun giving Lucas their gifts. After Keith, the grandparents presented their lavish presents. William and Eleanor got Lucas a sports watch. Erick and Clara gave Lucas a healing jade bracelet and necklace. Finally, when it was time for the couple to give Lucas' their gift, Evan disappeared, and the boy frantically searched for his father. Shantelle said, "Daddy is getting your gift." Soon, everyone could hear a small motor, making its way to the dining room. Evan was riding on a Ferrari go-kart! "Woah!" Lucas' eyes widened, and all the guests hooted as Evan honked the horn and pulled the go-kart to a stop. "Well, I'd like to ride that," Wendell remarked, adding more laughter to the room. "That looks like fun, Daddy!" Lucas remarked. "And you'll get your chance in a few minutes!" Evan swore. For the rest of that evening, family and friends took pictures with Lucas. Afterward, Lucas went around the villa's driveway, riding on his new Ferrari go-kart. Miguel and Lucas' nurse watched him the whole time. From the villas' patio, Evan and his friends, together with Shantelle, observed Lucas from afar. "He doesn't look sick to me," Wendell remarked. "It's because we caught it earlier," Shantelle replied. "If there was no intervention while his blood count went down, it would have been terrible."

"It's a good thing you are a doctor. Doctor Shant," Sean said. "I asked around Europe during my last business trip. There were cases where aplastic anemia resolved on its own. Doctors concluded other factors might have affected the bone marrow," Keith reported. "Hopefully, Lucas wont need a bone marrow or a cord blood stem cell transplant. Although, I have heard successful stories about cord blood stem cell treatments too." "Yes, hopefully," Shantelle said. "Us, getting pregnant is to prepare for the worst-case scenario -" "And, of course, Lucas always wanted a brother," Evan added, justifying their reasons. Shantelle nodded. She flushed as she admitted, "Yes, that's true." She turned to Evan's friends and confirmed, "He has been asking non-stop for a sibling." "So, is Shanty already pregnant?" Sean asked with a smirk. Evan and Shantelle looked at each other. Evan smiled and replied, "We hope so. We... have been working so hard." Too soon to tell," Shantelle said. "I mean, we tested last week, but we've only been trying for over a month, so maybe in two weeks." "Who would have thought you two would get back together? Seeing you like this, our beautiful Shanty back to her old blushing self when next to Evan," Sean teased. "And Evan being whipped is just a little too strange to see," Keith remarked. "Is that right, Shanty? Is Evan whipped? Who has the last say in this relationship?" Wendell sought. 'Is Evan whipped? Shantelle thought about it. She wondered if she was the one making the decisions in their relationship. Sure, Evan had given way to her in more ways than one. However, given how he needed to earn her trust in the first place, it was just about right. She smiled and replied, "He allows me in order to prove his worth."

"From a friend who has seen Evan in his worst days, Shanty, I want to thank you for giving Evan a chance," Wendell said. "He won't hurt you again, I'm sure of it. Because if he does, I'll be the first to punch his face." "And me!" Sean offered. "I'll definitely break his nose." "Evan will lose his only bond," Keith said before turning to the man, "So I know he will cherish you this time." "I'm glad you have my back, guys," Shantelle said, acknowledging the boys. It felt strange for Shantelle to hear Keith's assurance, but perhaps Keith had earnestly begun to move on, and for that, she I was thankful. She smiled at Keith, asking, "So, you and Karise?" "This meeting is not about me, but yeah, I've been spending a lot of time with your friend, Shanty. Don't ask me yet where this is going. I'm still figuring it out," Keith admitted. "What about you, guys? Evan? You both are having another child? Aren't you going to get married?" Wendell asked. "Don't you think it's about time?" There was silence in the air before Evan cleared his throat. He said, "Well, um -" "Mommy, I wanna bathe now!" Lucas suddenly called from the living room, excusing Shantelle from that awkward moment. When Shantelle left Evan and his friends, Evan had the chance to explain. He looked at his friends and said, "I'm afraid to ask her." "What?" Keith said. "What are you scared about, Evan?" "I had proposed to her before, remember? I got turned down," Evan reasoned. "Although it's different now. We have gotten extremely close. Still, I'm always afraid she would reject me." He moved closer and revealed, "She had not said I love you to me... not once." All three of Evan’s friends leaned back, shocked by his revelation. Wendell frowned and clarified, "Not once?"

Evan shook his head and answered, Not, once. I feel those words would be my golden prize, should they ever leave her lips." Sean pointed out, "But I swear I see that old Shanty." "Me too," Wendell echoed. "Not entirely the old Shanty. The new Shanty is more confident and mature, but the way she would look at Evan, I could have sworn that old Shanty is back." Turning to Keith, Wendell asked, "What about you, Keith? What do you think?" Keith groaned. He took a sip of his wine and looked at Evan. He said, "I don't know. Honestly, I think... a big part of Shanty had never changed." It was because Keith did not expound on his explanation that the three men became puzzled. Instead, Wendell kept suggesting that Evan propose again, "Just give a try." ’"Figure out a way to marry her," Sean proposed. "Anything!" "Why, Even? If she rejects you again, would you give up, then?" Keith asked. Keith's probing made Evan frown. He replied, "I would never.” "Then, there's really nothing to lose," Keith said. "You know what else I'm glad about? Is that you two are talking like old friends," Wendell said, referring to Keith and Evan. He and Sean smiled, nodding in approval. Whereas, Evan and Keith squinted at each other.

Later that evening, Evan approached Shantelle after she put Lucas to sleep. Shantelle was combing her hair in front of the vanity table when Evan gave a set of documents for her to sign. "It's the contract for Lucas' insurance policy and some formal documents the lawyers ask you to sign concerning his name change," Evan explained, and he handed her a pen for convenience. "Okay," Shantelle said before putting down her comb. She glanced at the first document, and after confirming it was the

insurance policy, she signed away. She kept flipping and flipping from page to page, finding her name. Then she would affix her signature. She had already begun the first stroke of her signature at the very last document when she noticed that familiar paper color. She frowned, having an inkling. She set the other papers aside to have a better view and stared blankly at the document in question. Her eyes widened in shock. Evan was letting her sign a marriage contract! She snapped in Evan's direction and asked, "Evan! What is the meaning of this?" "What?" Evan acted to be equally surprised. He took the document from Shantelle's hand, saying, "What the - how did this got here?" Seeing Evan's reaction, Shantelle laughed. She said, "You are not a very good actor, Evan. That's not how I wanna wear my ring!" "Of course! I am not Even still. His heart was racing in excitement. 'Did Shanty mean I could formally ask her to marry me?' 'That's not how I wanna wear my ring!' The words echoed in his head repeatedly. 'Could she be willing to marry me now?' Evan figured there was only one way to find out.

Chapter 97: The Drone Show "Are you sure you made this trip safe for Lucas?“ Shantelle asked, worried for their son to be out in public. “James booked the entire resort," Evan explained. "It's a private island with very little staff. I instructed the manager that all employees should wear masks. I had also asked that no one should be sick when serving us." With a shrug, Evan proposed, "Besides, the beach is good for the health the fresh air, the sea breeze, and the natural

saline." Weekend came. Evan decided to take his family out for a break. He figured Lucas could use the time out. His son was getting extremely bored with staying indoors. Evan booked a private yacht to bring them to an island outside of town, accommodating his and Shantelle's parents, plus Miguel and Lucas' nurse. The entire resort, with twenty luxury guest villas, was closed only for their stay. When they arrived at the resort, Shantelle was surprised to learn that Wendell and Sean were also present. They took their own private yacht to the resort. Keith skipped the gathering because he caught whatever Karise had and was down with the flu. They went swimming in the clear lagoon for the first half of the day on the island. They had a picnic on the shoreline covered with palm trees at noon. Lucas had his favorite iron-rich food and a small piece of treat. Shantelle gave Lucas a slice of chocolate cake, saying, "A little treat is enough. Focus on your veggies and meat to make you are big and strong!" Lucas nodded, saying, "I understand, Mommy!" He turned to his father and said, ' Daddy, thank you for taking me out on a beach! And for booking the entire island. You are the best dad." "Only your dad can do that," Wendell remarked, winking at Lucas. "If you want, your daddy can buy the entire Rose Hills," Sean remarked. Their party chuckled. William commented, "This is enough. It's over the top, but it's definitely what Lucas needs. Lucas can't be around crowded places. Open air environment is better for him too. And, as long as we, the surrounding adults, take responsibility to ensure we don’t pass him any infection." "Yes, Doctor Scott," Sean said, saluting William. "I am a responsible uncle," Wendell claimed. "You are doing a good job, Evan," William remarked. "Thank you for caring for my grandson and providing for his needs,

both financially and emotionally." Evan smiled across from William and said, "Thank you, Dad. Anything for my son." After being called Dad, William still. In fact, everyone fell silent. Shantelle, for one, pursed her lips, her eyes rounding at her father. Sure, Erick and Clara had asked Shantelle to call them mother and father. However, William had not said anything the same to Evan. Evan was equally nervous about his claims. Soon, however, William scoffed and answered, "You are welcome, son." Everyone's shoulders fell in relief, including Eleanor's. She said to Evan," You are indeed our son, Evan, and a great father to Lucas." From that moment on, their picnic lunch gathering became cheerful as they enjoyed the delicious food the resort had prepared. After the picnic lunch, everyone took a rest in their designated villas. Tired after traveling and swimming in the morning, Lucas woke up past five in the afternoon. They went straight for an early dinner with their entire party. After dinner, Evan proposed, "The resort prepared a drone show for us. Let's go check it out." “A drone show?" Lucas asked. "Yes, using more than six hundred drones, they are going to light up the skies," Evan disclosed, i "I wanna see! I wanna see!" Lucas excitedly said. The drone show was just a short distance from the restaurant. There was a huge clearing that opened up to the beach, and it was there where everybody waited for the main event. Everyone found their places, circling the vast space where the six hundred drones were in place. Each of them was already lit. Lucas was highly amazed. "I have never seen a drone show before," Shantelle said. "I can't imagine six hundred drones working together."

Evan laughed as he settled his family right at the very front of the presentation. He said, "It's pre-programmed. It's not like every drone is being manned." "Sounds exciting, Daddy!" Lucas exclaimed. Soon, with everyone watching the drones, the show began. By batch, the drones flew up in the night sky. 1 "Wow! It's so cool!" Lucas commented, his eyes sparkling at the lights, taking shapes. In the sky, the drones started forming boxes in different colors until they took the shape of a red rose. Next, an image of a cupid appeared, holding up an arrow. Evan stared down at Shantelle as she marveled at the colorful sky. Her mouth parted in surprise, seeing how the drones were so synchronized. Shantelle said, "Amazing. I did not know this was possible!" From another side of the beach, Erick and Clara were also astounded. They took videos of how the show went on. William and Eleanor was doing the same. The drones made an arrow, and the cupid thrust it into the air. The arrow appeared to have hit a man's chest, leaving Everyone chuckled. A frame of a man became evident. The drones then made hearts around the man. "So this is a story about a man in love," Shantelle described. One could make out two love birds formed, pecking with their beaks, and hearts erupted after their kiss. Shantelle commented, "I don't know if this show is supposed to be for kids, Evan." "I - Um." Evan answered, "I thought it was cute." "It's cute, Mommy! It's cute!" Lucas claimed. He was smiling from ear to ear. At that point, Shantelle also took a video of the drone presentation. She was absolutely impressed that she intended to show it to her colleagues. After the pecking birds, a spiral image could be seen. More and more hearts formed in the sky.

"I guess you could say, whoever this man is, he must be very in love," Evan stated out of nowhere. The drones made a diamond next, which appeared to sparkle in the night. Shantelle then noticed how it took the shape of a ring. Her mouth fell open, and her heart skipped a beat. Suddenly, she connected the dots and wondered, 'Could Evan be?' Then, she saw how the ring rotated in the sky and moved to a woman's finger. Fireworks suddenly erupted, but not the real kind. It was still the drones, simulating fireworks in the sky. Suddenly, the drones formed words, saying: [I want nothing more than to be that man for you. I missed my first chance, but this time I am ready to give you my world. My dearest Shanty, will you marry me?] 2 Reading the words, Shantelle dropped her phone. Her skin quickly formed goosebumps. She was utterly surprised. From afar, Wendell and Sean were clapping their hands, praising Evan for a well-prepared proposal. It was the same with Miguel and the nurse. "Mommy, you'll marry, Daddy?" Lucas asked. Finally, Shantelle's senses returned to her. She looked behind her and saw Evan holding a bouquet of roses. He was down on one knee, saying, "Shanty, I love you and Lucas more than anything in this world. Will you make me the happiest man alive and marry me again?" Shantelle's mouth was still open. She knew it was always in Evan's plan to marry her, but she earnestly thought the trip to The beach was only for Lucas. She never expected the proposal, and it was such a lovely one at that. She glanced at her parents, and they gave her a nod. She turned to the Thompsons and saw the hopeful eyes of Erick and Clara. She peered down at her son; Lucas was the happiest person around her. Returning her attention to Evan, she saw the man holding up the same sapphire ring that he had attempted to give her

during their Paris date. Evan was Evan, but she did not know why; he looked like a god before her eyes that night. He was simply in casual clothes, as they were on the beach, but he looked so handsome. His presence, his stance, and the way he looked at her with love tickled her heart. Still down on one knee, Evan said, "I promise I'll take care of you and Lucas, and the family we are about to make." "Marry me, Shanty,“ Evan added.

Chapter 98: Two Rewards What's going on in Korea Exclusive information on Korean institutional entertainers. kedglobal.com Open Lights danced in the night on the private island resort. Drones formed red hearts above Evan and Shantelle, making them the center of attention. While holding an engagement ring up to Shantelle, Evan was nervous. He said, "Marry me, Shanty." He appeared to be smiling, but deep inside, his heart was drumming against his ribcage. Sure, he and Shantelle had gotten incredibly close as Lucas’ parents and as a couple. However, to Evan, there was no telling what was going on in her head. Over the past weeks, he never expected her to pay him another visit at the office, but she did. In fact, after her first visit, She came on three occasions, bringing lunch. Little by little, she was making efforts in their relationship. Despite that, she

never affirmed her feelings in words. Last week, when he tried to trick her into marrying him on paper, she may have hinted she was willing to marry him. Still, it wasn't a direct indication, making Evan anxious. Evan gulped as he watched Shantelle look at him. Her eyes landed on the ring. He could see how her eyes were starting to water, and he certainly hoped it meant she would say yes. She might say yes for the sake of Lucas and their future children, but from Evan's point of view, it had to start from somewhere. Sooner or later, he will hear those sweet words he longed to hear. "Evan," Shantelle finally said. A smile formed on her face when she replied, "Yes, I will marry you, Evan Thompson." 1 " What?" He could not believe his ears. Shantelle repeated, "I will marry you, Evan!" i "Yahoo! Congrats, bro!" Evan could hear Sean give his praises. His friends recorded everything the moment the drones went up in the sky. "Daddy, Mommy said yes!" Lucas helped her father. Evan let out a very loud sigh. He puffed repeatedly and screamed at the top of his lungs, "YES!!!!" He pointed to his friends and said, "She said yes!" "We heard the first time, Evan!" Wendell said. He could hear Shantelle and Lucas laughing. Heck, his entire family was laughing, including Shantelle's parents. He carried no shame in proclaiming it. "Evan, my fingers are waiting!" Shantelle said, lifting her left hand. The man quickly got up. He gave Shantelle the flowers and picked up the ring. He held her hand, and his cold fingers placed the ring on her finger. Unwittingly, tears rolled down Evan's cheek. This was undoubtedly one of the happiest moments of his life. It was the first He put an engagement ring on Shantelle's finger. He never did this during their first marriage.

He pulled her hand closer to him and kissed her knuckles. He especially pecked on the part where Shantelle wore the engagement ring. After which, Evan embraced her. He reached for Lucas and included him in their hug. "Are you happy, Daddy?” Lucas asked. The boy must have felt it too, since he cried with his father. Evan nodded. He kept weeping. He repeatedly heaved while taking it all in because it all seemed so surreal to him. Memories of how he waited for this moment came rushing back. He recalled the pain, the regret, and the years of feeling alone, all while hating himself. He recounted the day he saw Shantelle again. Evan never thought he would find happiness again, but thanks to the heavens, he was given another chance. "Thank you." He pecked Shantelle's forehead while maintaining to hold her. "Thank you for accepting me, Shanty. I promise I won't fail you. You and our children will always be my priority." Shantelle nodded her head and looked up at him. She said, "I know, Evan. I honestly feel your sincerity Out of nowhere, Shantelle frowned. Food servers suddenly appeared, carrying trays of canapes and drinks. One server happened to pass by them, setting up a table for her, Evan, and Lucas. She caught a glimpse of the marmalade canape, and she was sure that was the source of her displeasure. It had Italian cheese on top, the kind that stings the nose but delights the mouth. Another whiff of that expensive cheese, Shantelle heaved. She heaved and heaved, alarming Evan and Lucas. 1 "Shanty, what's wrong," Evan asked. His brows repeatedly met, trying to soothe Shantelle. Shantelle, on the other hand, tried to hold it in. She covered her mouth and walked back. She made hand gestures, trying to tell the servers to keep the damn cheese away from her, but to her dismay, the contents of her stomach came pouring out. 1

'"Wifey Sadly for Evan, while he got his eyes, his future wife puked all over his clothes.

"Is Mommy okay, Grandma?" Lucas asked, waiting by the living room of their villa. "Mommy is okay. I'm sure of it," It was Clara who assured Lucas. After Shantelle threw up on Evan, they all went to the couple's resort accommodation. Eleanor aided Shantelle in the bathroom to get checked. Thankfully, the resort was equipped with a medical kit for emergency cases. Evan had showered in another bathroom. He came out of the room, asking, "Has Shanty come out? She must have eaten something bad." He knocked on the main bedroom and asked, "Shanty? Are you okay, Wifey? ■ "She shouldn't have eaten the tuna," Wendell said from one corner of the living room. "I think it was the cheese. Shanty was pointing at it like it had sinned her. The strange thing is, isn't Shanty a cheese lover?” Sean sought. "I don't think it’s the cheese," William said. He calmly crossed his leg while sitting on the sofa and described, "My daughter eats the most disgusting smelling cheese, and nothing has happened to her in the past." The elders were calm about the situation, merely sitting on the couches, waiting. It was Evan who was worried as hell. He kept walking back and forth, waiting for the villa's main bedroom to open. 1 Finally, Shantelle walked out with Eleanor. She changed into a new set of clothes and appeared to be newly bathed. Her face was red as she followed behind her mother. "Shanty, thank God. What happened to you, Wifey?" Evan said, approaching Shantelle. He cupped her cheek and asked, "Are you feeling better?" Shantelle nodded. She smiled weakly and answered, "I'm fine, Evan."

"She is fine, everybody. There is nothing wrong with my daughter,’ Eleanor reported. She held up two pregnancy tests, showing two lines, and announcing, "She is just pregnant!" While everyone stilled, Clara exclaimed, “I knew it! Oh, I'm going to be carrying a baby soon!" "I figured it too, seeing William so calm,” Erick said. "Wait. Wait. Wait," Evan said. He studied Shantelle profoundly and asked," You are pregnant?" "No, we are pregnant," Shantelle corrected. "You are going to have to take care of me and Lucas from now on." "You really are pregnant?" Evan asked again. He couldn't believe his ears. Was he getting two rewards in a night? Shanty agreed to marry him, and he was finally going to experience how to be a father from day one! "You are pregnant. You really are pregnant," Evan repeated. "He said it so many times; it made everyone in the room laugh. "I'm going to be a father!" Evan announced. "You already are a father!" Shantelle laughed at his reaction. "Daddy is so silly!" Lucas said. Evan sucked in a deep breath. He embraced Shantelle tightly in front of everyone. When he let go, he clarified, "I mean, I could finally be a father to our new baby from the beginning." He looked at his friends and parents, saying, “I had missed many years with Lucas growing up, including when he was in Shanty's womb." He glanced down at Lucas and said, "your mommy had told me many stories about your first kick, how you moved around her womb, and how she carried you for the first time." Returning his gaze to everyone, Evan defined, "I thought about it many times - imagined how it would feel. I thought it was amazing. How much more, experiencing it myself?" Evan swore he would cherish every moment.

Chapter 99:I Love You "Daddy, I'll allow you to cradle me just once,” Lucas said. Evan laughed at Lucas' offer. He replied, "You are too late, buddy. I have cradled you far too long. You forget how you had fell asleep on some of our trips.” He raised his arms into a cradling position, saying, "Like this!" "Hah! How many times?" Lucas said. "I hope no one saw. Daddy!" It was because Evan revealed his yearnings earlier that Lucas offered to be treated like a baby for that evening only, but as it turned out, his father had gone ahead and done so in his sleep. "Did you really, Daddy?" Lucas asked. Behind them, Shantelle was laughing at their exchange. Eventually, Evan replied, "Well, not really in a cradle form, but I had carried you in my arms many times-’ "It was always your daddy who carried you from the car whenever we went out together, and you were asleep,” Shantelle revealed to Lucas. "But since you offered, let me treat you like a baby, anyway," Evan said, stretching his arms to Lucas. "Come on now, show your daddy some love." Lucas pouted. He felt cheated altogether. Still, he could not deny his father that he climbed into his arms, and Evan began swaying him from side to side. "Mommy, what song did you sing to Lucas when he was a baby?" Evan asked.

Shantelle snorted as she watched the two. She replied, "The usual. Rock-A- Bye-Baby." "Okay, here goes nothing," Evan said. "Rock a bye baby, on the tree top, When the wind blows, the cradle will rock." Lucas was laughing so hard, listening to his father sing the song. Shantelle was at it too, clutching against her stomach, thoroughly amused by Evan's efforts. "Enough, Daddy. Enough," Lucas eventually surrendered. "Put me down now." When Evan landed Lucas on the bed, the boy said, "I'm officially a big boy."

1

"That you are," Evan said, pinching his cheek. "Thank you for letting me experience baby Lucas, son." Lucas chuckled and said, "You are welcome, Daddy. When my brother or sister is born, we can cradle him or her together." "We will, together with your mommy," Evan said. "Are you ready for bed?" With a yawn, Lucas said, "Yes, I like staying at this resort. I wish we could stay here forever." "We will come back here on a long weekend, I promise," Evan swore. He pecked Lucas' forehead and said, "Goodnight, Lucas.' "Night, Daddy," Lucas replied. He turned to Shantelle and said the same." Goodnight, Mommy." "Goodnight. Love you, Lucas,” Shantelle said back. After watching Lucas to bed for a few minutes, the couple went to their room. As soon as they made it in, Evan embraced Shantelle from behind. He kissed her cheek and admitted, "Sometimes, I am jealous of Lucas." "Ha?" Shantelle turned to him, lifting her brow. "Why?" "Because." Evan turned Shantelle around. When she was facing him, he rested his forehead against hers. He revealed, "Lucas gets to hear you say I love you every day, but I don't."

"Shanty, do you love me already? Because I'm dying to know," Evan said." Tell me, how do you feel, please? This can't just be about Lucas and the fact that we are making a baby, right?" Evan watched as Shantelle flushed. Her mouth parted, but no words left her lips. Instead, she crashed against him, nuzzling her face thoroughly onto his chest. Shantelle wrapped her arms around his frame and the words muffled into his clothes, "I - you.' "What?" Evan asked. "Talk to me properly, Shanty. Let me hear those words - give me something to be happy about." "Aren't you happy?" She asked, pulling away. Her face burned while she was at it. "I am. I am the happiest man alive right now, but damn. If you say those words to me and mean it, of course, I will pleasure you all night long," Evan offered, making Shantelle laugh. Shantelle grabbed Evan's chin. She said, "Before you pleasure me all night long, we must ensure my pregnancy is healthy." "O-K-A-Y," Evan said. "Then, let's get checked first thing tomorrow.” Shantelle nodded, saying, "We should. Not only is this baby our first together - you know, together, together, but this baby may save Lucas' life." Evan nodded, then he went right back to his point. He said, "So, Shanty, do you love me?" He noticed her reluctance, that he caressed her cheeks with both hands. Evan pecked her lips and said, "Shanty, I love you so much. I feel you love me too, but I don't want to assume things. Tell me how you feel about me, please." With another kiss on her lips, he said, "I love you, Shanty - so much. Do you love me?" Shantelle kissed back. She tightened her hold around Evan and said under her breath, "I." She gulped and resumed, "I love you, Evan."

"Wow,” Evan said. His breathing hitched, and tears stung his eyes. "I -1 never thought... it would feel this good." Evan massaged his chest, saying, "It feels so good, Shanty, to hear you say those words to me again." More tears rolled down his cheeks as he leaned over and kissed her lips. He said, 'I love you so much." He felt a lump in his throat, struggling to speak. "I love you so much, Shanty." Shantelle felt it. It was with the way Evan's hands trembled, the way his lips quivered, and the way tears uncontrollably fell on his cheeks. It was as though the wave of regret came rushing back to him that he repeatedly said those words to assure her of his love. She could not help but weep with him. Shantelle repeatedly nodded as she wiped the tears from his face. She said, "I know. I love you too, Evan. I do." From where they stood, they kissed. It was immediately needy. Their hands landed at the back of their necks, their mouths parted generously, and their tongues danced together. The intensity of their kiss urged them to lie on the bed. Their hands eagerly roamed their bodies, and their clothes came off in no time. Passionately, the couple made love. Moans and erotic sighs filled the air. Their bodies were intertwined for an undetermined time. Evan frequently felt a tear rolling down his cheeks each time he thought about what Shantelle had said that night. When Evan came for the second time inside of her, he relished the moment, pushing and pushing his length. While on top, he captured Shantelle's lips lovingly, and when he pulled away, he softly said, "I love you. Shanty. This time, I'll forever cherish your love.’ Shantelle pecked Evan's lower lip. She nibbled it gently and replied, "I love you too, Evan."

"Oh, fuck,’ Evan hissed. "What?” Shantelle asked, but her eyes widened, sensing his size grew bigger inside her. i Evan gulped and admitted, "Each time you say I love you, I get so hard. What do I do, Shanty? It's hard again."

Chapter 100: Evan's Alternatives "I'm not sleepy at all," Evan said while pecking at Shantelle's head. The couple was lying on their bed, waiting for the time to pass. Shantelle was resting on Evan's chest, her hand across her torso. She then glanced at Evan's arm and ran her hand down his forearm. She said, "Let's get your compression garment adjusted. I think your upper arm is better. Your forearm needs more compression." Hmm. I'll do that after we have your pregnancy checked," Evan acknowledged. "Do you hate looking at my burns?" "No!" She looked at him and said, "Of course not, Evan." Shantelle got up and pecked the most affected part of his forearm. There were no more open wounds, but there were slight inflammations. She remarked, "This arm shielded me from the fire. How could I hate it?" She returned to his side and pecked his lips. Evan wound up smiling brightly at her. When she rested back on his chest, he maintained his smile while watching the ceiling of their resort accommodation and proclaimed," Tonight is the best night of my life." "You mean last night. It already is." Shantelle turned to the wall clock and said, "Two in the morning." She yawned and said, "We should get some sleep."

"I'm just so happy. I can't sleep." Evan declared. He could hear Shantelle's breathing become more steady, and he knew She was falling asleep fast. He said, "I love you, Shanty." When she did not answer, he tickled her awake and asked, "Say it back. I want to hear you say it back." Shantelle was already exhausted. She frowned and said, "No, I'm not going to say it back. You are going to get hard again!" It was because Evan still had a boner after two rounds of making love. He said it had something to do with how she said I I love you. In the end, Shantelle gave him lip service. She would have wanted them to make love again. However, she didn't know the condition of her pregnancy just yet. "I am totally fine with your mouth, Wifey," Evan suggested, making Shantelle whine. She smacked him hard in the chest and said, "Evan! That's enough. You were never like this before." Between the old Evan and now, which one do you like?" Evan pointed out. A hiss left Shantelle's lips, and she narrowed her eyes at him. She had to admit; she loved the new Evan. Sure, the new Evan had a crazy sex drive, but that also meant he wanted more of her, which ultimately felt good for Shantelle. Being filled by Evan sent her to an ocean of pleasure that she could not describe. "Of course, the new Evan, but, remember, we are having a baby. We need to take care of the baby and my health too. You are going to have to make some sacrifices," Shantelle proposed. 'And that includes holding back if needed. Besides, there will be a stage in my first trimester when I will feel disgusted with almost everything - this is based on my experience, of course. In the coming days, I might not love your dick inside my mouth." Evan's eyes widened. He cleared his throat and asked, "So, the first trimester is three months, right?"

"Yes, but the stage of nausea and vomiting is somewhere between six and eighteen weeks," Shantelle replied. The man did the math and thought about his alternatives. He looked down at Shantelle and proposed, "Well, there's your breast. I could cum in between those -" Shantelle laughed. She snorted while she was at it. Evan, on the other hand, continued to find different parts of her body where he could get his release, "You can always help me with your hand. We tried dry humping when you were having your period. That was amazing too. Last, I could cum in between your ass. You know I love your ass." "Well, I'm glad you have that all figured out. As for me, you only need to do one thing," Shantelle reminded him. "It is my pleasure to get stuck between your thighs, Wifey," Evan suggested, resulting in more laughter from Shantelle. "I'm glad you know me well," Shantelle remarked. "Of course," Evan assured her. Soon, Shantelle yawned. She said, "Let's sleep, okay? Don't we need to leave the resort tomorrow morning?" "Okay. Okay," Evan replied. He pecked Shantelle's head and said,'' Goodnight, Wifey. I love you.`` "I love you, Evan. Goodnight," Shantelle responded. "I'm hard again,’ Evan teased. "I did not hear that. I'm already sleeping," Shantelle said, leaving Evan chuckling.

The next day, everyone departed from the resort right after breakfast. They left the same way, riding on a yacht. The entire trip, Lucas slept on Shantelle's chest. Lucas took a last-minute dip on the beach before leaving, making him tired during the voyage. Shantelle was caressing Lucas' head and singing him a song when her work phone rang.

Her father, William, had to take the call for Shantelle. However, the center was calling about a chest wall surgery. William only specialized in heart surgery. He returned the phone to his daughter. Not wanting to disturb Lucas, Evan had to hold the phone up in Shantelle's ears. She softly instructed the surgeon on duty about a patient with a collapsed lung due to internal bleeding. "Yes, address the bleeding first so he can breathe and check the broken ribs. By what you are telling me, I think the patient needs rib alignment through plates," Shantelle softly said, controlling the volume of her voice. "You are welcome, Doctor Cheng. Of course. Right, I agree." Finally, when the call ended, Shantelle sighed. While they hired tenured thoracic surgeons, it was common for them to seek a second opinion. As the center's lead surgeon, it was her job to give them advice. She turned to Evan, seated next to her, and instructed, "They might call again or text if they have questions about the procedure. Let me know if there are any." Evan nodded and rested back. He then watched as Shantelle massaged Lucas' back. An hour later, the heart and lung center sent her a text. Evan quickly noticed it, and he gave the phone to Shantelle. Unfortunately, Lucas complained about the movement. "What did they say? Just open it, Hubby. I'm holding Lucas," Shantelle suggested. Evan glanced at Shantelle, asking, "What's your passcode?" It was as if Shantelle had a realization that her face flushed. She gazed up at Evan and rethought her decision. However, Evan had already slid open her phone, and he asked again, "What's the passcode, Wifey?" "It's 9021989," she weakly answered. Evan's eyes widened. A smile easily formed on his face as he unlocked Shantelle's phone. He read the message for her, saying, "The operation went well. They are now aligning the patient's ribs."

Shantelle bashfully nodded and replied, "Good to know." Just then, Shantelle's other phone buzzed. This time, it was her personal phone, the same one she used in Warlington. Evan also took it from Shantelle's bag and saw from the preview that it was Doctor Hale. He said, "Do you want me to open it too?" Shantelle nodded. He used the same passcode, and it opened for him. From then on, Evan's smile could not be contained. He felt like a teenage boy, delighting over the fact that Shantelle had used his birth date to lock her phones. Evan happily read Doctor Hale's message. "He said he is thinking of relocating to Rose Hills." Shantelle faintly answered, "I think that would be a good idea. With me being pregnant, I could use another senior in the center. Could you text him back, Hubby?" Evan did as Shantelle asked. After relaying messages to Doctor Hale for Shantelle, a thought came through Evan's mind. Shantelle has had the other phone since Warlington. He leaned in and asked, "So, when did you change your passcode to my birthday?" "Um," Shantelle giggled. She answered, "I don't remember." Evan kept bugging her about it, but Shantelle acted to fall asleep, shutting her eyes while laughing inside and listening to him. She did not give in, leaving Evan curious. Later that day, Evan and Shantelle went to see the gynecologist specializing in fertility. The doctor, Tamara Willis, a a woman in her late forties was thrilled for the couple. She guided them to the ultrasound room and studied Shantelle's uterus. "Congratulations! You are pregnant!" Doctor Tamara turned the screen to Evan and Shantelle, asking, "Any guesses how many babies you will have?"

CHAPTER 101Shantelle was lying down in a hospital bed, staring at the monitor. She held Evan's hand from one side as she counted two amniotic sacs. She wasn't a gynecologist, but she knew what those round things meant. She and Evan were having two babies! "I'm not sure what we are looking at, Doctor Willis," Evan said. All he saw were two black circles in a mass of white background. "But, does that mean two babies?" "You got it right, Mister Thompson!" The doctor excitedly revealed. "Congratulations, Doctor Shant. Your son must be very excited to have a sibling. Later, you will go home to tell him the better news. Based on the ultrasound, you are already six weeks pregnant." "The ovulation medications were very effective. Sometimes, a woman will have two eggs at once, and this is a good example of this!" Doctor Willis happily reported. "Wow." Shantelle felt her heart race. She was apprehensive about carrying twins but seeing the delight on Evan's face; her worries were quickly erased. "Wifey, did you hear that? I'm going to be a father of two," Evan happily declared. Shantelle smiled brightly at Evan, saying, "I heard it and saw it!" After confirming the pregnancy, the doctor let the couple hear the babies' heartbeats. Evan especially paid attention to where the doctor was pointing and how loud the beating of the babies' hearts was. It made Evan emotional, and so did Shantelle. Shantelle recalled her first pregnancy, carrying Lucas. She went to the clinic with her mother that day. Back then, she had wondered how Evan would feel about having a child. How she wished she could turn back the time and had called Evan

then. It was too late, though. She could only move on. At least, with their following children, Evan can stay by her side and experience how it was to bring a new life into the world. "It's beautiful," Evan remarked. "It's music to my ears." He looked down at Shantelle and pecked her hand, saying, "I'm glad I came with you. I want to be with you in every prenatal." With a smile, Shantelle replied, "You should. I don't want you to miss a single ultrasound. Each viewing is different. In the next ultrasound, you would see their small bodies forming." "I look forward to it," Evan claimed. He could not help but feel his chest becoming heavy. He wanted to see the things he missed during Shantelle's first pregnancy for himself. Finally, after the ultrasound, Shantelle was given prescriptions and instructions for the first trimester. They were back at the clinic, with Shantelle and Evan sitting in from Doctor Willis' tale. The OB doctor said, "Drink your prenatal vitamins every day. If you are experiencing nausea, try to avoid difficult-to-digest food like beef and minimize your fiber intake since you will get so bloated during the adjustment stage. Get a lot of fluids and rest. I know you are a doctor, Doctor Shant, but I hope you can balance things." Shantelle caressed her belly and answered, "I will." She turned to Evan and swore, "Evan and I will take care of these babies." "Great! Then, your next scheduled visit is next month," the gynecologist advised. Before getting dismissed, however, Evan cleared his throat. He asked, "So Doctor Willis, I'd like to know how healthy is the pregnancy?" "Oh, the pregnancy is very healthy. We prepared for it, after all," Doctor Tamara replied. "The lining in her uterus is perfect. Since Shantelle is in a healthy condition, there is nothing to worry about the pregnancy for now. There may be

complications with multiple pregnancies that may arise later, but that is why we will have regular check-ups to monitor the pregnancies' progress." "Being a doctor, Doctor Shant will be able to evaluate her own body as well. If that is the concern, please call or text me anytime," Doctor Tamara offered. "In case you feel pelvic pain or have any discomfort, I can issue you in advance some medication to maintain a healthy womb, but only take it if you feel there is any discomfort." "The side effects of taking in so many hormones can worsen your nausea," the doctor explained. "So take it only when needed." "Okay, Doc." Evan wiped off the beads of sweat from his forehead. He was happy about the news, but it did not answer his other concern. He just needed to put it out there and ask, "But is pregnancy safe for us to have regular sex?" i "Oh!" The doctor finally realized, and Tamara eyed the couple. Shantelle flushed profusely. "I'm sorry, I should have read between the lines. The common questions of couples," Doctor Willis said. "How often do you Have sex?" Evan replied, "At least twice a day." "A week," Shantelle contradicted. She was well aware that the average sex life in couples was around two to three times a week, but they were way beyond the average, especially after living together. Following their reply, Shantelle and Evan frowned at each other, making the doctor laugh. "Wow, it's good that you have a healthy sex life," Doctor Tamara remarked. "To answer your question. Sex will not harm the pregnancy in general, but while the baby is still developing during the first trimester, maybe you can tone it down a little." Evan cleared his throat and clarified, "Maybe, once a day, doc? Doctor Willis, you have to understand. We love each other

so much, we can't get enough of each other. I would appreciate it if we could get a clearer picture here." The gynecologist laughed and answered, "Yes, once a day should be fine, but not to worry! It's always oral!" Doctor Tamara winked. Evan smirked. Shantelle became entirely red but was also relieved they could carry on the way she and Evan wanted each other. -•* Following the check-up, Evan and Shantelle went to both their respective offices. They reported for half a day and returned to their villa late in the evening. When the couple arrived together, they kissed Lucas goodnight. It was from within their room that they covered the plans for their marriage. While settling in the bed, Shantelle said, "Evan, about the wedding. We can't have a big one. A simple wedding will do. Lucas won't be able to attend a big wedding. You know that." "I was thinking, maybe we can just have it at the courthouse, you know," she presented. "What? No way," Evan refused. "I want it to be special. Although I agree, we cannot have a crowded wedding. It doesn't means it cannot be grand." Evan put a hand on his chest and claimed, "Trust me, I can make it happen. I'm not Evan Thompson for no reason. You are going to marry a capable man." Amused at his claims, Shantelle laughed. She rolled her eyes and replied," Okay, if you say so. I'm curious how you are going to pull it off." "Is next month okay, Shanty? I want to consider how your baby bump would be by that time," Evan sought. Shantelle thought about it and said, "Yes, I think that should still be fine. Next month then."

The couple was already preparing to sleep when Evan suddenly turned to Shantelle, his frame covering hers. With a frown, she asked, "What are you doing?" "Claiming my once a day," Evan announced, his eyes filled with passion. Shantelle was puzzled. She thought about last night and said, "Didn't we do it past midnight, making it still outside the one-day rule?" "No, no. We didn't. We had our second round at eleven, and ended a few minutes before midnight. The third round doesn't count since you did it with your mouth," Evan said in detail. Shantelle's face burned. She replied, "Oh, that's right." She laughed and started feeling his manhood with her leg, saying, "But you aren't hard enough." "Say the magic words," Evan suggested. More giggles left her lips when Shantelle finally said, "I love you, Evan." The second she said the magic words, she felt his rod, stiffening against her thigh. The next thing she knew, Evan was grounding against her, letting her feel his erection. "Wow," Shantelle remarked. "So effective."

Two days passed. Evan prepared a surprise for Shantelle. He had asked her to get off early from the heart and lung center to meet her wedding gown designer at the Thompson Group of Companies' office building. When Shantelle made it inside the CEO's office, her mouth fell on the floor, and her skin crawled altogether, seeing who the designer was. "Oh, my god!" Shantelle screamed.

CHAPTER 102 Chapter 102: Dream Wedding Gown

When Shantelle entered Evan's office, she was surprised to see a lady. Before she could react, however, she noticed that Kaleb Wright was there, Evan's new business partner. ' Wifey! You finally made it!" Evan said. He stood up and introduced, "This is the designer for your wedding gown." Shantelle's gaze was fixed on the woman. She had long brown hair, and she wore expensive clothes, a brand familiar to her. When the woman turned, Shantelle's mouth fell open, realizing who it was. She screamed," Oh, my god!" It was Sarah Kate, her favorite designer. Shantelle then recalled how Kaleb Wright was Sarah Kate's twin brother. She knew there was a possibility she would meet the designer. Still, she never imagined having Sarah Kate make her wedding gown. It was a dream come true! The designer smiled at Shantelle and introduced herself. "You must be Mister Thompson's wife, Doctor Shan't? It's lovely to meet you. I'm Sarah Kate Ronaldo, designer of Sarah Kate collections and apparel. I am Kaleb's twin sister." "Oh, my god! Oh, my god!" Shantelle repeated. She walked hurriedly in front of the designer and said, "I love you! I love your dresses, and I love you!" Sarah Kate became amused at Shantelle's reaction. Her eyes gleamed as she responded, "I love you too. You are gorgeous. We have the same eyes." "Do we?" Shantelle excitedly reacted. "I think you are so beautiful." "You are beautiful. You and your perfect blonde hair, you remind me of my mom!" Sarah Kate suggested. "Your mother must be so pretty," Shantelle remarked. "You are pretty," Sarah Kate said back. Shantelle instantly connected with the designer. Sarah Kate was amiable and down to earth for someone who had achieved so much. After that thrilling initial meeting, Sarah Kate reviewed a few sketches with Shantelle at Evan's mini lounge area.

The two ladies sat on the same couch. Kaleb sat on another sofa next to his sister. Evan chose to sit on the single couch next to Shantelle. He maintained his distance from Sarah Kate, keeping his number one rule. "Mister Thompson had been so kind to send me your pictures, so I had an idea what to present. With your body structure, you should have an off- shoulder top that displays your slender neck, a gown that will hug your body - at the top of my head, a mermaid type of wedding gown." The designer took out two sketches and said, "Tadah!" The first option was a full lace wedding dress that capped part of her upper arm. It was an off-shoulder design, just like Sarah Kate had suggested, but Shantelle felt it was a bit too lacy. The second design had little lace details, and while it was off-shoulder type, it had nude-like sleeves going down to the wrist and the same nude like effect on the back. To Shantelle, it looked elegant and sexy. It would appear that no cloth would be covering her back, and only embroidered leaf patterns framed her body. "I think I like this one," Shantelle declared. She grabbed the sketch and showed it to Evan. "This one, Hubby. It's beautiful." Evan nodded and said to Sarah Kate, "Okay, let's seal the deal. You agree to focus only on my wife's wedding gown and nothing else." "Yes, sir." Sarah Kate smiled and suggested, "For the right price." "Money is not an issue with me," Evan claimed. The designer glanced at Shantelle and reported, "By the way, I forgot to mention how the dress will be embroidered with over three hundred thousand gems. So, on that day, you will be a shining star." "Wow!" Shantelle exclaimed. Then, she wondered how much a wedding dress would cost if it had over three hundred thousand gems, plus being created by a well-known designer.

"Mister Thompson, the dress will be at two million dollars," Sarah Kate revealed, and with that, Shantelle coughed at the cost. "Wait. Wait. Wait. Two million dollars? Do I really need three hundred thousand gems on my dress, Evan?" Shantelle complained. "Shanty, I want the best for our wedding, including the gown you will wear," Evan suggested. "My money will mean nothing if I can't splurge it on the woman I love." "Well said," Sarah Kate remarked. Shantelle and Evan briefly debated about it, but Evan was not convinced. He was determined to give Shantelle a very extravagant gown. Finally, after reaching an agreement, Evan gave Sarah Kate the check. Evan and Kaleb went to another meeting room to discuss the rebranding of the condominium. When Shantelle and Sarah Kate were alone, the two got to know each other on a deeper level. Shantelle felt Sarah Kate was genuine and very likable, and she quickly opened up to her. "So, I heard that you are pregnant. Congratulations!" The designer said in an optimistic tone. "And twins! Wow! I have I always wanted to have twins. You are so lucky." "Oh, I took ovulation medication," Shantelle revealed. "I see," the lady answered. "I probably took those too. I can't remember. I had problems conceiving." "So how is it getting married to a famous husband?" Shantelle eagerly asked. Her favorite designer married a tennis superstar named Carlos Ronaldo, once ranked number one in the world. "It is great, but it was difficult at first, in a sense that you get judged whether you deserve to be with a famous man," Sarah Kate suggested. "I also had my fair share of mistakes in our early relationship. Like, I wanted more than just the girlfriend he would leave behind during his tournaments. It's a really long story, but, at the end of the day, as long as you love each other, you make it work."

She winked at Shantelle, adding, "It's all about trust and communication, and the more you spend time with each other, the more love grows. I heard Mister Thompson is famous in Rose Hills, but good for you, you are also a prominent doctor." "Thank you, but I am rebuilding my name as of now. A problem somewhat halted my career growth at the previous hospital I had worked for," Shantelle revealed. "It still doesn't change the fact that he is famous amongst the ladies." "At least you are back on track now," the designer said. "And about women going after your man, it's a two-way thing. He needs to push them away. You also need to protect what's yours." The designer formed her hand into a fist, and she suggested, "You need to keep your man happy. Don't stir up any unnecessary argument with your husband. Do not end a day with a misunderstanding. Talk it out or have sex. That always works." Sarah Kate giggled before resuming, "Compliment him. Tell him how much you love him. And last, don't forget to give him his daily dose of passionate love." "You know what I mean." She held Shantelle's hand and said, "Let me teach you some things I learned from my sister and mom." 5 In the next few minutes, Shantelle flushed while the designer whispered tips into her ear. Occasionally, her mouth opened in shock, yet she felt excitement in her core as she nodded in agreement. "Damn! That is hot! Oh, wow." "When you are in your second trimester, your sex drive will go up, really, really high, and you could apply the things I had shared with you," Sarah Kate said. "And about your pregnancy? Don't think it's a hindrance. I'm sure you can work your way around it. My sister-in-law had the best of her career, handling cases in court during her pregnancies. Babies can be a blessing and a good luck charm,"

the designer described. Shantelle smiled at what Sarah Kate said. She looked at her belly and felt it, saying, "We -urn, admittedly, decided to have a child because my son may need a stem cell treatment. However, seeing Evan is so happy about us getting pregnant and my son is so over the moon about it, I think this pregnancy will make us a stronger family. On my part, hearing the babies' heartbeats during the ultrasound made me feel instantly connected to them." "It's amazing how we, mothers, feel about their babies," Shantelle remarked. "It's like we are one." "I know exactly how that feels," Sarah Kate said with a smile. "I love my children more than my life." The ladies continued to chat, covering their personal lives until they heard Evan and Kaleb's voices outside the door. Knowing it was finally time to leave, Sarah Kate embraced Shantelle saying, "I really like you. I wish you and your husband, a stronger relationship." "Me too. I genuinely like you, and thank you for the - urn, tips," Shantelle laughed. The designer gave her a thumbs up, saying, "Good luck! Wow him! Haha!"

The following day, Evan awoke to the feel of Shantelle's tongue tracing his nuts up to the tip of his shaft, her hand massaging his balls. "Shanty," Evan called, utterly surprised by his wake-up call. Shantelle looked at him seductively, her eyes filled with passion. She said," I love you, Evan, and I love this. I want you." Shantelle repeated the same process before taking him all in. Her warm mouth was around his shaft. Inside, Evan felt her tongue slurping his member. His Wifey was eating him hard while tickling his rod with her tongue. It felt amazing! His Wifey had eaten him many times before, but this was different. She was so into it. The words that left her lips added to

his excitement. How she gently massaged his nuts and teased him, was just an added bonus. "Aaahh!" Soon, the sound of Shantelle's work on Evan's manhood echoed around the room, and the man was ready to cum in no time. "I'm cumming, Wifey. I'm cumming," Evan meant to warn her so that he could release outside her mouth, but she went at it heartily, not giving him a chance to pull out. "Aahhh," Evan wound up erupting into Shantelle's mouth. His eyes became full of desire as Shantelle swallowed it all down. "Fuck, that was amazing." After pleasing her man early in the morning, Shantelle climbed over Evan to kiss his lips. She took her time, tasting his flavor, and when she let go, she asked, "Did you like that?" Evan frantically nodded, saying, "I love it." He frowned and asked, "Where where did you learn to tease me like that?" Shantelle chuckled and said, "Ah, read it on Cosmopolitan."

Later in Shantelle's office, she received an email that surprised her. It read: [Dear Mrs. Thompson, This is to confirm your lifetime subscription to Cosmopolitan. 4 You may access the monthly issue by creating an account through our website. Click here to create your account.] Shantelle laughed hysterically. She knew well how she wound up having such a subscription!

CHAPTER 103

Chapter 103: Different Approach "Good morning, fellow doctors. I am Doctor Shant, and I am here to discuss medicine's new advancement. The Roboticassisted surgery by Lovewell/ Shantelle said in front of a crowd of doctors.

The makers of the robotic surgery, Lovwell, tapped Saint Dominique's Heart and Lung Center to promote their product. Since Shantelle had proven its effectiveness, she willingly accepted the offer. Not only will the center be sponsored with another robotic surgery system, but Shantelle also wanted to share her experience in using the same. "The integration of high-resolution 3D vision, wristed instruments, and intuitive motion control enable surgeons to transcend the limitations of conventional surgical technologies," Shantelle began, her eyes roaming the hotel venue where The local conference was held. She quickly found Evan behind the crowd, and she smiled in his direction. "Three network components comprise the surgical Lovewell system; an ergonomic surgeon's console, a patient's side cart with four interactive robotic arms, and a high-definition 3D vision system," she continued. Soon after, she noticed how Evan took a call. It must have been an important one that he exited the conference room. Thinking of this, she proceeded with her talk. The discussion lasted for more than an hour, and Shantelle then had to present one of her recent surgeries, performing a bypass using the robotic system. In the video, she explained, "I did not have to cut the patient's chest to find the mammary artery, as you can see. Overall, it saved time, minimized blood loss, and reduced the patient's hospital stay." The gathering ended after an open discussion where Shantelle and the makers of the Lovwell robotic system had to answer doctors' questions. After the conference, Shantelle received word from her father. William had been listening to the conference the whole time. When Shantelle approached him, he revealed, "Good work, Shanty. Go to the children's hospital now. Evan admitted Lucas." "What? Did his fever return?" Shantelle asked. Two weeks had gone by since Evan's proposal. The weather recently had

not been well, and they suspected Lucas to have caught a seasonal flu. He had a runny nose and a fever two nights back, but it went away on the third day. Doctor Patel only encouraged admission if the fever would return, and sadly it had. Shantelle immediately rushed to the hospital and found Evan and Lucas in one of the private suites. Her shoulders fell in relief seeing the father and son, playing a board game. "Evan, why didn't you tell me? I could have left the conference!" Shantelle questioned. The man smiled at Shantelle, directing her to the closet, saying, "Wifey dear, go wash up and change clothes." 'Right,' Shantelle silently said. It was necessary to keep themselves clean whenever they were with Lucas, given his condition. After Shantelle bathed and changed, she got the answer from Evan. He said, "I didn't want to ruin your moment. You looked so great earlier. The doctors were looking at you in awe, you looked confident and amazing, and I knew you were looking forward to that sponsorship. Although, I could have just bought another robotic system if that was what you wanted." "Moreover, the exposure was good for you - to get you out there. The Lovwell company will post your videos on its website and social media channels. Clients and patients worldwide will recognize your name as the Doctor representing Lovwell," Evan said, referring to the company that had invented the robotic system. "But Evan "Wifey, I wanted you to have your moment, and if our son were in danger, I would stop the conference in a heartbeat. However, I knew the conference would end soon, and Lucas still needed to be evaluated," Evan reasoned." Besides, look at him. Overall, he is fine.' "Yeah, Mommy, I am fine. My fever is not so high," Lucas claimed.

"What about you, Evan? Why aren't you at the company?" Shantelle weakly asked as she sat on the chair across from Lucas. "I've tapped my Vice President with most of the work, and James is passing everything to me. I'll work on my laptop from here," Evan revealed." Let me do the more serious sacrifices here, Shanty. I've already proven myself, and my company has many executives to keep it running. On the other hand, you want to achieve so much more, and that's understandable." "Let's not argue about this," Evan proposed. "I wasn't arguing," Shantelle replied, pouting her lip. She paused and sighed, "Thanks for attending to Lucas. I thought you went to the company." "I will always have Lucas and you as my priority, and then, our babies, of course," Evan replied with a smile. He then reported, referring to Lucas," The hospital already collected his blood. Doctor Patel should be here any minute now. It had been over an hour." It did not take long for Lucas' Doctor to knock on their door. Doctor Patel walked in with his usual smile. His optimism was so infectious that Shantelle's worries disappeared. He said to Lucas, "Boy, you have been doing well? Are you eating your regular vegetables?" "Yes! So much!" Lucas exclaimed. "I eat a lot of fruits too. Mommy keeps telling me to eat lots of folates and iron-rich food!" Shantelle explained, "I posted charts in his room, which included the kinds of food he should eat to keep a healthy cell production." "Wonderful!" Doctor Patel exclaimed. "It's great to have a doctor for a mom!" Lucas laughed and claimed, "The best Mom! And Daddy cooks my broccoli! ■a

"Does he now? I can't imagine a busy dad like yours cooking," Doctor Patel remarked. A few exchanges were made before Doctor Patel revealed the results of Lucas' recent blood test. He stated, "Looks like this viral infection he got, dropped his blood count. We tested him last week, and they were fine. Now, they have fallen a little below the average, especially the red blood cells." "So what do we do now, Doctor Patel? Should we do a transfusion again?" Evan asked. I was thinking of having a different approach this time, something more potent. Doctor Patel turned to Shantelle and suggested, "Intravenous Immunoglobulin." Evan turned to Shantelle, and she explained, "Immunoglobulins are antibodies from the plasma of thousands of healthy donors. They are made by the immune system of healthy people to fight infections." "Doctor Shant, I've shared with you the blood sample results I sent to the European laboratory. It showed that Lucas' cells are still growing, only that they are at a slower rate. So, I considered other factors affecting Lucas' bone marrow, including having poor antibodies to fight regular infections," the hematologist explained. To normal people, one may produce enough antibodies to fight the common flu, but what if your immune system is not strong enough? Anemia comes in and can go on if a patient continues to fight common illnesses weakly. Then, it can lead to a severe form of anemia," The Doctor said. "Plus, we have to consider that some viruses out there cause no obvious symptoms. You could be infected, your body fights it, and you don't know it, " the Doctor said. "So, this time, we want to try giving Lucas a boost of the immune system to give him time and generate more healthy blood cells."

Shantelle nodded the whole time, and after the pediatrician gave his suggestion, she replied, "Let's go for IV antibodies." "Good! I'll have Lucas on an IV drip so the antibodies infusion will have no or minimal side effects," Doctor Patel said. “I'll schedule it for tonight."

Lucas had his antibodies infusion as scheduled. His fever went away instantly, and he was more active than the last. The The couple slept in the hospital for two nights, awaiting their son's next blood test. In between, Shantelle worked during the day, and Evan stayed at the hospital the whole time, working on his laptop. When the results finally came in, Doctor Patel reported to the couple," Good news, Lucas' blood count went up. This treatment may work for Lucas in the long term. I recommend having Lucas on a monthly IVIG infusion until his blood work is at a healthy level." i Lucas was discharged immediately on the same day. The couple was relieved that the antibodies infusion instantly healed their son from the flu he had acquired. Combined with a healthy diet, supplements, and close monitoring, they hope it is the key to helping Lucas produce more healthy blood cells. While the couple was en-route to the villa, Evan received a call from Keith. Immediately, he asked, "What happened to Lucas? Why is there a bill for his insurance of nearly twenty thousand dollars? Is everything okay? I haven't received the full report yet. Please don't tell me he went through immunosuppressant therapy." Evan felt the worry in Keith's voice. He replied, "Relax, he received an antibodies infusion. That's why it cost so much." "Antibodies?" Keith sighed in relief. Evan could tell Keith nearly choked on his words as he said, "Thank goodness." Despite everything, Evan was comforted by how Keith cared for his son. Over the past months, Keith's compassion for Lucas alleviated their awkwardness. Evan sought, "What about me, Keith? Do you want to ask how I am?”

Dead air fell upon them. After some time, Keith questioned, "How are you handling things, Evan? I know it's tough, but you must be reassuring for Lucas. You will always have my support." A smile formed on Evan's face. He replied, "Thank you, Keith. I am. I greatly appreciate your help, and Lucas thanks you for covering all his medical expenses. Don't forget; the wedding is in eighteen days. I expect you to be there." Evan anticipated another pause from Keith, but his friend quickly replied, "I would not miss it for the world, fucking watching Evan Thompson cry - which I know you will." "Haha!" Evan laughed boisterously. He answered, "You are probably right, but I'll put you in the very back seat of the venue. Let's see who gets the last laugh." "No, you won't! Lucas and Shanty will look for me," Keith claimed. "Save me one dance with Shanty "No, fucking way," Evan answered outright. "Oh, come on, Evan. I guess that's a compliment. You still think of me as a competition," Keith countered. A hiss left Evan's lips, and he replied, "Fine! Half a song!”

CHAPTER 104 Chapter 104: Meeting An Old Rival Lucas showed remarkable improvement after his antibodies infusion. His blood counts went above average in less than a week following his discharge. The increase in his white blood cells was a given due to his added antibodies, but remarkably his red blood cells also increased. Thus, the couple was hopeful there would be no interruptions to their wedding. Ten days before the scheduled nuptials, Evan asked Shantelle about the yearly thoracic surgeon's congress. The man

became aware of the event because the Lockwood children's hospital was asked if Evan could sponsor the conference. The event was happening in Lockwood City. During his regular visit to Shantelle's office, he asked, "Do you want me to book you at the annual doctors' summit?" Shantelle was encoding a patient's profile when Evan raised the event. She pouted and said, "I declined to go. My nausea is getting worse, and the wedding is in a few days. I have a lot on my mind "But this conference is important to you," Evan pointed out. "I remember you were looking forward to it. It will feature speakers who are veteran thoracic surgeons from Europe who have practiced the robotic surgery system for over a year." Evan was sitting in front of Shantelle's desk. He cleared his throat and added, "And you are lying about nausea. You have been dealing with it well with your diet. So it's not a significant hindrance. Wifey, if you are worried about Lucas, I'll take care for him. Besides, he is doing better, and aren't you an award this year due to what happened in Warlington? Wifey, you need to be out there. I want you to have that limelight." Shantelle thought about it and decided to go. She said, "Okay. Promise me you'll take care of Lucas." "Have I failed you with Lucas?" Evan sought. Shantelle smiled brightly at Evan. She walked over to him and sat on his lap, saying, "No, you haven't." She kissed his lips and flushed, admitting," aside from Lucas, I thought I might miss you. It's going to be a three-day conference. So I hesitated to go." Evan smiled from ear to ear. He kissed Shantelle and littered pecks on her neck before saying, "I love it when you express your feelings. I love you, Shanty. How about this? We'll talk every night with Lucas, and on the last day - during your awarding, I'll fetch you." "Sounds like a plan," Shantelle nodded.

Two days later, Shantelle arrived in Lockwood City. She merely changed clothes in her hotel room. Then, she proceeded to the conference center, where the event was held at the Crown Plaza Hotel, Lockwood, i Shantelle met Doctor Hale and a few of her co-doctors in the same field, including some of her classmates from Medical School. Doctor Hale had arrived earlier than Shantelle. He had already settled at a table with several of his batchmates. Thus, Shantelle sought an empty seat from the opposite side of the venue. It was there where she met her previous school rival, Doctor Millet Hart. "Oh, Shantelle. It's you. I heard you couldn't make it. What made you change your mind?" Doctor Hart sought, seeing Shantelle stands in front of the table. "Personal reasons," Shantelle replied without giving Millet any attention. She earnestly wanted to find another seat, but The other tables were full of men, and she didn't like to be with them, especially flirtatious doctors. Doctor Millet Hart always landed second to Shantelle in Medical School. Shantelle believed Millet was jealous of her. Millet wanted to be the top surgeon in Warrington Hospital, but after knowing how Shantelle had connections in the form of Doctor William Scott, Millet chose to practice in another city. After Shantelle sat down, Millet whispered into another doctor's ear, and they laughed. The other doctor was also a classmate of Shantelle back in Watlington Medical School. It was Doctor Penelope Landa, one of Millet's groupies. "Shantelle, Doctor Shant, right?" Another female doctor said. "I'm Doctor Emma Brown. I'm a pediatric thoracic surgeon at Lockwood Children's Hospital. I think you and Doctor Hale were very courageous to go against the manipulation of heart donors in Warlington. For that, you have my respect."

Shantelle immediately smiled at her, knowing where Emma was working. She responded, "It's nice to meet you. I hear many good things about The Lockwood Children's Hospital." Emma smiled and replied, "It's because of the hospital's owner. He finds ways to give charity to those who are struggling financially. So, we often get featured on TV for the miracle we do for the less fortunate. He is really kind and generous." Shantelle beamed. She knew this well because Evan owned seventy percent of the hospital. Wendell, Sean, and Keith held the rest of the thirty percent. The Lockwood National Park and the Children's Hospital was Evan's biggest charity project. In response to Emma, Shantelle remarked, "I bet he is." "He is not only rich and generous, but he is very handsome!" Doctor Emma said, fanning herself. 1 "Wow, I would love to meet him," Shantelle suggested, chuckling at her own suggestion. Emma didn't seem to know her as Evan's partner. Either she was too busy to find out about Evan, or she may have seen the news about her but had forgotten about it. Last, Shantelle considered that social media news feeds only relevant information to one's profile. Thus, the news about Evan and her may have been less important for those outside Rose Hills, regardless if they were employees of one of Evan's companies. Emma might not have seen it at all. "I believe he sponsored this event, so he might come - might!" Emma shrugged. "Though, I heard he is married. So, we better back off and just dream of him from afar. Haha!" "Oh, that's too bad," Shantelle plainly said, her face burning at the thought of Evan. "Gosh, Shantelle. Stop, please. You may have succeeded in your career, but you are unlucky in love. Aren't you divorced? Your ex-husband got you pregnant and left you?" Out of nowhere, Doctor Millet said. "Stop dreaming about quality men because no one wants a leftover. Haha!"

"Millet, I can't believe you are still upset that I finished at the top of our class or is this still about how I was awarded the fellowship training, and you were left out?" Shantelle shut back. "Oh, this is not about me at all. I'm just saving Doctor Emma from the second-hand embarrassment of introducing you to any fine specimen," Doctor Millet said. Millet leaned closer to Emma and reported, "You see, Doctor Shant here married too early. After her husband found out she was pregnant, he left her. She never remarried. Rather, no one wanted her." Turning to Shantelle, Millet added, "Must be hard finding a good man when you are a single mother." After saying those words to Shantelle, Millet and Penelope laughed. The other six doctors at their table glanced at Shantelle with pity. "Stop that. Divorce happens all the time. It doesn't make you a bad person," Emma warned, shaking her head. Another the doctor echoed the same. "Of course, it only lessens your value," Penelope remarked, resulting in another laugh from her and Millet. "It's okay, Emma," Shantelle said. "Penelope and Millet don't know my full story. It isn't as bad as they say. Don't worry about it. I'm not affected "Later, we should go out for a drink," Emma winked at Shantelle and suggested. "I'll introduce you to our oncologist. He is also super hot. He was previously divorced, so you can find him relatable "Oh, no. No," Shantelle chuckled. She revealed, "I am getting married next week. I don't need a man. In fact, I consider I am already married. In my heart, I am. Besides, I am pregnant. I can't drink." "Oh, my god, Shantelle. Who did you fool?" Millet was ridiculed. "How did he take it being an instant father? Wait, did you say Are you pregnant? I bet the only reason he married you was because of the baby. The poor man got trapped into marrying

you. Haha!" "I'd sure like to meet your soon-to-be husband, Shantelle!" Millet added before she and Penelope threw in another set of giggles. "Sure, maybe. I'll see to it that you will," Shantelle replied, rolling her eyes. It wasn't like her to boast, but since she was taunted, why not flaunt your man?

CHAPTER 105 Chapter 105: The Blue-Velvet Kashmir Sapphire "Yes, Doctor Shant. Anything you'd like to share," one of the speakers called, seeing Shantelle raise her hand. On the second day of the conference, Shantelle remained to amaze the doctors in her field. She was young, yet she wisely answered many of her co-surgeon's concerns. Standing up, she presented, "Choosing a candidate for robotic surgery is critical. Aside from the patient's age and condition, I would prefer open surgery if the patient underwent a prior operation. The patient's scar or adhesions from Previous surgery can make landmarks and structures more challenging to determine major veins and arteries. It could cause significant bleeding during the operation. Nevertheless, we should have a vascular surgeon on standby in case it occurs. Lastly, there is no shame in having a second consultant check the operation." She smiled and added, "We, as doctors, should help each other save patients' lives, regardless of our specialty." While Shantelle impressed other doctors with her logic, knowledge, and experience, the envy from a few of her batch

mates inflated. It was because they had yet to achieve what Shantelle had. She was the first in her batch to have landed in a lead surgeon role. She was the chief surgeon in Warlington, and now, the lead surgeon at Saint Dominique's Heart and the Lung Center. Shantelle evaded Doctor Millet and Doctor Penelope, including some of her classmates from Warlington Medical School. She managed to find a seat within Doctor Hale's circle. Still, it did not help reduce the gossip that revolved around her. In the evening, all the attendees had dinner at the main restaurant of the Crown Piazza Hotel, where they all feasted on a sumptuous buffet. Shantelle found herself a seat together with Doctor Hale. Unfortunately, Millet and Penelope and two female doctors from the same class as Shantelle sat at the table next to them. Doctor Emma and a few of her colleagues also joined Millet's table. Emma greeted Shantelle, "Hello, Doctor Shant." Emma introduced another doctor, saying, "This is Doctor Gina. She is my assistant surgeon at the Lockwood Children's Hospital." Shantelle smiled at Emma, including her colleague. Gina briefly studied Shantelle, and her brows met. She said, "Doctor Shant, you know... you look so familiar. Have I seen you before?" 'Not personally,' Shantelle assumed Gina must have seen her in one of the articles about Evan, but she did not state her beliefs. Shantelle merely replied, "Maybe from another conference? It's nice to meet you, Doctor Gina." Returning to her meal, Shantelle occasionally chatted with Doctor Hale's plans to move to Rose Hills. As they were talking, she heard Millet say from behind her, "Look at my engagement ring. Jeffrey gave it to me last night! I heard it costs over a hundred thousand dollars!"

"Oh, my god! It's so beautiful!" Penelope remarked. "He spoils you too much!" Doctor Emma said, "Wow, Doctor Jeffrey Stant, as in the known neurologist in Warlington?" "I'm jealous of you," Doctor Gina added. "Yes," Millet answered. "We have been together since medical school." Out of nowhere, she turned to Shantelle and pointed out, "You remember Jeffrey, right, Shantelle?" Shantelle had to turn sideways to accommodate Millet's probing. She did not know why Millet raised it, but she politely replied, "Yes, of course. I had met him a few times in Warlington when he had patients admitted." Millet smiled at Shantelle, revealing, "Well. He came to see me last night and proposed at the hotel’s rooftop. Jeffrey will come again tomorrow and take me home." A laugh left Millet's lips, and she remembered, "Jeffrey used to like you during our first year in medical school, Shantelle. Do you remember? But when he found out you were pregnant, he backed out! Haha!’ "Months after learning of your pregnancy, he found his way to me. Of course, my fiance Jeffrey I was the better choice," Millet claimed, flaunting her engagement ring. She smiled at Shantelle, saying, "I'll invite you to our wedding. I don't have a date yet, but please do come. And don't forget to bring your husband." Millet giggled at the end, secretly mocking Shantelle. Next to Shantelle, Doctor Hale was frowning at Millet. He wanted to interfere, but Shantelle gave him a hand gesture, cautioning him from intruding. Shantelle only widened her eyes and said, "I'm happy for you, Millet. I suppose I owe you the same gesture. You should also come to my wedding. It's happening next week at Rose Hills." Shantelle never wanted Jeffrey's attention in the first place. She had shared a few classes with him during the first year of

medical school. She did not care about him, yet Millet made it sound like he was important to her. While everyone was praising Millet for her engagement, one of the speakers at the conference suddenly walked in with her husband. They were older couples, both doctors from Europe. The lady's name was Doctor Winona. They both looked elegant and had expensive jewelry and accessories clinging to their bodies. "What's going on here? There seems to be a happy gathering?" Doctor Winona said with a beaming smile. She later learned that Millet had just announced her engagement, seeing how Millet flashed her engagement ring. Doctor Winona said, "Wow, I know this ring. I happen to be a jewelry expert. Haha. No, more like a jewelry addict." The older doctor eagerly examined Millet's ring, saying, "Oh, this is Tiffany and Company engagement ring. The ring is roughly around a hundred twenty thousand dollars." Winona smirked and added, "Doctor Millet, you got yourself a rich man." The ladies squeaked in delight for Millet. Many of them remarked how lucky she was. Emma said, "Wow, a famous doctor who is rich for a fiance. Nice catch, Doctor Millet." Millet giggled. She rolled her eyes and turned to Shantelle, saying, "Too bad, I can't say the same for Shantelle." "How did I get involved in this discussion, Millet? Why do you always have to compare me to you?" Maybe it was her hormones, but Shantelle's usual calm self could not help but question her batchmate. She stood up and raised her voice, her hands up in the air, saying, "I am truly happy for you. Why are you trying to make it look like I am jealous of you when I am not -" "Oh, my god!" Suddenly, Doctor Winona screamed, her eyes rounding while looking at Shantelle's finger. She pointed at Shantelle, saying, "Is that - is that -"

Doctor Winona turned to her husband and declared, "Sweetheart, I finally found The Blue-Velvet Kashmir Sapphire! It's on Doctor Shant's finger!" Panic flashed through Shantelle's face. She looked at her engagement ring with complete bewilderment. Her engagement ring had a name? She stuttered, "The Blue-Velvet Kashmir Sapphire?" Doctor Winona grabbed Shantelle's hand. After studying the ring closely, she cried, "It really is The Blue-Velvet Kashmir Sapphire!" Tears welled in her eyes as the older doctor glanced at Shantelle, begging, "Doctor Shant, can I buy your ring, please? I've always wanted this ring!" "Oh, but this is my engagement ring. I'm afraid that I can't sell it," Shantelle said. She smiled reluctantly and suggested, "I'm sure there are other rings you can buy, Doctor Winona." From Millet, all the attention was suddenly on Shantelle because of her engagement ring. Yet, Shantelle had no idea why? Wasn't her sapphire ring an ordinary one? Shantelle grumbled inside. Recalling her wedding gown, what were the chances that her engagement ring cost more than a million too? Doctor Winona gave Shantelle puppy eyes. She described, "Oh, Doctor Shant. I wish it were that easy. The Kashmir sapphire is the most famous type of sapphire in the world. Newly discovered ones are extremely rare as the existing material was discovered well over 100 years ago." "What you have around your finger is one of the gems that were mined over a hundred years ago. It's VERY RARE!" Doctor Winona gasped and said, "And I want it! Name your price. Six million dollars?" What?" Shantelle's mouth was on the floor. "Seven million dollars?" Doctor Winona continued. "Eight? Nine? Ten?" Shantelle nearly fainted at the offer. Who would have known she was carrying a ring that could build a mansion? Meanwhile, the female doctors from the other table became curious and looked closer at Shantelle's ring, their eyes

rounding, hearing the history of Shantelle's ring. Moreover, they were shocked at the ring's potential cost! Millet, on the other hand, was especially brewing hate inside. How could Shantelle still defeat her over an engagement ring? Suddenly, her engagement ring appeared to have little value.

Heartbeats later, Doctor Winona's begging had been alleviated. Shantelle promised her to get the right connections in in order to secure another Kashmir sapphire jewelry. She said, "My husband will be here tomorrow. You can talk to him about how he got such a piece. I'm sure he will be more than happy to share his methods. I'm sorry, I can't sell you this ring. It's from my husband, and I will forever cherish it." Sitting next to Shantelle, Doctor Winona sighed. She sadly replied, "I hope he will help me. I'm curious who is your husband, dear? How was he able to get this ring?" "I have no idea myself. He is a veteran in the field of business, and he has a lot of connections. He most likely got the ring through his contacts. As to my husband's identity, you will meet him tomorrow. I promise. He will fetch me after the conference, and you will have time to ask him about it." She smiled and quoted with her fingers, "Kashmir sapphire." "Veteran, huh," Millet remarked. "Your fiance must be old." "That makes sense. When you have a pretty face, you can get an old rich man to buy you anything," Penelope supplied. "You married an older man?" Emma asked. Shantelle frowned and replied, "He is a little older than me, but not that old.

CHAPTER 106

On day three of the congress, Shantelle did not have any luck. Because she and Evan spoke late in the evening, debating about her apparently expensive engagement ring, she woke up late. She regretfully joined the table of Doctor Millet, Doctor Penelope, Doctor Emma, and Doctor Gina. There were new faces at their table, but mostly, her old classmates, which she did not like. However, she figured she would have to bear it since it was the last day. The organizers gathered suggestions for the following year's conference during the first three hours. They had lunch in the same hall, and in the afternoon, they proceeded with the awarding. From her seat, Shantelle was looking at her phone, waiting for a reply from Evan. The man promised he would be at the hotel before one in the afternoon. It was already one PM, and there were no signs of Evan. "Good afternoon, doctors. Before we proceed with the awarding, I would like to call on one of our sponsors for this event. He will be joining us on stage to distribute the certificate and medallion awards," the host of the gathering announced. "He is one of the known philanthropists of Lockwood City, who is said to have saved many lives of young children. He has given jobs to many workers by maintaining the Lockwood National Park. Aside from his businesses here in Lockwood, our sponsor is also the CEO of the Thompson Group of Companies, one of the rising corporations in the country today," the the host resumed. "His companies include a shipping line business, a financial institution, a healthcare provider, and a real estate enterprise." With a smile, the host finally introduced, "Please help me welcome Mister Evan Thompson." Ultimately, Shantelle understood why her man was not by her side. Evan did not explain how he was going to have a grand entrance.

The doors to the conference center opened, and Evan walked in with two bodyguards to deflect any woman, breaking his number one rule. Immediately, all the ladies' mouths fell open upon seeing him. Evan wasn't only good-looking but also had that mysterious yet dangerous vibe. He had dark brown eyes, that intense look, and that poker face he often put on whenever he was in a room full of women. Notably, Evan had that perfectly maintained a beard that outlined his chiseled jaws. Aside from that, Evan was tall, well-built, and had broad shoulders. He walked confidently in each step, his chin up, establishing his dominance. "Wow, that's Evan Thompson!" Penelope first remarked. ’Phew!" She turned to Emma, saying, ’’You are lucky to have a hot boss." Emma chuckled, "I know, right? But he is married." "He is married," Gina acknowledged before turning to Shantelle, her brow lifting at her, thinking. "Who is he married to? What a lucky woman!" Millet bitterly remarked, her brows meeting altogether. As Millet turned to her colleagues, she caught Shantelle staring at Evan in a dreamlike state. Millet quickly mouthed to her co-doctors at the table, 'Look at Shantelle!' Meanwhile, Shantelle smiled at Evan's arrival. Miguel met her gaze, and he waved at Shantelle. Shantelle smiled and waved back. "Oh, look, Shantelle. The bodyguard has the hots for you. You should date him too!" Millet remarked, encouraging laughter from her side of the table. "Stop that!” Emma scolded Millet. "Doctor Shant said she is already getting married." While Millet and her crew continued bullying Shantelle, she focused on Evan. At the end of the day, she would have the last laugh anyway. She smiled at how Evan made it to the stage while Andy and Miguel tried to hold back a female doctor who wanted to get

a picture of him. "He doesn't let any woman come close to him," Emma reported. "I heard he is only dedicated to his wife." There are two sides to the story. I also heard Mister Thompson was divorced, but he regretted the divorce," Gina said. It took a little while for Evan to find Shantelle. She smiled at him, and he smiled back. "Oh, my god. Did he smile at me?" Emma said, her eyes rounded in shock." Oh, my god. Oh, my god. He remembers me." "I think so," Penelope encouraged. Gina followed Evan's gaze and could swear he was looking at Shantelle. She was bemused. She replied to Emma, "I don't think so, Emma." Soon Even made it up to the stage. He took the stand and welcomed everybody, saying, "Good afternoon, doctors. It is my honor to be with you today and present the prestigious Thoracic Surgeon Association awards." For the first time, he granted a smile to everyone, but it was a mere professional smile. He resumed, "I have added incentives to the awards, hoping it would inspire you to do better in your field - saving lives and helping patients in need of medical care. May you continue to do great so that some of you may be absorbed into my healthcare businesses soon, where you will be rewarded for your hard work and loyalty." After Evan's welcome, the awarding formally began. One by one, the host called for the doctor awardees. "For her Scientific Achievement, may we call on Doctor Winona." "For his service to humanity with dedication and selflessness, the Outstanding Community Service Award goes to Doctor Paul Lee." A few more names were called until Doctor Hale and Shantelle were ordered to the stage. The host said, "The Whistleblower Courageous award is given to the doctors for courageously saying no to evil. The award goes to Doctor

Hale and Doctor Shant." "Lastly, this year's young excellence award also goes to Doctor Shant for performing over a hundred successful thoracic surgeries," the host announced. Applause and hoots could be heard as Shantelle, and Doctor Hale got up on stage. From Shantelle's table, Millet and Penelope rolled their eyes. In the distribution of the awards, Evan would pass on a check to the host, and the current thoracic surgeon association the president would give the prize itself. The doctors did not get close to Evan, not even an inch. When the association president gave the golden medallion to Shantelle, he suggested, "Doctor Shant, two special awards for you and a gift check from Mister Thompson. What do you have to say for yourself?" Shantelle smiled. Her eyes were fixed on her batchmates. She turned to the president and said, "I simply did the best that I could to help patients being a doctor, and that includes being a responsible citizen to promote fairness in the organ donor list." Then, she glanced at Evan, expressing, "Thank you, Mister Thompson, for the prize money, but I'm afraid I will decline to receive the money. I don't want it." She bit her lip and then suggested, "I would like another special prize instead." Puzzled, the association president asked, "What price did you have in mind?" Shantelle looked at her table. She made sure the ladies who taunted her were looking at the stage. Then, she declared, "I want... a kiss from Mister Thompson." The doctors within the conference center gasped in shock. Did Doctor Shant lose her mind? From her table, Emma muttered, "She's dead. She is going to lose her job and her career altogether. Mister Thompson

will never have that." Millet, on the other hand, suggested, "Shantelle has gone delusional! Haha!" Penelope was laughing at Shantelle and her other batchmates from Watlington Medical School. Back on the stage, the president of the Thoracic Surgeons Association was trembling in fear. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead. He wondered why Doctor Shant was causing him trouble at the end of the conference. He said, "I'm afraid that's not possible -" "Excuse me." Suddenly, they heard Evan's audible voice. Everyone’s gaze fell on the man as he walked over to Shantelle. He cleared his throat and asked, "Doctor Shant, for your valiant acts, is my kiss far worthy as a reward than the money in your hand?" Shantelle peered down at the two checks in her hand. They were both fifty thousand dollars each. She returned her regard Evan and tore the checks, saying, "I would rather have a kiss, Mister Thompson. May I?"

CHAPTER 107 From their original plan, Evan and Shantelle would meet outside the conference hall, and he would sit in with her during the awarding. The request for him to help present the prizes came at the last minute. When Evan arrived, he did not know how his wife would introduce him. He could confidently claim Shantelle within his companies and back in Rose Hills, but the conference of doctors was Shantelle's territory. Thus, when he walked in, he played it by ear.

The moment Shantelle asked for a kiss, the man was elated. He was so over the moon that he did not notice how the Doctors around them questioned Shantelle's actions. Evan's eyes were fixed on Shantelle. He acted high and mighty, but inside; his heart was beating fast. To him, it meant One thing, Shantelle wanted their relationship to be known to her fellow doctors. Thus, Evan concluded that his Wifey was proud of him! "I'm waiting, Mister Thompson," Shantelle said. Finally, a bright smile formed on Evan's face, and his eyes glistened. He was about to grant Shantelle her prize when the the association's president said, "But, Mister Thompson does not let any woman get close to him." "Nonsense," Evan interrupted. He looked around and then briefly met the president's gaze. He announced, "My wife can ask anything she wants, including a kiss from me." Without further delay, Evan cupped Shantelle's chin and kissed her lips. Loud gasps could be heard throughout the venue. Jaws were dropping, and eyes were bulging. They could not help but be in awe at the sight before them. Evan was kissing Shantelle passionately. His eyes were closed as he held her face up to him, and it was the same for Doctor Shant. Silence engulfed the entire conference hall. Everyone's heads had one question. 'What did Mister Thompson say?' The president of the Thoracic Surgeons Association remained shocked by the revelation. He muttered, "Wife?" From the rows of tables, murmurs eventually arose. "Did he call Doctor Shant his wife?" "Did I hear it right?" "They would not kiss that way if they did not know each other." "And here I am, thinking Doctor Shant had gone mad." "Oh, my god! Go, Doctor Shant!" From the far end of the conference hall, back at the same table where Shantelle sat, Millet's mouth was wide open. She

didn't bother covering her mouth because she simply could not move from the shock. "Maybe - maybe we heard it wrong," Penelope stuttered as she suggested." It couldn't be." Emma was the same. Her mouth remained glued to the floor, utterly stunned. She repeated the word in her head, 'Wife.' She felt ashamed altogether, thinking about introducing Shantelle to her co-doctors when she was the boss' wife! Gina, on the other hand, said, "That's it! That was when I saw Doctor Shant's face. How could I have forgotten? The Hospital once featured an article about Mister Thompson and his family." "An article was featured?" Emma finally spoke, glaring at his assistant surgeon, Gina. "Why didn't you tell me!" "We were having surgery at that time. You were already in the operating room, and I was rushing to join you when I saw the main lobby TV screen flashed the photos," Gina recounted. "It happened so fast, I forgot about it!” Hearing Doctor Gina, Millet frowned. All the signs came rushing back, like how Evan's bodyguard waved at Shantelle, her freaking expensive engagement ring, and the fact that Evan smiled their way, but they assumed it was for Emma. Millet then glowered at Gina before returning to frown at Shantelle on stage. She commented, "Shantelle must have lied to him. It has to be that. Why would such an eligible man end up with a single-mother divorcee? It doesn’t make sense to me!" Following Millet's words, a few of Shantelle's batchmates echoed the same. Penelope, for one, suggested, "So, he is the man Shantelle is getting married to? And he is the father of the baby she carries? So he is adopting a child that is not his?" "I bet Mister Thompson doesn't know Shantelle's full history," Millet proposed.

Back at the stage, Evan and Shantelle ultimately pulled away. Shantelle was blushing like a red tomato while the man was grinning with delight. When Evan roamed the entire conference hall, he saw the puzzled expression on everyone's face. Some showed a hint of disapproval. Realizing this, he asked the host to give him the microphone. He explained, "No, Doctor Shant did not randomly ask for a kiss. It's like what I said earlier; she is my wife." "We are sorry for the show, but it seems my wife misses me so much that she asked for a kiss. And that's fine because I miss her madly too," Evan reasoned. He turned to Shantelle and was reminded of the two medallions around her neck. He said, "I am proud of my wife's achievements and honesty. Since Shanty was young, she had always wanted to be a doctor - to follow in her father's footsteps. Seeing her live her dreams now and achieving so much at this early stage of her career makes me equally gratified." "So, thank you for recognizing my wife's potential, and may you continue to support her as she climbs up to the ranks in the medical field," Evan closed. After his complete revelation, doctors began to give Shantelle applause. Doctor Hale, for one, started with a loud clap. "Bravo, Doctor Shant!" "Congratulations again. Doctor Shant," Doctor Winona said, clapping her hands. After Evan's disclosure, Shantelle pecked her man's cheek. Evan stepped back, and Shantelle took over the stand. Addressing everyone, she said," Thank you again, fellow doctors. Since I am already on stage, I would like to take this opportunity to promote our heart and lung center in Rose Hills." "Saint Dominique's Heart and Lung Center still needs qualified doctors to work with us. We need pulmonologists, gastroenterologists, general surgeons, trauma surgeons, and more. Please spread the word because, in the next few years, we aim to be the leading facility for thoracic surgical care and want the best people on board with us," Shantelle

claimed. She smiled at everyone, saying, "Thank you again, and may you enjoy the rest of your afternoon." The association's president followed in taking the stand. He briefly closed the awarding and the congress in general. Photos were taken of the awardees on stage. Shantelle and Evan had their picture together, along with Doctor Hale. Finally, it was time to return to Shantelle's table. She walked along with Evan's hand at the small of her back. When she made it in front of her batchmates, Shantelle introduced, "Evan, these are some of my fellow- thoracic surgeons, Doctor Millet." Turning to Evan, she revealed, "She invited us to her wedding. So I invited her back." "Next to her is Doctor Penelope, then Doctor Yna, Doctor Jade," Shantelle named the doctors individually. "You probably I know Doctor Emma Brown. She works for the Lockwood Children's Hospital "No, sorry. I probably forgot," Evan admitted, and it made Emma shrink to her seat. "Oh." Shantelle grimaced. She said, "Please excuse my husband, Doctor Emma. He meets a lot of people daily due to his business." "It's - it's completely understandable," Emma quickly answered. "Then, this is Doctor Gina. She is Emma's assistant surgeon," Shantelle said before introducing the rest of the doctors seated at their table. "To everyone, ladies, this is my husband, my love, and the father of my kids. ” Shantelle placed a hand on her belly before resuming, "Evan Thompson." There was only silence. Most doctors before them had faces as white as a ghost, and their mouths helplessly fell on the floor. Behind Shantelle's head, she smirked at her triumphant win. Her man was not only dashing but also a noble person, known for his contributions to society.

The best part was how everyone from this table, maybe even all the women in the room, wanted Evan, but the man was hers and hers alone. "It's good to meet some of Shanty's co-surgeons," Evan politely said. He felt there was something off. The tension around they were relatively thick, but soon, he found out why. When Shantelle was done talking, Millet questioned, trying to say it in a friendly tone, "Mister Thompson, how nice of you to marry Shantelle when she is a single mother who had a child from a previous marriage. I mean, you know that she has an illegitimate child, right? Most single men would think twice about being with a divorcee, much more sharing a child's attention with his real father." Calmly, Millet indicated, "You must pity Shantelle to offer her marriage and convenience. You are so kind, Mister Thompson." Shantelle pursed her lips. She was trying to make Millet realize there was no point competing with her, but it seemed like her former classmate wanted to be punished in Evan's hands. "WHAT - DID - YOU - SAY?" Evan asked, his tone deafening and stern.

CHAPTER 108 should know about Shantelle's history." Millet nodded, explaining to Evan, "Shantelle and I, we go to the same medical school back in Warlington. At first, she claimed she was single. Then, she ended up getting pregnant!" Millet described. "Later on, she revealed that she was previously married." "How dare you question my wife and my son?" Evan barked. His hand turned into a fist, and his eyes thinned in irritation.

"Shantelle was married, it's true. I know this because she was married to me!" Following Evan's words, the ladies at that table were shocked. They all realized how deep the history was between Shantelle and Evan. "Yes, we were divorced, but it was my mistake. I made a big mistake during our marriage that Shantelle left Rose Hills, and regardless if our son, Lucas, was born outside our marriage, he is still mine, and he carries my last name!" Evan yelled. "You don't know a thing about our past. What makes you think you have the right to judge my wife and my son?!" ' And what does it matter if Shantelle was previously married? Even if it was not me? She is still beautiful, smart, and kind. How our marriage failed the first time was not her fault," Evan indicated. "How long have you been belittling my wife? Since Medical School? You should get disciplined for your lack of morals!" Millet's mouth fell open. Blood easily drained out of her face, acknowledging Evan's fury. However, before she could respond, Evan asked, "From which hospital are you working for? Let's see if you still have that confidence after I speak to your medical director. Don't doctors have a code of conduct? Or do the ethics involved apply only to your patients?" Penelope smacked her mouth with her hand. She recounted in her head,' What? Mister Thompson is Shantelle's ex husband? And they are remarrying?' It was the same with Millet. She wanted to make Even see through Shantelle's lesser value because she had been married before, but as it turned out, he was the ex-husband all along! Evan began calling out to the association officers, alarming Shantelle's batchmates. Penelope was the first to bow her head, saying, "We are sorry, Mister Thompson. We are sorry." Millet did not express her apology. Her mouth remained parted, yet no words left her lips. Penelope, along with her other batchmates had to drag Millet out of the venue to escape Evan's wrath.

When the Thoracic Surgeons Association officers approached Evan, he relayed what transpired during his exchange with Shantelle's batchmates. His face was red as he furiously demanded the doctors be questioned due to poor manners. However, it was Shantelle who eased Evan. She said," Evan, stop." "Words don't hurt me. At least now, we have proven a point." Shantelle pulled Evan to face her. She cupped his face, saying, "Millet was always using my pregnancy during medical school to reduce my value, but now that she knows everything, she can no longer use it to taunt me." "Besides, I bet after learning about you, she will be scared to death to ever look down on me again," Shantelle pointed out. "So, let's not waste our breath on her." "I just wanted to show her and most of my batchmates who you are and what you are to me," she added. "Can we let this go?" "No," Evan said. "Not without warning, at least." He turned to the association president and still asked for the details of Doctor Millet and Doctor Penelope. After getting the needed information, Evan shifted to Shantelle and said, "I will ask Attorney Scarlett to demand an apology letter, along with a contract that requires their commitment to no longer insult you." "But Shanty, if I hear them humiliating you again, I swear I won't let them off!" Evan promised, and Shantelle agreed. "Yes, Mister powerful." She acknowledged. Seeing that the officers had disappeared back to their own tables, Shantelle wrapped her arms around Evan's and said, "Stop being so upset. You don't look as handsome when you frown." It was magic, hearing her compliment him. Shantelle's voice and words instantly calmed Evan's anger. From where they stood, he held her waist and asked with a smile, "Does my Wifey really think I am that handsome? Am I more handsome than Keith?"

Shantelle snorted as she laughed. She replied, "You and Keith are both handsome men. Your physical attributes are unique in themselves.’ A frown had already formed on Evan's face. He wanted to be above Keith, regardless of how they had settled their differences. Soon, however, Shantelle added, But for me, you are the most handsome man in the world. More handsome than Henry Cavill." 2 Evan could not help but laugh. He leaned over and pecked on Shantelle's lips, saying, "Thank you, Wifey. I love you." Shantelle bit her lip. She narrowed her eyes at him and replied, ”1 won't say it back because I don't want to get banged in the bathroom "Now, why would I bang you in the bathroom when you have a hotel room five floors up," Evan suggested with a smirk. "Say it." Opening her mouth, she was this close to letting the words out when Emma called Shantelle's name. "Doctor Shant?" Shantelle had to excuse herself from Evan, and it was back at the round table where Emma spoke to her. She said, "I'm So sorry, Doctor Shant. I even suggested that you date one of our doctors." With a hand on her chest, she added, "I feel so ashamed. I repeatedly expressed my admiration for Mister Thompson, and earlier, when you asked for a kiss from the boss, I honestly thought your career would end -" "It's okay. I'm sorry too. I should have introduced myself as Evan's partner, but I did not." Shantelle shrugged and added, "Partly because of Millet. I thought it was also better if Evan were here." "Look, Emma." Shantelle reached for Emma's hand. She said, ’As long as you know where you stand and do not act on that attraction, I don't have a problem with you. You probably did not mean to say those words about me, so let's forget about it. When I have time, I will visit the Lockwood Children's Hospital with Evan, and I'll see you then."

Little did Shantelle know, Evan had scheduled a visit at the Lockwood Children's Hospital that afternoon. The man figured it would only be an hour's tour, and they could still make it to the airport before nightfall, just in time to take the private flight back to Rose Hills. Shantelle was introduced to the medical staff at the hospital. She met the finest pediatricians in town, including surgeon residents. Evan called her his wife each time, asking the medical team to address Shantelle as "The Misses" or Misses Thompson. The most memorable experience on that tour was when Shantelle met some of the patients. Many of the kids knew Evan, and he knew them back. When they walked into the corridors of the patients' room, children were coming out, calling out to Evan. Many of them were long-term patients who needed special treatment, like chemotherapy and whatnot. "Mister Thompson! Mister Thompson, are you here to give us another teddy?" Said a young girl holding a white stuffed toy. Mister Thompson, look! I'm growing my hair!" Another boy came out, pointing to his head. Clearly, he had undergone chemotherapy. "Good afternoon, Mister Thompson. Who is the pretty lady with you?" Another young boy asked. Evan put an arm around Shantelle and said to the nearby kids. "Guys, this is my wife. You can call her Misses Thompson. She came here to meet all of you! Give you all the gifts!" Out of nowhere, nurses walked into the hallway, distributing boxes of toys for all the children. The glee in their faces immediately brought tears to Shantelle's eyes. The children immediately ran to Shantelle, giving her a hug or a kiss. "Thank you, Misses Thompson, you are as kind as Mister Thompson." "I love my gift, Misses Thompson!"

"I'm so happy! Thank you, Misses Thompson!" "I love it here! I always get gifts from Mister Thompson and now, Misses Thompson!" From the children's respective rooms, Shantelle saw parents crying about how the children were so happy. One by one, they all smiled at Shantelle and Evan, expressing their thanks in tears, words, or a kiss blown into the air. The entire scene made Shantelle's heart heavy, not because of sadness, but with contentment. After touring the hospital, Evan brought Shantelle to a private lounge that opened up to the Lockwood National Park. It It was from the lounge balcony that Shantelle let all her tears out. She turned to Evan and said, "Evan, you did such an amazing job here, but tell me, honestly, is the hospital earning? I heard so many charity cases -" "Without the donations, it only breaks even, but that's the beauty of hospitals. There will always be people who want to help, especially children. So I have a team who finds donations specifically for charity cases. It's a lot of work, I admit, but I can't say no to these children," Evan said. Shantelle embraced Evan from the side. She kissed his cheek repeatedly as he returned the embrace. She said, "I'm so proud of you, Evan, and for the good things that you do, I love you even more." Evan smiled. He hugged her tightly and kissed her back. He said, "Thank you, Shanty. I love you too - with everything in me. From this moment on, I want you to be part of this." With a nod, Shantelle said, "I will. God, I love you so much." There was a moment of silence before Evan said, "What do I do, Shanty? You just said I love you. I'm hard -" With a laugh, Shantelle argued, "We can't have sex here. Are you out of your mind -" "I have a private office, two floors up." There was a hint of lust in his voice when he pointed out, "I haven't been inside you

for three full days. I need you, my Shanty, my Wifey." Shantelle leaned back and played with his tie. She looked at him and answered, "I'd like to see your private office, please. I hope it's soundproof.

CHAPTER 109 Shantelle felt guilty as she made it in the direction of Evan's office. She repeatedly took deep breaths, trying to compose herself. It was because her core tingled with excitement, especially with the thought of Evan licking her clit. When people glanced their way, she faked an elegant smile, but in truth, she wanted to rush into the office and slam the door shut. She wanted to spread her legs and let her man eat her thoroughly. Making it to the lift, Evan said, "Almost there, Wifey." He kissed her cheek and whispered into her ear, "I'm so hard; I can't wait to be inside of you." When the elevator doors dinged to a stop, Evan and Shantelle hastily walked in the office's direction. There were very few cubicles around and two other offices. From the door signages, she saw how they were administrative offices. At the far end was obviously Evan's office. It was the most secluded, and it faced the Lockwood National Park. When the a couple entered Evan's private office, Evan locked the door outright. He checked and rechecked to make sure it was safely

closed. When Evan turned to Shantelle, she had kicked off her shoes and was slowly getting out of her clothes. Left with only a sexy thong to cover her bottom, she seductively sat at his desk and crossed her legs like a sizzling vixen. "Fucking hot," Evan remarked. The entire time, as Shantelle stripped naked, he massaged his rod, feeling its hardness. A hiss left Evan's lips before asking, "Did you learn that from Cosmopolitan, Wifey?" Shantelle laughed. She bit her lip and called Evan with her fingers. She answered, "Sort of." "Evan, come here. I want you," she suggested. "I want all of you." 1 After taking off his jacket and shirt, Evan walked towards her and held her thighs. He forced her legs apart and settled in between, his hand crawling up to feel the softness of her skin. When he found her breasts, he cupped them and kneaded them impatiently. His actions quickly left Shantelle moaning. Evan kissed her lips and then revealed, "I miss this." They kissed and kissed until they were making out passionately. Their mouths were wide open, eating each other's faces while their hands recklessly roamed each other’s bodies. "Mmmm." Another erotic sigh left Shantelle’s lips when Evan's fingers reached her entrance. Evan dipped two of his fingers lightly into her rose. He felt her wetness and pulled up his fingers into his mouth. Evan tasted her flavor. His eyes shut as he declared, "Sweet. I miss this." "That's so hot," Shantelle remarked. The way Even made her feel like her love juice was the best thing in the world added to her desire. She spread her legs wider, and Evan dove in. Instead of lying on her back, Shantelle stayed sitting up on her man's desk. She excitedly watched as Evan slid her thong to the side and licked her bottom folds. She repeated, expressing, "That's so hot, Evan."

Her stare was resolved on how Evan's eyes were filled with lust, how his mouth hungrily sucked on her entire peach, and how he frequently flickered his tongue against her clit. "Tell me you love it," Evan urged. "Tell me you want me." "I love it," Shantelle admitted. "I want you - Aaaah!" Her face burned as Evan thrust his tongue inside her. With how he pleased her, she could not help but cry out her pleasure, "Aaahh! Evan!" Drowned in a sea of pleasure, she repeatedly called Evan's name. She certainly hoped the office was genuinely soundproof, for she did not hold back her screams. Soon Shantelle’s body jerked. Tingles ran all over her body, and her hips helplessly twitched. She gasped at the feeling of having orgasmed and closed her eyes to appreciate the moment. Before opening her eyes, Evan captured her lips. They indulged in sloppy kisses, moistening their jaws while Shantelle’s hand reached for his pants. She impatiently unbuckled his belt and found his stiff rod. She palmed him before sliding down the floor with Evan's help. Down on her knees, she drank Evan's manhood. Like she had been doing recently, she complimented his size, "Evan, you are so big, so soft, yet so hard. I want you inside of me." Shantelle allowed the tip of his shaft to poke her cheek from the inside. The sight of it stirred Evan, especially how his a mushroom tip formed a shape on her cheek. "Fuck, I love it. I love my wife, and I love how you eat me, Wifey." Evan gathered her hair into his palm and watched Shantelle as she bobbed in between his thighs, his hips moving along to her motion. Next, Shantelle sucked him well. She did it so fervently that her cheeks hallowed. Evan groaned in delight, "Oh, fuck, yeah." Before he knew it, his skin formed happy bumps, and he erupted into Shantelle’s mouth. Evan watched in delight as he pulled out his manhood, his stick glowing in her fluid and Shantelle swallowing all his cum.

Evan only took a minute to collect himself from having climaxed. When he glanced back up at Shantelle, she was sitting back at the table, waiting for him. Her thong was already off. A smirk formed on his face. He guided Shantelle to lie on her back and then traced kisses from her chest down her stomach. He lingered there for a bit, caressing and pecking the small bump that formed on her belly. He said, "Maybe, we can add another baby -" Shantelle laughed. She replied, "Oh, my god. You have no idea how hard it is to carry two babies, all the more three. Two is enough, Evan. Besides, I'm already pregnant." "I'm just saying," Evan said before aligning his length in front of her rose. He hissed again, appreciating the softness of her bottom folds. As Shantelle settled her feet up, he saw her entrance perfectly. ‘So beautiful." i He slid his manhood in. He was still hard as a rock despite having come into Shantelle’s mouth. Evan relished the view, how her pink folds hugged his member, and he purposely took it out to see how his length glistened in her love juice." Damn, I love it. You are so wet." When he gazed up at Shantelle, he saw her flush. He described, "It's so beautiful to see how you take me in, Wifey Ahhhh. Fuck, yeah. You feel so good." Evan pushed all the way in. It merited a moan from both of them, but especially from Evan. He felt her insides sucking him in. It was warm and wet, tickling every inch of his skin. He was so aroused that he swore his manhood pulsated inside of her. He began to move back and forth, his entire length glowing. He said, "You're screaming around me, Wifey." Evan did not know for how long he watched as they became one, but he loved it. It was so addicting, he could not look away. Soon, however, that familiar feeling of nearly cumming encouraged him to pick up the pace.

He held Shantelle’s waist and began to pump faster, his hips loudly slapping against her flesh. "Evan! I'm cumming!" Shantelle announced as her frame bounced along with Evan's movement. "Together," Evan encouraged, maintaining his pumping. "Shanty, I love you! Ahhh!" Evan slammed his hips into Shantelle, and he came again, erupting inside her. "Evan!" Shantelle screamed her desires as she chased her high. It did not take long for her to follow after Evan, her body mildly convulsing that she clamped her legs around Evan's waist. The two enjoyed a sensual kiss as their frames glowed in sweat. They let their flavors exchange for an undetermined time until Evan eventually pulled out. It appeared to Shantelle that her hubby was in pain when he slowly removed his manhood inside of her. She watched him repeatedly take heavy breaths. He asked, "Shanty, since we missed three days, does the once-a-day rule get... carried over?" Shantelle laughed thoroughly. She was at it so hard her stomach hurt. She replied, "No, Evan. It does not work that way, but I can." She winked at him and pushed her tongue against the inside of her cheek. "Later."

CHAPTER 110 Chapter 110: Evan's Riddles

5AM. Rose Hills. At dawn, the heart and lung center called Shantelle for an emergency surgery. A stabbed-wound patient was admitted to Saint Dominique’s Heart and Lung Center, and the surgeon in charge needed a second consultant. Shantelle arrived at the emergency room and found a young man groaning in pain. "Doctor Shant, the patient has multiple stabbed wounds, and he is losing a lot of blood," the trauma surgeon reported as Shantelle arrived. "We have already inserted a tube into the side of his stomach. Blood is draining out of him-a lot." The trauma surgeon required Shantelle's help since he suspected the patient's lung was also injured. He said, "Now, he is complaining about difficulty breathing while feeling pain in his abdomen." The trauma surgeon and Shantelle helped study the wounds. Minutes later, Shantelle found the rightful stab wound. Pointing to the upper chest, she said, "Here. There is definitely air coming out of his chest. His lungs might have been lacerated too. Let's have draining here and get some blood out of his chest walls." After the entire trauma team stabilized the patient, they sent him through a CT scan. Shantelle was in the operating room with the trauma surgeon in the following hours, exploring the patient's internal organs and repairing them whenever they found lacerations.

Shantelle arrived at the villa past eight in the evening. It was the most exhausting operation, to think; she worked with another surgeon. However, that was always the case with trauma patients. The CT scan only captured a fraction of the actual problem, but during the exploration surgery, they found more repairs to do. It was another weekend, and she was supposed to spend a day with Lucas, but she spent an entire day at the hospital.

When she made it into the bedroom hallways, she gasped, hearing laughter in Lucas' room. She checked the time and realized it was still early. She muttered. "Oh, good. Lucas is still awake." Before entering Lucas' bedroom, she bathed and changed into comfortable clothes. That evening, she put on her leggings and wore Evan's shirt. Finally, when Shantelle walked into Lucas' room, she caught the father and son, laughing. Her son was at it so hard that his eyes watered, and his hands were clutching his stomach. "Can I join the fun?" She asked, surprising Evan and Lucas. Mommy!" Lucas exclaimed. He got off the bed and ran to Shantelle. He jumped into her arms and said, "I miss you the entire day, Mommy! I love you!" The words of Lucas warmed her heart. They had seen each other last night, but she knew the time spent wasn't enough. She pecked him repeatedly on the cheek and replied, "I miss you too, honey." She settled him on the floor and added, "I love you more, Lucas." Evan had that bright smile as he studied Shantelle's clothes. He moved to Shantelle and kissed her lips. He pressed his lips against her ear, saying," And I love you in my clothes." Shantelle felt her ears burn. She wrinkled her nose at her husband and replied, "I love your shirt." "Mommy, Mommy!" Lucas called, holding Shantelle's face to him. He asked, "What two things can you never eat for breakfast?" "Oh, are we kidding?" Shantelle asked, and Lucas nodded eagerly. "Answer, Mommy! Answer!" Lucas encouraged. Shantelle stared at Evan, silently asking for help, but the man shrugged. Thus, she replied to her son, "Gosh, I don't know. There is so much food out there. I don't think there is one that is restricted to breakfast." "Give up?" Lucas asked.

"Okay, I give up. What is it?" Shantelle answered, pouting her lips. "What is it, honey?" "It's Lunch and Dinner!" Lucas replied before chuckling. 3 In the next few minutes, Lucas gave Shantelle more riddles, and she was thoroughly entertained. It momentarily erased her exhaustion. The family of three sat on Lucas' bed as the boy gave each riddle. "What kind of room has no doors or windows?" Lucas asked Shantelle. Shantelle asked back, "What?" "A mushroom!" Lucas announced. "What is orange and sounds like a parrot?" Lucas gave another riddle. Shantelle's eyes widened. She excitedly answered, "Oh, I think I know this! Carrot!" "Yey! You got it right, Mommy!" Lucas exclaimed, hugging his mother. After which, he gave another riddle, "During what month do people sleep the least?" Shantelle frowned and fished through her brain. She replied, "Ah, December because of the holidays?" "No, Mommy, it's February. It's the shortest month!" Lucas answered, and he laughed again. Did your daddy teach you this?" Shantelle asked. "He did. Daddy gave me a book about jokes and riddles!" Lucas revealed before going to his bedside table and opening the drawer. He gave the small book to Shantelle and presented, "Daddy said laughter is the best medicine!" Shantelle smiled. She explained to her son, "Laughter is indeed one of the best medicines. It enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air. It stimulates your heart, lungs, and muscles. It also increases the endorphins released by your brain. Endorphins are hormones in your body. It helps relieve pain, reduce stress, and improve your sense of well-being." With her palms open, she second, "Thus, your daddy is right. Laughter is the best medicine!" "So, let's always laugh and smile!" Lucas declared.

"Let us always!" Shantelle echoed, and she winked at Evan for the lesson he gave their son. After a brief family huddle, the couple put Lucas to sleep. They made it to their bedroom, with Shantelle's steps heavy against the floor. She quickly climbed onto the bed and rested on her left side. "Tired? Stressed?" Evan asked. Shantelle nodded and replied, "It was a tiring operation, but it's okay. Lucas ' smile made me feel a little better. I just need some rest." "Mmmmm," Evan settled next to her and put an arm around her waist. He rubbed her belly and suggested, "I have a few more riddles that can relieve stress. Need more endorphins?" A smile became painted on Shantelle's face. She replied, "What is it?" "What goes in hard and dry, but comes out soft and wet?" The man asked with a smirk on his face. 3 Shantelle laughed thoroughly and said, "Hubby, for now, please stop being green. I could use a real rest, which endorphins cannot help." "I'm not being green. You are," Evan suggested. "What goes in hard and dry, but comes out soft and wet? It's gum, Wifey. It's true that before we make love, my dick is dry and hard, but when it comes out, it's still hard!" 2 Shantelle's giggles could not be contained. Thanks to her assumption, their discussion turned out green after all. She shifted her frame to Evan and hugged him tightly. She said, "Okay, my bad for thinking green." "What's long and hard and full of semen?" Evan said before beaming. "Evan?" Shantelle warned. "I swear, I am not being green," Evan objected. "Okay, what is it?" Shantelle finally asked. "What's long and hard and full of semen? A submarine," Evan said, leaving Shantelle laughing so hard again. Please don't tell me these jokes are in Lucas' book?" Shantelle asked.

No. No. I purposely searched them online to make you smile, Wifey," Evan said before adding, "What's so easy to get into but it's so hard to get out?" Shantelle thought about it, but since the past jokes weren't necessarily green, she asked, "What is it?" Evan acted like he was purring, and he suggested, "Inside you. I don't think I ever want to get out." "Haha! I can't believe I fell for that! I thought we were not talking green!" Shantelle said. Her eyes watered in amusement. "But seriously, I don't want to have sex, Evan. I'm so tired. Thanks for making me smile, though." "That's okay, Wifey. Hugging you is enough,” Evan said, tightening his hold around her. "Rest well because tomorrow, we will meet with the wedding planner and review every detail of the wedding. In a few days, you will be Misses Thompson again." "Shanty, my love, are you ready to be my wife again?" Evan asked. "There is no divorce this time." Shantelle looked up at him and caressed his face. She replied, "Now that you are ready to be my husband, I am more then ready to be your wife." A smile spread on Evan's face as he claimed, "I love you so much." "Goodnight, Evan. I love you too," she said before dozing off in his arms.

Chapter 111: The New Home

’Wow, I can't believe this. It's amazing. You did a good job," Shantelle complimented the wedding planner named Mona. She came to the villa with her assistant to give her and Evan a rundown of the wedding flow. They were settled in Evan's study, with Evan safely standing behind Shantelle and keeping his distance from Mona. ’Actually, the initial plan was Mister Thompson's idea. I just added a touch of femininity to it,” Mona revealed. "So, Misses Thompson, if there are no more objections, shall I proceed with the flower arrangements? The main interiors within the The Grand Convention is almost complete. After our meeting, my assistant and I will be headed there to ensure everything is in order." Shantelle looked behind her and smiled at Evan. She remarked, "Well, planned, hubby." Evan wanted the wedding at the Royal Grand Convention since it was the biggest event ballroom in town, offering three halls with fifteen thousand square feet in space. Evan booked all three convention halls, two for the guests and one for only direct family and friends, allowing Lucas his private area. Returning her attention to the wedding planner, Shantelle said, "Thanks again, Mona. It looks like we have nothing else to worry about." ’Of course, I am the best wedding planner in the state. You can only expect perfection from me," Mona acknowledged. She got up and extended her hand to Shantelle, and after shaking her hand, she offered her hand to Evan. Evan narrowed his eyes, and Mona retreated her hand. She said, "Oh, sorry. I keep forgetting Mister Thompson's number one rule." "Sorry about that," Shantelle apologized. "Oh, you don't have to worry about me. I don’t swing that way,” Mona chuckled at Evan. She winked at Shantelle, saying, "Doctor Shant is more of my type."

Shantelle froze, and Evan quickly wrapped an arm around his Wifey, saying, "Sorry, Mona, my wife is taken... BY ME." Mona laughed boisterously. She excused herself, saying, "I better get back to implementing the best wedding of the century. Excuse me, Mister and Mrs. Thompson. Don't forget to send me the final guest list! And! Prenuptial pictorials tomorrow!" After that long meeting with the wedding planner, Shantelle and Evan reviewed the guest list. Shantelle saw a familiar name on Evan's list. She asked, "Your Aunt Ariana and her family are coming?" "Yes, well. They are still family, regardless of how distant they are," Evan replied and then noticed Shantelle's reluctance. He frowned and asked," What's wrong?" Shantelle paused, thinking. Then she said anyway, "Your aunt never liked me. She - um." Her face paled when she admitted, "She thought I was disgusting to force myself on you. Well, I supposed she was right "I'm sorry," Evan said. "I'll make sure she understands I am forcing myself on you at this wedding." His reply made Shantelle laugh. She answered, "You don't have to. We will rarely see your aunt since they live on another continent." "I will, and I will invite your classmates from the Medical School too. Your association president has already helped me with the addresses. I'll make sure they know who your husband was and now." Evan claimed. Going back to the guest list, he also noticed some of Shantelle's relatives had not been confirmed. He asked, "Your father's cousin is not going?" Shantelle pursed her lips. She replied, "I called them. It's just that the first time we were married, they had a lot of expectations. They are not coming because they think it will be the same boring wedding."

"Who says our wedding is going to be boring?" Evan asked. Another laugh escaped Shantelle. She answered, "Our first wedding was boring, so when they learned I was getting to the same man, they were shocked." Evan shook his head and declared, ’I am going to make them attend -" Don't," Shantelle objected. "I mean, why would we?" "I will because I failed you during our first marriage." Evan sat next to Shantelle and hugged her tightly. He said, "Mother told me a wedding is a woman's pride, and I failed to give you that grand wedding during our first marriage. I failed to give you have that feeling of being a queen amongst the rest, so I will change everything in our wedding now." Putting an arm around Shantelle, Evan said, "Please, Shanty. Let me do this. ■ Shantelle fell silent for a moment. She looked up at him and sighed. After giving it much thought, she replied, "I don't think you'll take no for an answer, anyway." "I won't," Evan admitted. And Shanty, I am sorry that you were judged while attending medical school. I would have owned up to Lucas if I had known where you were." Shantelle embraced Evan from the side. She said, "I'm just glad we can make up for every wrong we made in the past, Evan.”

After finalizing the guest lists, Evan took Shantelle and Lucas out for a surprise. They drove an hour from the villa to another community closer to the Thompsons' residence. It was far from Evan's company and the heart and lung center, but the neighborhood had clean streets, good lighting, and attractive landscaping. Trees were everywhere, shading the streets and each home. Moreover, each mansion was built several meters apart, offering privacy. Shantelle immediately recognized the place. It was a new high-end residential community in Rose Hills called Green

Valley Heights. But what were they doing there? Turning to Evan, she asked, "Did you buy a house here?" "As a matter of fact, I did," Evan confirmed. He held Shantelle's hand and declared, "With our family growing, the villa won't be enough. We'll need a decent mansion with at least twelve bedrooms." "Twelve bedrooms?" Shantelle objected. "But we'd only need four for us and two for the maids." Evan pointed at Miguel and said, "Miguel will be permanently staying with us until he finds his soul mate." Miguel, who was driving the car, laughed. He responded, "That's right, Doc. You are stuck with me for a while." "Okay. We are lucky to be stuck with you, Miguel," Shantelle chuckled. She redid the tally, "So, four for us, two for the maids, and one for Miguel." Evan coughed. His response muffled into his fist, "I want t - mo - dren." 2 "What?" Shantelle asked with a frown. "I want two more children," Evan clarified. "I want a big family, just like Kaleb Wright -" Shantelle's mouth fell open. She complained, "You have been talking too much with Kaleb Wright that he's influenced you over having six kids. You know we only got twins by luck - Oh, my god!" Her jaws dropped, seeing they were entering a gate with a vast lawn, a fountain in the middle, and pines fencing the estate. "Is this the new home? ■ "Love it?" Evan asked. "'This will be our new home." "Wow! So beautiful!" Exclaimed Lucas. What he loved the most was how big the lawn was. He declared, "I could run around here all day!" Aside from the nature surrounding the house, the mansion looked so elegant in white and gray shades. It appeared simple in design, but after inspecting it closely, Shantelle realized it was made of the finest materials.

Going inside, Shantelle admired the massive glass windows with the perfect view of the garden. It featured a monumental staircase going up to the second floor. Evan guided his family to inspect the first floor. It included the man's office, a library, a study area for Lucas, a play area, and three rooms for the staff. "It will take a few days to furnish the house and have it customized, but in a month, we can move in here," Evan described. Behind the mansion was a huge swimming pool catering to adults and children. Once they made it to the backyard, Lucas happily exclaimed," Look, this side is a kiddie pool!" "I wanna go around there!" Lucas said, pointing to the pines. "I'll take him," Miguel offered, chasing after Lucas. While Lucas explored the backyard, Evan showed Shantelle the second level. It had a living area and nine rooms, plus the rooms from the first floor, a total of fifteen rooms. "Wow!" Shantelle gasped upon finding the master bedroom. It had a perfect view of the lawn from the balcony. "I love it." "It will be good for Lucas to live here. It offers fresh air and a homey and nature-loving environment. It's a little farther from our workplaces, but we can make the sacrifices for Lucas," Evan suggested. Shantelle shrugged and said, "And Miguel could always drive me. I can doze off in the car." "Exactly," Evan acknowledged. "We can head home together as long as you take fewer night shifts. And did you see that international school along the way? Lucas can enroll there when he is a lot better.” The house was simply so beautiful that Shantelle could not help but be in awe. She could imagine waking up to a perfect view every day and feel absolutely stress-free. She turned to Evan and repeated, "I LOVE IT!" She embraced Evan and tipped her toes to peck his lips. "And I love you."

A hiss left Evan's lips. He said, "You know what you said, right, Wifey?" Shantelle flushed. She replied, "I know exactly what I said. Do you wanna... bless our new home?" Lust filled Evan's eyes. He grabbed Shantelle's ass and said, "Rrrrr. Absolutely."

Days passed. Finally, the day of the wedding has arrived. Over a thousand guests gathered at the Royal Grand Convention at four in the afternoon. Each guest who came had their mouths open, their eyes rounding at the splendid venue of Shantelle and Evan's wedding.

Chapter 112: The Grand Wedding The Royal Grand Convention covered forty-five thousand square feet in size. Convention halls one and two were connected, accommodating most guests. Convention hall three was strictly for direct families and close friends only. Convention hall one was the entrance to the wedding venue. It had rows of floral arches decorating its path. Aside from flowers, tree branches with lights popping out of the arches could be seen. Next to the eye-catching entrance, an LED screen was mounted on the wall, showing pictures of Evan and Shantelle, taken from their pre-nuptial photo shoot. Some were a couple images, while some included Lucas. From time to time, words of welcome were flashed on the same screen, which read: [Welcome to Happy Ever After. Evan and Shanty Says I Do to Forever.) Opposite to where the photos of the couple were presented, a singer stood behind a piano, singing romantic ballad songs.

Usherettes guided guests to their designated tables, where they were promptly served canapes and champagne. Gifts were collected by the same usherettes and were placed at the selected tables in each hall. The wedding followed a theme of white, sapphire, and gold. White wisteria flowers hang from the ceiling, along with chandeliers and hanging candlesticks. Glass tables scattered across the venue, each decorated with centerpieces of golden flowers, while some had white blooms. Along with the flowers, candle sticks adorn the tables. The floor had temporary white tiles. At the center was an elevated path for the bride to make her bridal walk. Instead of a carpet, the aisle had blue tiles meant to guide Shantelle to Evan. Made-up Yoshino Cherry trees were settled precisely on alternate tables, while some were placed on the sides. Each tree gleamed with white and blue lights, illuminating the venue. At the front of each hall a large LED screen had been placed. The said screens would feature the entire event. On one side of the convention hall two, was a band playing romantic music on top of a custom-made stage. Many of Shantelle’s batch mates from Watlington Medical School attended. They wanted to see the wedding for themselves. For one, Doctor Millet Hart would not miss it for the world. She wanted to see if her fiance, Jeffrey, could prepare a better wedding. To her dismay, however, she could already see how it was impossible at first glance. The The wedding was just too grand. ”Oh, my god. This is so extravagant," Penelope said. While seated in front of their table, she said to her friends, "I've never been invited to something this luxurious, ever!" Whispering to Millet, she pointed out, "They are serving expensive champagne, Millet. Better enjoy it while it's free!" "The venue is so big, and everyone is so classy," said another batch mate of Millet.

"Shantelle is very lucky to meet a powerful man as her husband," Doctor Jeffrey remarked. From another table, within convention hall number two, Shantelle’s relatives settled in their seats and were in awe. They were a cousin of William, Davy Scott, and his wife, Leila Scott. Their daughters Lucy and Leah Scott, who were a little older than Shantelle, also came. During Shantelle’s first wedding with Evan, they recalled it as a small gathering, but this time, the celebration was clearly a grand - a well-thought- of event. On the couple's first wedding, Shantelle’s relatives expected a fabulous celebration since Shantelle was marrying the wealthiest man in the city. However, it was rather dull for their taste. Later, they found out that Evan was only forced into the wedding. When served with champagne and canapes, Lucy Scott remarked, "Oh, my god. Is that Golden Osetra Caviar? These are so expensive!" "Yes, ma'am, from the Caspian Sea," the food server said. "Enjoy." "Oh, my god. How did Evan go all out on this wedding?" Leah Scott asked. Lucy Scott shrugged and said, "I don't know. I guess we will find out later. Maybe he realized he loves Shanty?" "Or Shanty trapped him into marrying him," Leah suggested. "Remember, they have a child together." i "But it was Evan who called me to attend the wedding. It didn't sound like he was forced," Davy Scott said. "How do you think he gave us accommodation at the finest hotel?" Shantelle’s relatives were baffled altogether. They were all eager to see how the couple would act around each other during the ceremony. Not too far from them were Evan's distant aunt and her family. Ariana Thompson-Smith and her husband, Paxton Smith, attended the wedding out of obligation to Erick's invitation. Seeing how lavish the wedding was, Ariana said, "I can't

believe how Evan had spent so much for this wedding. Do you think this was all Evan's plan?" Her husband cleared his throat and said, "We will get to speak to them later. So we will find out." The relatives of Evan and Shantelle did not get to speak with the couple just yet. The couple was too busy preparing for the wedding, which was also true for their parents. Only Evan's bodyguards guided them to their respective hotel accommodations. It was the hotel that provided their car service. Moreover, the couple and their direct family minimized contact with the guests because of Lucas. "Where is Erick, anyway?" Paxton sought. Ariana replied, "He said something about keeping distance for now, since they were securing the health of Evan's son. But they will see us later in the celebration." "Attention, ladies and gentlemen, the wedding is about to start," a host said. He was standing on the stage where the The band was playing earlier. His face was flashed on all LED screens to catch everyone's attention. He then explained how the wedding would go. "The couple will be married behind closed doors at convention hall number three. This is to secure the health of their son. Lucas Thompson, the couple's son, has a condition that makes him susceptible to infection. So I I hope you understand. We can only see the entire ceremony through the LED screens." "Don't worry, though. The couple will visit your tables to have pictures with the guests," the host added. "And most of the celebration will be done here in convention hall number two." It was the first time the couple had to explain Lucas' condition, but it was necessary due to their wedding set-up. After the entire flow had been described, the host said, "Welcome to Evan and Shantelle’s wedding, and may their love for each others touch your hearts." The lights within the venue turned utterly dark in the next few minutes. Guests could hear movements and footsteps, but

were oblivious to what was happening. A few lights were turned on after some time, dimming the entire convention halls. Soon, the curtains to the very entrance closed. A light show began, using moving beams from the stage, some from the floor and some from the ceiling. The lights danced along with the music for about two minutes until a single white beam ultimately focused on the entrance. Next, everyone could hear instrumental music playing. It started with a piano, and then the violin followed. More lights lit up, and acrobats dressed in ballet dresses, hanging from the ceiling, lowered themselves. Their limbs delicately danced to a tune as the curtains open. Jaws were dropping, and skins were crawling at the sight of beautiful dancing women from above. The dancers have all aligned above the aisle. Singers sang to the tune of a timeless and favorite wedding song, Dreams Come True. Eventually, when the bride's figure came out of the curtain, it became clear what the ballerinas were meant to do. As Shantelle began her bridal walk, the dancers threw blue petals at her while maintaining their graceful dance above. ~ "Come with me, and we will fly together To a place, where we can love forever Take my hand, and we will see tomorrow Only joy, and no more tears or sorrow"~

CHAPTER 113 Chapter 113: True Love Waits Shantelle held a bouquet of sapphire-colored roses. Gems and golden jewelry adorned the flowers. It matched well with

the sapphire gem necklace around her neck and finger. Over her head was a small golden crown fit for a queen. She was covered with a veil that sparkled against the dim venue, and the same could be said with her Sarah Kate wedding gown, which was beautifully embroidered with over three hundred thousand white gems, 1 Shantelle had her hair pulled up, flaunting her slender neck and shoulders. She had light makeup covering her elegant face. Her gleaming blue eyes were fixed on the LED screen that showed her bridal walk while blue petals continued to fall from above. The spotlight that focused on her slowly faded as more lights across the venue were turned on. She saw familiar faces; workmates within the heart and lung center and employees of Evan. Doctor Shant, you are so beautiful!" A co-doctor said, and Shantelle waved at her. There were local media representatives, politicians, and business partners of Evan, whom she was unfamiliar with. Despite not knowing them, she received the same praise. Guests were taking pictures of her like she was the next superstar. It was so overwhelming. Nevertheless, she smiled and nodded their way. Beautiful, Doctor Shant," Doctor Winona called. Shantelle smiled at her. The senior doctor had been so pleased when Evan referred her to a contact where Doctor Winona could buy another piece of the Kashmir Sapphire. Shantelle was surprised to see her classmates from medical school. Apparently, they were already tight. She was unaware. They were cheering for her and smiling like they were her groupies! Only Millet had a frown on her face. Everywhere she turned, jaws were dropping. Some were teary-eyed for her. She noticed her relatives gawking at her when she made it into convention hall two. Shantelle smiled, nodding their way.

She certainly hoped they found her wedding entertaining and less boring now. However, judging by how they had filled their table with canapes and champagne, she figured they were loving it so far. She turned to her left and saw Evan's Aunt Ariana studying her closely. Her mouth was open in evident shock, her eyes looking up and down her gleaming gown. The first song had already ended before the end of convention hall two. Another instrumental tune echoed across the halls. She looked up, and a brighter smile became painted on her face. She saw her father, William, standing in the aisle, waiting for her. Like her, he had a broad smile, and his eyes glistened in contentment. When she locked arms with her father, William said, "This time, it is real. This time, everything is right." William embraced Shantelle said, "What a beautiful wedding, Shanty. I am happy for you, sweetheart. I pray that you and Evan will work harder to strengthen this marriage." Indeed, Shantelle felt it. This wedding was far different from the last. It made a lot of difference now that Evan loved her back, and even more because Shantelle felt Evan's love was greater than hers this time around. Videographers, giving a live feed of her walk, followed her as she and William turned to the closed doors of convention hall three. Next, the videographer from the inside showed how Evan was patiently waiting for her to enter convention hall three. It clearly showed on the LED screen to her left. She smiled, seeing how Evan kept staring at the door. Just then, the organizers opened the double doors. She walked in, just in time for a new song to play. It was a song she mainly chose for both of them: We Both Know by Colbie Caillat. Shantelle could relate to the song. After the experience of their first marriage, she and Evan were now working together to

make their relationship strong. Evan corrected his mistakes, and she tried to be mature about her decisions. We both know our Own limitations, that's why we're strong Now that we spent some time apart We're leading each other, out of the dark 'Cause we both know" ~ Making it into convention hall three, she didn't need a camera to see how Evan gasped at the sight of her. He smiled, but it was evident by how he wiped the corners of his eyes, Shantelle knew she had blown him away. From where she was, she saw his mouth, '1 love you. You are so beautiful.' Attending guests let out their awws. Some were teary-eyed at how Evan reacted. Of course, to those who know it well, tears had already streamed down their faces. Erick and Clara had been wiping their tears the second Shantelle walked in. It was the same with Eleanor. Shantelle also wept but quickly wiped it away, knowing how it would ruin her makeup. To her, Evan also looked ravishing in his custom-made sapphire suit. She thought it was great that he opened his jacket to show off his blue vest instead of only wearing a white shirt underneath. His suit fit him well, emphasizing his broad shoulders. His trousers hugged his long legs nicely. It flattered her how Evan also put in an effort to look dashing at their wedding. Lucas was sitting at the table with Eleanor. Seeing everyone so emotional, he felt it too. Whether it was the song or his grandparents and parents crying, he wound up in tears, happy for Evan and Shantelle. 1 At another table, the friends who knew Evan's suffering the most cried with him. Wendell and Sean were both wiping the corners of their eyes. Keith, on the other hand, was holding it in. Shantelle's close college friends had also attended. Thanks for that special event. They shared the same table as Evan’s friends.

On another table were Evan's VIP guests, Kaleb Wright, his wife, Attorney Scarlett, and his children. The famous designer of Shantelle's gown, Sarah Kate, came along with her husband. 6 When William surrendered his daughter to Evan's hand, the music was still so deafening. Shantelle looked into Evan's eyes, and it was the same with him. They were both smiling, fascinated because they had finally arrived on their wedding day. While waiting for the song to end, Evan repeated, "I love you." "I love you too," Shantelle said back. Love could be seen by how they stared at each other. It reflected on the massive LED screens in each convention hall. The wedding has yet to start. Yet, many of their guests concluded that Evan and Shantelle were very in love. The officiant gestured for the couple to stand on stage after the song ended. Evan and Shantelle walked up to another massive staircase and into a magnificent grandstand featuring chairs for a king and queen. "We are gathered here today, in this beautiful, grand setting, to celebrate the wedding of Evan Thompson and Shantelle Scott," the officiant began. He gave wise words and advice to the couple before following into the standard flow of the ceremony. The time came when the officiant needed to confirm the couple's intentions. He asked Evan, "Do you Evan Thompson, of your own free will, choose to marry "I do, with all my heart, with all my soul. I want to spend the rest of my life with Shantelle, the woman I love," Evan said. "Okay, let me finish first," the officiant teased. "So eager to kiss the bride, I see.’ Laughter echoed across each convention hall, noticing Evan's impatience. Shantelle had to smack Evan on the arm, reminding him of the flow.

Through the LED screen, they all heard him admit, "The faster we sign the contract, the better. I am very excited about marrying my wife. And, of course, the kiss too. Who can blame me? My wife is very beautiful." The officiant smirked. Then, he said the words very slowly next. The entire time, he looked at Evan, his eyes narrowing at him. "Do... you, Evan... Thompson, of... your... own... free will, choose... to., marry... Shantelle... Scott., on this day, to... join... with her... as husband and wife for... all the days... of your life?" Laughter again erupted in each convention hall as Evan frowned. After the officiant said the last line, the man promptly replied, "I, Evan Thompson, am madly in love with Doctor Shantelle Scott. I want to spend the rest of my life with her and our children." The officiant stared at Evan blankly and replied, "All you need to say is I do." "I do," Evan confirmed, and the officiant shook his head in amusement. Turning to Shantelle, the officiant asked very slowly, "Do... you, Shantelle... Scott, of... your... own... free will, choose... to., marry... Evan... Thompson., on this day, to... join... with him... as husband and wife for... all the days... of your life?" Laughter echoed across all the convention halls. Some were at it so hard that tears welled in the corners of their eyes. While giggling, Shantelle answered, "I do." "I have heard that Mister Thompson waited years for our bride to return to his life. I figured it was fine to keep him waiting a few minutes longer," the officiant said. He beamed at the couple before adding, "After all, true love is worth the wait."

CHAPTER 114

Chapter 114: Shanty's Confession "Shanty, you don’t know the amount of joy I have in me right now, seeing you in front of me, marrying me again." Evan paused. He smiled at Shantelle and returned to the paper in his hand. ”l feel fortunate for the second chance to love and feel loved. Every day, I thank the heavens for bringing me back to you. I thank fate for taking me to Warlington and allowing me the opportunity to make up for all my mistakes." "Years ago, I lost you, and that was my fault. I am a true testament to the saying that goes; you never realize how you love someone until they are gone. I’ve said it many times before, but I’ll say it again." Evan held the tears that threatened to fall down his face as he described, "Shanty, I missed you so badly during your absence, that my heart ached every day. My life was incomplete without you. My company, wealth, and power grew, but I was never close to experiencing true happiness. If I did, through the smiles of others, it was short-lived." "Having lost you taught me a valuable lesson. I want you to know that my vow is deeply carved in my heart, one that I will forever keep and follow through," he proclaimed. It was never easy to think about the past, but Evan could not deny how it turned him into a better person for his wife. Evan reached for Shantelle’s hand and said, "I, Evan Thompson, take you as my wife. I promise to cherish you in all the days of my life, to protect you from harm, and to shelter you from any storm. I swear I can conquer the world as long as you are with me." "You are the queen of my heart. I will love you with all of me, and I pledge to say it every day, as often as I breathe. They I should also love your imperfections, but to me, you are perfect in every way. Nevertheless, through your worst days, I will stay by your side. I promise to be true, to be a faithful husband to you, and a good father and provider to our children."

Looking earnestly into her eyes, Evan added, "Shanty, my love, I will give you only happiness until death do us part. This is my solemn vow." 2 When it was Shantelle’s turn to give her vow, she sniffed, holding back her tears. She did not know if she was ready for her confession, but they were already getting married, and she wanted to be completely open with Evan. A tear inevitably rolled down her cheek as she opened the paper in her hand, she smiled at Evan before starting, "My dearest Evan. Losing you was the greatest pain in my life that I swore I would never love again, other than my son. I caged my heart and turned cold at the thought of love and relationships, but I never expected to open up again as I did with you." "You showed me another side of you that I have never seen before. You saved my life, literally, without regard for your safety. You showed Lucas a father's love, one he had longed for. You have supported me through my recent endeavors, and through your actions and words, I saw and felt your sincerity. You have made me happy - happier than I ever imagined," Shantelle admitted. "I never thought that love could feel this good. Indeed, dreams do come true, for I have always dreamed of having a happy marriage with you. Evan, when I agreed to marry you a little over a month ago, you asked me if I had fallen in love with you again." Shantelle sucked in a breath, and seeing Evan attentively pay attention, she revealed, "The answer is no. I did not fall in love with you again because the truth is, I had never stopped loving you. The degree of how I felt for you might have waned a little when we were apart, but the fact remained that I loved you then, and I still love you now." Another tear fell down her cheek when she softly explained, "I simply locked my heart, knowing no other man could take your place. I did not know what life would bring me upon meeting you again, but who would have thought you'd come

back declaring your love for our son and me, then proving it beyond words. Being with you again reignited those feelings that had been suppressed all those years." More tears ran down her face as she said, "Who would have thought it was all worth it, loving you that long?" Evan was utterly taken aback by what Shantelle admitted. He felt his chest congestion and his knees weakening. Evan wound up hugging Shantelle, and he wept. He remembered the months after meeting his beloved again and realized how lucky he was. Shantelle never gave her heart to anyone. It was only him and him alone. Had this not been the case, he would have lost Shantelle for good. Silently, Evan thanked the heavens, the universe, and the whole galaxy for keeping Shantelle’s love for him to live. Many of the visitors could not help but cry. They saw through the LED screens how the couple wept. They felt the couple's pain and how Evan and Shantelle valued their second chance at love. From the table of Evan's friends, Keith nodded his head. This had been his hunch that Shantelle still secretly loved Evan all along. Wendell and Sean clapped their hands, genuinely happy for the couple. At the table where the couple's parents sat, they all looked at each other, smiling. The Thompsons were especially happy with Shantelle’s admission. William and Eleanor simply nodded, having the same inkling as Keith. It took minutes for Shantelle and Evan to soothe their emotions. Knowing that she had to finish her vow, Shantelle sucked in a breath while Evan's hands went beneath her veil to wipe the wetness on her face. "I love you," he said. "I love you so much. Thank you for loving me, Shanty." 'I love you too,' she mouthed back.

Eventually, the officiant cleared his throat, reminding Shantelle to resume. She chuckled and went back to her promise. She read, "Evan, I take you as my husband, and I promise to shower you with my love, to be more expressive and not hold back. I promise to value your every gift, no matter how expensive they may be -" Laughter echoed across all the convention halls, for it was true. Evan's gifts to Shantelle would stay within his high standards. After Shantelle laughed with everyone, she resumed, "I promise to trust you with all my heart, to be patient as you learn how to cook for Lucas and me -" The mood lighted as giggles left everyone's mouths, thanks to Shantelle’s recent words. Looking straight into Evan's eyes, Shantelle concluded her vow, saying, "I promise never to lose our spark. As we grow our family, I promise to work with you, to be an equal partner in your life, and to remember the amazing person I married. I will always love you. This is my solemn vow." The officiant could tell that it was only a matter of time before Evan would wind up kissing his wife. Even before they could put on their wedding bands, Evan had been tugging Shantelle’s veil and leaning closer to her. After the couple put on the rings, the officiant sped through his words, "Soby-the-power-vested-in-me Evan impatiently uncovered Shantelle’s veil, his hand reaching for her face. "l-now-pronounce-you-husband-and-wife. Mister Thompson, you-may kissyour-bride The officiant sighed, feeling defeated. He couldn't catch up with Evan. The man was already locking lips with his wife! 1 The crowd was screaming. A few guests laughed while many clapped hands at Evan's eagerness to kiss his bride. "Ladies and gentlemen, please help me welcome Mister and Misses Thompson!" The officiant said. "Let's give them a round of applause!"

Shantelle and Evan were at it, passionately kissing in front of their visitors. Their eyes watered with glee while their arms were around each other. The kiss lasted for two minutes, and when they finally pulled away, they helped wipe each other’s tears. The officiant smiled and said, "Your love for each other is infectious. May others in this venue find love as you have found in each other." Following the officiant's words, music played in the background. Again, the band sang the song of Colbie Cai Hat; We Both Know. ~ "They all say it All the ones that made it Once you find the one you claim it But you're gonna have to fight" ~ Feeling the song's lyrics all over again, Evan and Shantelle kissed again, this time gently, their frames swaying with the music. Screams roared. More applause erupted. At the stage, Evan let go of Shantelle’s lips. He whispered in her ear, "My wife, did you count how many times you said I love you "Pfft! Not right now, Evan. We have guests!" Shantelle objected, but Evan pulled her closer into an embrace. She suggested, "I just need one hour "Just? Just one hour! Haha!" She reacted, wrapping her arms around his neck. She groaned and replied, "Half an hour." A hiss left Evan's lips, and lust filled his eyes. He negotiated, "Forty minutes.

CHAPTER 115 Chapter 115: The Wedding Party Entrance

"Oh, here are the bride and groom," the wedding planner, Mona, said. Her eyebrows lifted, her head shaking in disbelief. She knew well that the couple had locked themselves in the dressing room before getting their retouch. This was the first She arranged a wedding for a couple who were so horny for each other! i "Time for the party entrance, everyone!" Mona called all the participants’ attention, and Shantelle and Evan both laughed at how they were about to have their second exercise of the day. The couple's party entrance was bound to differ due to Lucas' condition. Only the couple would take part in the show, along with their close friends and a few celebrity guests invited to the celebration. Shantelle's and Evan's parents had already been introduced through the LED screens. It was also true for Lucas. "What fucking took you so long, Evan?" Keith barked. If it were not because they were part of the parade, he would not have complained. Wendell just chuckled, and so did Sean. Shantelle's friends, however, pulled her to the side. Felice said, "Shanty, I can't believe you had sex in the middle of your wedding. We have been waiting here for an hour. Your guests are probably hungry as hell." "What? I did not!" Shantelle objected, but her face turned bright red. Celeste, her other friend, rolled her eyes. Karise chuckled and said, "Unfortunately for you, we can read your face." 1 "Am I that obvious?" She asked, and the three ladies nodded at the same time. Getting back in line, two celebrity guests smiled at Shantelle and Evan. It was Sarah Kate Ronaldo and her husband, the former tennis superstar, Carlos Ronaldo. Carlos smiled at the couple and supported them, saying, "It's completely understandable." "I am pro to it." Sarah Kate gave the couple a thumbs up. The designer then whispered to Shantelle's ears and claimed,

"I've had my fair share of sneaking into tennis stadium locker rooms myself." 2 Shantelle's mouth fell open in shock. She hoped her assumptions were wrong, but Sarah Kate added, "The quickies are one of the hottest for me! Do it more often!" After thinking about it, Shantelle smiled and whispered, "Let's talk about this thoroughly later." "I knew it. I should have brought my older sister," Sarah Kate muttered, leaving Shantelle laughing. During their periodic chats, the designer had always implied her sister gave the best sex advice.

4

"Okay! Places everyone! Places!" Mona remembered, and everybody lined up in their respective positions. Inside convention halls one and two, smoke machines emitted mists as the music played. In the background, the DJ played a dance remix. The wedding host announced, "In collaboration with Sarah Kate Collections and Apparel, please help us welcome our celebrity guests, friends of our newly wedded couple, for the evening's party entrance." The first pair who walked out was Sarah Kate, the famous designer, and her husband, Carlos. When they both appeared in front of the guests, modeling for their renowned clothing line, the guests gasped in astonishment. "Oh, my god! Is that the former number-one tennis superstar, Carlos Ronaldo?" "It's Sarah Kate! My favorite designer!" Not only were they in the presence of a well-known couple, but they had the honor of seeing Sarah Kate's new collections. The celebrity couple each posed for the guests and gave a slow-motion turn, flaunting the features of their clothes. Once in a while, Sarah Kate, and Carlos would smile and wave at visitors. A few more celebrities modeled for the brand before Keith walked in with Karise. Like the prior models, they also wore

clothes from Sarah Kate designs. Yet again, the crowd was awed by the gleaming dresses and uniquely stylish suits. Much more, they were thrilled to see beautiful faces, especially the CEO of Prima MedCare. The rest of Evan's friends followed, and they added spice to the wedding party entrance. After all, Wendell and Sean were both good-looking, tall, and well-built men, like Evan and Keith. Sean was incredibly enthusiastic, dancing and calling out to the crowd. He was so infectious other visitors danced along with him. Shantelle's friends received their fair share of hoots and applause, particularly Karise. She had that alluring look, slender figure, and gorgeous black hair that bounced as she walked. Moreover, she wore Sarah Kate's sexiest gown for that night.

1

"Next, ladies and gentlemen. Let's give it up for our newlywed couples, Mister and Misses Thompson!" The host announced. Everyone stood up, clapping their hands as the couple walked in. Evan and Shantelle were in a new pair of clothes this time. Evan was in a white tux, while Shantelle was in a sapphire gown that gleamed with gemstones, opposite from what they wore during the wedding ceremony. Shantelle still had that crown over her head. She put her hand on her waist as she gave a striking pose, her eyes wandering the surrounding tables. Meanwhile, Evan gave off that poker face expression as he held up Shantelle's hand. The way Evan scanned the crowd made the ladies almost scream. To them, he looked simply dashing. However, knowing his number one rule, they held back from showing any signs of interest in Evan. After that model-like expression, the couple eventually smiled as they brandished their glamorous attire. They greeted everyone as a couple, waving their hands and saying hello. The entire time, Evan held Shantelle's hand or placed it at the small of her back.

Whenever he would catch a man staring at Shantelle, Evan would hold her waist tighter and announce, "My beautiful wife! My wife!” 1 At one of his investors, who was ogling at his wife, the man warned, "Eyes on me, Mister Rue." The couple eventually made it to the stage of convention hall two, where all their friends and celebrity guests awaited them. After that, the song concluded, and the wedding entrance ended with a bang! Party poppers exploded, and confetti flew up in the air. Not only that, electric fireworks erupted on each side of the aisle, encouraging more rounds of applause. When the hoots had calmed, the host announced, "To give the opening remarks, ladies and gentlemen, the groom, Mister Evan Thompson." Evan held Shantelle's hand despite being called alone, taking her with him to the front. From there, he said, "Thank you for coming. Before anything else, I would like to thank the famous designer, Sarah Kate, and her husband for sponsoring our wedding party entrance. Ladies and gentlemen, you have just witnessed Sarah Kate's next season designs! So later on, you can decide which ones to purchase at her boutique." Next, the man pointed to the decor, the venue, the models, and the clothes. He described, "This wedding is my dream for my wife. Most of this is for her because she deserves the best. The Evan Thompson you know would not be caught showing himself off to the crowd, modeling. However, Evan Thompson, who is Shantelle's husband, is willing to show you how much he will bend his ego for her, and that's how you find me today, standing in front of you and expressing my love for her." Evan spoke a few more words and named valued visitors. Then, he suddenly became emotional. He revealed, "You see."

Turning to Shantelle, he put his arm around her before resuming his speech. "When Shanty and I parted, I told myself that Once I find her again, I will marry her, and it will be forever next." He emphasized with his arms stretched, declaring," I will give her the world, the magnificent wedding, the best wedding gown, the best pieces of jewelry, the best house, the best of everything, and, of course, my undivided love and attention. I didn't know if that would ever happen. There was a time when I thought it would remain a dream forever." 1 "However, here we are. Apparently, wishes come true, so I gave it all in this wedding." Evan pulled Shantelle into his arms and pecked her cheek. He returned to the crowd and declared, "And not just in this wedding. I proclaim, being the king of Rose Hills, my wife, Doctor Shant, as the queen! For I will treat her that way until my very last breath! And I expect everyone who is here to treat her the same!" Shantelle laughed her heart out, including her friends. Wendell and Keith bobbed their heads. Sean was rooting for Shantelle, saying, "Queen Doctor Shant!" It was as if Evan gave his vows again, but this time, addressing them to the crowd. Shantelle tried to dismiss his words, suggesting to the guests not to take his order seriously. Still, most visitors, especially his employees, regarded Evan as the power in Rose Hills. They would never deny the man's wishes. Closing his welcome remarks, Evan said, "Thank you for joining our wedding celebration. Let the party begin. Please enjoy the food, the live band, and the other entertainment we have prepared for you. It's going to be the best party of the year!"

Dinner was sumptuous. The entire night was filled with entertainment. In between, Shantelle and Evan roamed the convention halls to chat and take pictures with their guests. They also spoke to their relatives in convention hall two.

When the couple met Davy and Laila Scott, plus their daughters, they all flattered Shantelle. How could they question Evan's sincerity when his vows were seen through the giant LED screens? They were fully convinced Shantelle had bagged a gold mine. After the Scotts, the couple went to the table of Ariana Thompson-Smith. Evan's aunt quickly got up from her seat. With all of Evan's proclamation of love for his wife, there was nothing left to say. Instead, Ariana embraced Shantelle, saying, "I’m Sorry about our past, Shantelle, but please don't blame me. I was only looking out for Evan then." "No hard feelings at all, Aunt," Shantelle said with a smile. "I understand." Ariana turned to Evan and said, "I am happy, Evan, that at the end of everything, you still found your happiness." Evan embraced her aunt, saying, "Thank you, aunt." Paxton, Ariana's husband, also had nice words to say. He suggested to Shantelle, "Come to think of it, for your love for Evan to remain after a divorce, and I can only imagine what you went through raising a child without a father, then your Love is pure and strong. Evan is lucky to have you, Shantelle, and like my wife, I am sorry for questioning you in the past." Shantelle never expected Evan's aunt's approval. She didn't care, but she thanked how Even made it clear to everyone that he was absolutely not forced into the wedding this time around.

Moments later, Shantelle finally had her girl time with her friends. Sarah Kate and Attorney Scarlett joined in the chat. "So, what are your plans for the honeymoon?" Sarah Kate asked.

CHAPTER 116

Chapter 116: Marital Advice "Guys, the key to a spicy marriage is communication," Sarah Kate said to the girls. "You must tell your man if they hit the right spot!" As if in bed with her husband, she simulated, "That's it, lick it right there, gently, faster! Harder!" "You have to tease your men and keep the fire burning! And you don't want just the freaking torch for a fire. You want the whole inferno!" Kate exclaimed, adding more shrieks around their table. "Oh, my god! I can't handle this!" Karise screamed. "And here I am, thinking I was the best in that field!" 'Right,” Shantelle said. "I'm probably still at the torch stage. I can't imagine what an entire inferno would bring me. Haha!" Sarah Kate went on and on for minutes. In between, Attorney Scarlett would give her two cents. When all the tips were given, the designer took out a paper bag and gave it to Shantelle. She said, "My other gift to you." "What?" Shantelle reacted. "You already gave me too much! You let my girls get a piece of your collection, and so did Evan's friends." "Oh, this is nothing," Sarah Kate replied. She said, "I decided to just give it personally because If I was going to put it at the gifts table, someone might steal them." She pointed to the paper bag and suggested, "These babies are like diamonds. They can save marriages!" The entire time, Attorney Scarlett was laughing so hard. She said, Trust her. She knows what she is talking about." Curiosity got to her that Shantelle took out one product. Her eyes widened at the sight of an oral-flavored gel. Another boisterous laugh erupted from their table, and the rest of Shantelle's friends helped her take out the other contents in the bag. ■*

The ladies were screaming and laughing hysterically, and Evan had no clue. He kept turning to his wife, but she was busy, flushing like a red tomato while chatting with the designer. Evan and the boys had moved to the table of his business partner, Kaleb Wright, and his brother-in-law, Carlos Ronaldo. His friends, Wendell, Keith, and Sean, were equally curious about what the girls were talking about. "They look like they are having lots of fun," Sean remarked. "They are probably talking about the usual stuff," Kaleb suggested. "And what is the usual stuff?" Evan asked. Kaleb and Carlos looked at each other, and they laughed. It was Carlos who answered, "Marital stuff. Things you do as a married couple." Kaleb Wright first looked past the tables and checked on his kids. His children were walking around, exploring the venue. All his older sons were looking after his only daughter. When he felt reassured, he returned his attention to Evan. He suggested, "You should also get marital advice from us. We are the married ones, after all." "So, Doctor Shant is pregnant, right? How far along is she?" Carlos asked." Is she experiencing nausea and vomiting?" Evan nodded. He said, "Occasionally, but she controls it by dieting. She eats less meat and citrus fruits nowadays to ease her digestion." "Good. Very good," Kaleb said. "Looks like you had an easy, first trimester." "I would say so," Carlos nodded. "Next trimester, though, you need to prepare for it," Kaleb proposed. Evan's friends gave their undivided attention. Although they were not married, they had partners of their own. "What's going to happen during the second trimester?" Evan asked. "After getting through the nausea stage, comes the hunger stage," Kaleb revealed. "Your wife will constantly be hungry, especially since she carries twins. She will need a lot of snacks, and she will have strange cravings."

"Very strange," Carlos suggested. "The thing about cravings is, you have to deliver them. Else, Doctor Shant would be in a bad mood all day long," Kaleb announced. "You might get that -" Kaleb quoted with his fingers, saying, "No love for you tonight!" He pointed at Evan and added, "If you don't get her, whatever she wants." Certainly, Evan would not want that. Heck, he only has love once a day, only to be cut off for a mere craving? No way! The the man answered, "I will be... ready with all kinds of pregnancy cravings!" "But Evan, cravings can go from a simple donut at the local pastry shop to a fruit on another continent," Carlos claimed. "You can never be too prepared. Still, preparing is good." "The best part of the second and third trimesters is the sex. Along with food cravings, there will also be an increase in sex drive," Kaleb suggested. "As long as... you provide her with all that she wants in terms of food." "Just remember," Carlos added. "A pregnant woman will do anything for her favorite snack." Aside from the cravings, they covered a few pieces of marital advice. Carlos said, "Surprise her often. Whether at work or at home, make sure she would never expect it. It will keep her smiling all day." "Be naughty once in a while," Kaleb suggested. "As the marriage ages, you need to explore other means of making your my wife is happy." "Sir, Mister Wright. I look up to you so much. I cannot imagine you being naughty," Wendell remarked. "Who? me?" Kaleb laughed. He claimed, "I am the naughtiest amongst my siblings. How did you think I got six kids, guys? Come on." Laughter erupted at their table, especially Carlos. After Mister Wright's self declaration, more advice followed. Carlos: "Have regular dates."

Kaleb: "I know you will grow your family, but have alone time with your wife. ■ Carlos: "Try a new hobby together, something you can enjoy during your dates." Kaleb: "Have one day without electronics. You'd be surprised what you would get out of it. Turn off the freaking Wi-Fi and phone."

While Evan and Shantelle were getting marital pieces of advice from their newly made friends, Lucas was jealous of the Wright kids. They were having fun, walking around, but his grandma asked him to stay put. He sighed in dismay. Miguel was with him, but he wasn't a kid. He wanted to talk with kids his age. Lucas ate his vegetable with no life at all. He wished he was already better so he could meet other children too. "Lucas, I'll go to the restroom, okay? I'll be right back," Miguel said, and Lucas nodded. Not too far, he saw a pretty girl wave at him. He recalled her name was Lily Rose. She was the only daughter of his father’s new business partner. He smiled at her. She was charming, and she had blue eyes like his mommy. "What are you doing here? Don't you want to play with us?" Lily asked. "I can't," Lucas said. "Why not? What's wrong with you?" Lily asked. "I'm sick," Lucas admitted. "So I can't play. I might get sick if you are sick." "I'm not sick!” Lily claimed. "Come on, let's play!" Lucas turned to where his grandma was. Eleanor was dancing with William, but he knew he would be seen playing with the Wright kids. Thus, he replied to Lily, "I can't. Grandma will see me. She will ask me to return to my seat." Lily pouted her lips. She looked around, and after finding one empty table, she approached Lucas and said, "Let's hide over there!"

Lucas, like the child that he was, only wanted a friend, a playmate, but he had been deprived of meeting other kids because of his condition. The invitation was so tempting that he gave in. Together with Lily, they went under the empty table, bringing a plate of food. It was there that they got to know each other. "Ah, peace and quiet. My brothers are always following me. It's annoying sometimes. I'm surprised they missed me for a whole five minutes. Haha! They will go crazy when they find out I'm gone!" Lily said. "Why do they always follow you around?" Lucas asked before biting on a cookie. "I don't know! It started with my oldest brother, Liam, and then the rest just followed," Lily said with a shrug. "Oh, I like that cookie. Is there more?" Sadly, that was the only cookie on Lucas' plate. He had broccoli instead. Having already taken a bite, Lucas broke the cookie in half and gave the other to Lily. He said, "Here, you can have my half." "Thank you, Lucas. You are so nice! You are officially my first boyfriend!" Lily announced. 1 "Huh?" Lucas asked in shock, his brow lifting. He countered, "I'm too young to have a girlfriend!" Lily laughed and said, "No, that's not it. I mean a friend who is a boy!" 1 "Oh." Lucas flushed. He laughed and said, "I'm glad to be your first boyfriend." It started with that light conversation until they covered Lucas' illness. It made Lily sad. She said, "I wish you were better." She prayed for Lucas, and after that, she suddenly kissed his cheek! 3 "When my mommy is sick, she always asks me to kiss her cheeks. Sometimes, daddy asks for a kiss too. It works all the time! Sometimes, my daddy gets better in just seconds!" With a firm nod, Lily declared, "You'll see! You'll get better in no time!”

CHAPTER 117 Chapter 117: Friendship Approval "After this talk, Shantelle might have another set of twins," Karise suggested. "And so will my friends." Shantelle's college friends, Felice and Celeste, were already married. Now, only Karise remained single. "You all should share your babies with me, guys! I love those cute little babies," Karise claimed. "Why don't you make your own?" Felice said. "Yeah, totally. Why not?" Sarah Kate suggested. "I agree. Make your own baby," Shantelle echoed, and Celeste did the same. "Hello, are you forgetting I am not married? How can I have a baby?" Karise said. "In that case, hold that thought," Attorney Scarlett said. "It's not easy to raise a child on your own." "Keith, Karise wants a baby!" Celeste loudly announced. 1 Immediately, Karise snapped her head behind her. She found Keith walking back their way. Her mouth fell to the floor, and she quickly explained, "I just told them to share their babies, and they insist that I have a baby of my own!" Keith had taken a seat next to Karise. He turned to her and asked, "Do you want a baby?" "Yes!" Shantelle and her friends said that at the same time. "Yeah, if I get a sperm donor, and mind you, I will only want quality genes," Karise said, turning red altogether. Karise rarely showed signs of being affected by Keith, but to Shantelle, little by little, her friend was unknowingly or secretly having feelings for Keith. It amazed her how they remained "friends with benefits" until that day.

What was even more surprising to Shantelle was how Keith had not been rumored with any other socialite or celebrity. When he had said to her that he was figuring things out with Karise, Shantelle was unsure if he was serious about it. However, there may be truth in what he said. Last she heard, Keith had been sleeping in Karise's apartment three to four times a week. In her opinion, that was already deep for Keith. "Lily? Where are you?" A young man's voice echoed in convention hall three. It was from Attorney Scarlett's first son, Liam. He turned to Scarlett and announced, "Mommy, I can't find Lily!" Attorney Scarlett and her husband began to roam the venue, and so did everyone. Only then did Eleanor reveal, "I can't find Lucas!" Just in time, Miguel walked back in from the restroom, and seeing the commotion, he reasoned, "I took a leak." He looked around and began calling for Lucas. Everyone called out the kids' names in the next few minutes. Shantelle and Evan were in a panic, searching around convention hall three. Attorney Scarlett was about to propose going to the other convention halls when they finally heard a little girl's voice, "Mommy, I'm just here!" When the adults turned to the source of the voice, they found Lucas standing next to her. He waved at them and said, "Sorry, we were just talking." His voice turned frail as he admitted, "Under the table." The kids received the biggest scolding of their lives the next minute. Left and right, their parents asked a series of questions. "Why did you do this? You got us all worried," Scarlett asked Lily. Evan asked Lucas, "Why did you leave your seat without telling anyone?" "Lucas, you shouldn't be walking around. Who knows if the floor is dirty? Did you even spray the floor with disinfectant?" Shantelle pointed out. "Lily, you know your brothers will get mad," Kaleb said to his daughter.

"That's why!" Lily reasoned. "My brothers are always following me around. It's no fun! I don't get to make friends with boys. My girl classmates are also scared of my brothers!" "I just wanted to make a friend," Lucas stated. "It's been months since I had a friend my age." Lucas' constant companions were Miguel, Mrs. Shaw, his private teacher, and Eleanor. He loved them, but they didn't play the games he enjoyed, nor were they relatable for his age. Because of this, he said, "I just want to be friends with Lily. Can I, dad?" Evan and Shantelle both looked at each other. Then, they turned to Kaleb Wright. Kaleb shrugged and said, "I don't see why not!" "My brothers will make it difficult for me to have friends," Lily claimed. Kaleb laughed and swore, ’ Don't worry. I'll speak to your brothers." Attorney Scarlett approached Lucas and explained, "Lucas, Lily lives with us in another city. We are happy that you will be friends with her, but you'll have to chat online most of the time "That works!" Lucas exclaimed. "Since I'm not allowed out of the house often, I can have an online friend for now." Scarlett smiled, and so did the adults that surrounded the two kids. After some time, Kaleb declared, "That settles it! No more sneaking around to hide under the tables or wherever. You two will be friends, and Lucas can call Scarlett or me to Chat with Lily after school!" 1 “Yey!" The two kids cheered for joy, and they hugged each other. "I'll finally have a friend!" Lucas exclaimed. "I'll finally have a boyfriend!" Lily declared. 1 The adults gasped at their claims, especially Lily's. Their reactions, innocence, and genuine yearning for friendship nearly brought tears to their eyes. After receiving approval from their parents, the two kids agreed on their chat hours. "I'll call you every after my class," Lily claimed, i

"I'll be waiting. Do you play Roblox? Can we virtually meet there instead?" Lucas suggested. "Sure, I love Roblox, but Daddy said I can only play an hour a day," Lily revealed. "You are in grade two, right? We can study together, instead! What's your favorite subject?" Lucas' eyes lit up. He excitedly talked about his favorite subjects, "I love Science, English, and Math! I wanna be a doctor someday like mommy, or a businessman like daddy!" "That's so cool!" Lily remarked. "You wanna be a doctor? I want to be a race car driver, an athlete, or a police officer! You can teach me about math because It's not my favorite, and I can teach you about my favorite subjects! I love English and PE! My all-time favorite is snack time!" 1 Lucas laughed at Lily's favorite subject and potential career choice while her parents gasped in shock. Lily's mother, attorney Scarlett, covered her mouth with her hand while her husband pointed to her, lifting a brow. "Well, this is good. Instead of playing cards and video games with your brothers, you can study with Lucas. Maybe, you'll change your favorite subject to Math and be a lawyer like your mommy," Kaleb Wright said, offering his hand to Lily. "Come on, let's go back to your brothers." "But I want to stay with Lucas!" Lily said with a frown. "I wanna talk to Lily," Lucas begged with puppy eyes. In the end, the adults agreed to have the two kids spend time together under the watch of Miguel. The entire time, Lucas received glares from Lily's brothers, but he wasn't intimidated. He was under the protection of Kaleb's Wright's "Friendship Approval." The wedding party continued with more dances, live shows, expensive drinks, and a grand display of food. The Wrights had to call it a night at ten in the evening. Kaleb and Scarlett had to take Lily away, and the two kids bid goodbye. "Are you feeling better now, Lucas?" Lily asked.

”Uhuh, I think so, but I would not really know for sure until I get a blood test, ” Lucas revealed. "Oh, well, in that case, let me give you a double dose!" Lily said before kissing Lucas' cheek again. "Goodbye, Lucas!" 1 Lucas flushed as he waved at Lily. Meanwhile, the adults surrounding them were in shock again. Attorney Scarlett had to explain how she and her husband sometimes would arrive lifeless at home. They would ask for a kiss from their princess, and their energy would magically be revived. Of course, that was all an act. Parents do it all the time. But who would have thought Lily would apply it to Lucas? She never kissed her own brothers! After the Wrights left, another couple was missing. "Have you seen, Karise?" Shantelle's friend, Felice, asked. "I need to go. She said she would drive Celeste and me to our hotel." 2 From their table, Shantelle looked around and realized that Keith was missing, too. Beside her, Evan said, "I think they might have left." "What?" Celeste said. "I can't believe she would leave us hanging." Shantelle shrugged and said, "I'll ask Miguel to take you guys. The two might be working on the baby, you know." Shantelle snorted and laughed. She was simply joking about it. She never truly considered that Keith was ready to have a child.

At the luxury restroom of the Royal Grand Convention, the door was locked from the inside. Moans and erotic sighs could be heard, along with slapping flesh. Karise was pressed, facing against the wall, while Keith entered her from behind and had been for minutes. She raised her arm to reach for Keith's neck and turned, looking him in the eye. She said, "You are so impulsive today. You are not

even wearing a condom. What has gotten into you? Ah! Fuck, you are so big." She felt his size had gone bigger inside of her. Keith already had a thick girth, but she felt that evening, he was significantly thicker. Her legs wound up shaking in the succeeding thrusts he made. "What were you thinking, asking for a sperm donor when you already have me," Keith said before pushing hard. "Aahh!" Karise's entire body shivered, feeling completely filled, her insides expanding to accommodate Keith's size. Keith was pumping faster inside her peach, and when he came, he pushed Karise harder against the wall. His hand cupped her exposed breast, and his butt-cheeks hallowed. His hips squirmed behind Karise, relishing the feeling of having come before finally pulling out. He flipped Karise to face him and crashed his lips to hers. They made out fervently in the luxury restroom. After Keith peeled off Karise, he caressed her cheek and suggested, "Let's continue at your apartment. This dress you are wearing is so sexy; I've been thinking about fucking you all night." Karise was still in a daze, but hearing Keith's suggestion, she shook her head and fixed her clothes. She said, "Wait -wait. Wait! Stop, right there." Karise had gone along with their arrangement for months, but it was harder to keep things platonic when Keith started staying over at her apartment. They had sex all the time, but they did intimate acts too. They would wake up in each others' arms, bathe, cook breakfast, and have groceries together. At that point, she needed to know, once and for all, where she stood in his heart. She sought, "I want to know what this means right now, Keith. Tell me, who am I to you? And what about Shanty? How do you feel about her?"

CHAPTER 118 Chapter 118: Keith's Proposal The question took Keith aback. He knew he was bound to have this talk with her, but did not have the courage to ask. He was somewhat relieved that Karise brought it up first. Keith replied, "Karise, what do you think? I've been practically living with you and paying for your apartment?" "That is not the answer to my question, Keith!" Karise said. "I can't read your mind. Tell me." ' And what about you? Aren’t you going to tell me your stand in this relationship?" Keith sought. "You haven't said anything neither." "You are the man, so you go first," Karise insisted. With a sigh, Keith shut his eyes for a second. Then, finally, he softly replied, "Shanty will always have a special place in my heart because we formed a good bond in Warlington, but that's all we'll ever be, friends." "Yes, I wanted to be with her, but it's not the same anymore." He clenched his jaws and revealed, "I never told anyone this, but back in Warlington, when Shanty was trapped in the fire, I failed to save her. When Evan walked in, not caring for his own life, I saw full determination in his eyes. Honestly, I realized then that the way I felt for Shanty was no greater than Evan's. I started acknowledging how I would never win against Evan. I realized she deserved that; someone who could love her better."

"When Shanty relocated to Rose Hills with Evan's help, I gave Evan his blessing. I backed off completely, but it wasn't until about two months ago that I thoroughly allowed myself to let go. It was when Shanty and I had that talk," he added. "Shanty told me to move on completely, and I agreed that I should. So, I... I opened my eyes." "There was no one else I could think of moving on to but you." He walked closer to Karise and stroked her hair as he described, "You comforted me, you listened to me, and you understood me. Other women would try to seduce me, but with you, it started with just... talking, you know." "You were there for me when I needed a friend. I started looking forward to seeing you. You made me laugh. You put me at ease, and I wanted to spend more time with you. Honestly, I don't want to be intimate with anyone else but you," Keith said. Karise narrowed her eyes at him, saying, "Oh, so I should be thankful that you keep me up most nights." A chuckle left Keith's lips. He reluctantly replied, "Ah. In a way, yes, because I've never been a one-woman kind of guy, going on for months. And we have been doing this thing for some time. I thought only Shanty could possibly change me into a better person, but surprisingly, since we started our arrangement, I haven't slept with other women. I only went out with you to parties, occasional dinners, and whatnot. Plus, when we, somewhat became exclusive -" "We were exclusive?!" Karise asked, bemused. "Don't play with me, Karise! Did you see other men in the past two months?! " Keith angrily asked. "No!" Karise answered. "We have been spending too much time together; I don't have the time to see other men "Exactly my point!" Keith said, his voice raised. "That's when we became somewhat exclusive. Oh, come on, Karise, I am practically living in your apartment. I have clothes in your closet and have been paying for your flat for two months. What

Do you think that means?" "But I want clarity!" Karise objected. "Tell me in words!" Keith raised his arms, eventually saying, "I want you to be my girlfriend, okay? In fact, I think we should live together. That we get to see each other every day. Do things more of a couple should." Dead air fell upon them. Karise was utterly surprised. Her face burned as the words left her lips, "Girlfriend? Me? Couple?" "Yes," Keith nodded. "And live with you? You'll live in my apartment?" Karise clarified. "Actually, I prefer if you move in with me," Keith replied. "I have nothing against your house, but my penthouse is bigger, perfect for both of us." "I'll have my own room?" Karise asked. "What the hell, Karise? What's the point of living with me if you will have your room? You'll share my room, of course. It will be our place!" Keith suggested. "Our place?" Karise asked. The admission and offer were so overwhelming to Karise that she doubted if it were true, 'Was Is this the same playboy CEO, Keith Henderson?' "Yes, our place," Keith acknowledged. He closed the gap between them, his eyes looking straight at Karise, and he cupped her chin. He kissed her lips and revealed, "For days now, I've been thinking about taking you to my house, but I haven't been able to ask. Honestly, I was afraid you would say no." Seeing that she remained silent, he added, "I should tell you that no women had ever been to my penthouse. You are the the only girl that I am letting in." That made Karise's eyes widen, and she bit her lip. If anything, Keith had learned how her lip biting was a positive sign. With her arms crawling up to his chest, Karise softly asked, "Keith, tell me, what exactly do you feel for me?" Keith studied her face for seconds. He pecked her lips, and after another second, he replied, "Lately, you are all I think

about. I swear, it's not just sex. I like you a lot, Karise Myers. I ask that we take a more serious route in this relationship and you move in with me... So, will you be my girlfriend?" She gawked at him for seconds, still in disbelief. However, seeing no signs of doubt in his eyes, she answered, "Okay." She inhaled deeply and added,” Keith. I'll be your girlfriend." Karise leaned in and kissed him. They made out for a few seconds before she admitted, "Keith, I feel the same way. I like you a lot, and I want to see where this goes." Keith smiled brightly. He replied, "Thank you, Karise. Thank you for taking a chance on me. I know I am not the best boyfriend candidate in the world. I can't promise to be perfect, but I'll work hard. I am new at this. I never had a real relationship." He took her hand and pecked her knuckles, saying, "Try to be patient and tell me what I am doing wrong." With a nod, Karise acknowledged. She said, "I know. I am a little scared, but I know what I'm getting into." They stood there for some time, just grinning at each other. After a while, Kieth asked, "So what will it be, girlfriend? Want to go home to my place tonight?" Karise bit her lip and seductively replied, "I wanna see your penthouse." •* The next day, Karise woke up, tucked in Keith’s arms, her back facing him. She smiled at the thought of what they did last night, but at the same time, she frowned, feeling sore all over her body. She attempted to face Keith, but he groaned, pulling her waist tighter to his frame. "Let's get more sleep," he suggested. Just then, Karise heard her phone ring. She could only imagine it was her friends. She had practically abandoned them last night. Nonetheless, she was certain Shantelle would take care of their transportation. "I need to get the phone," she murmured.

A low growl escaped Keith's lips. He reached for Karise's phone from the bedside table and gave it to her. Then, he returned to cuddling with her, his lips pecking on her bare back. "Shanty? Good morning," Karise greeted, answering the mobile. "Where have you been? I have been calling you all night. The girls said they went to your apartment at six in the morning, but you weren't there," Shantelle revealed. "Oh, my god. They did?" Finally, Karise was completely awake. "Why were they there?" "Duh, to say goodbye! Too late, though. They had already left the city. Miguel drove them to the airport at eight in the morning," Shantelle replied. "What time is it?" Karise said before checking on the time. It was already ten in the morning! "Oh, damn! They are gonna hate me!" "Oh, they will. Where are you, anyway? Are you okay?" Shantelle asked, her voice showing genuine concern. Karise turned to Keith. He was still asleep, his arm around her. She could not blame him. They did four rounds at his penthouse. Plus, the restroom sex, they had a total of five rounds. Keith was tired as hell. 1 Clearing her throat, Karise bashfully confessed, "Um, I'm at Keith's penthouse." Then, she whispered, "We sort of formalized things. Guess who has a new boyfriend?" Silence followed. Karise could not count how long Shantelle remained mute. After what felt like forty seconds, Shantelle said, "What in the world took you guys so long?! I thought you were never going to name your relationship. Karise, I'm so happy for you. Don't worry about the girls. Once you tell them you abandoned them for love, they will understand." "What kind of supporting words is that, Shanty?" Karise laughed thoroughly before suggesting, "Let's not talk now. Keith is sleeping -" "Who's that? Shanty?" Keith said behind her with his drowsy eyes.

"Oh, my goodness! You are in bed - how nice," Shantelle teased. "Making babies?" "Pfft! Let's talk about it later," Karise repeated. "That's fine with me. Evan and I are leaving for our honeymoon cruise. Enjoy your baby-making sessions, okay! Haha. See you in a week!" Shantelle suggested. "Stop teasing me. Enjoy your honeymoon, and don't forget, bring on the inferno!" Karise advised. "Oh, that's the plan," Shantelle replied, laughing out loud before ending the call. "What's inferno?" Keith asked. Karise simply chuckled. She said, "Tell you what, when we get to the right stage, I'll let you experience inferno."

CHAPTER 119 Chapter 119: Inferno! ~ "So I love when you call unexpected 'Cause I hate when the moment's expected On Evan's and Shantelle's first night on their Caribbean cruise, they attended a sensual dance lesson at a private club where they swayed to the song, Earned It by The Weekend. It was part of their honeymoon package, and Evan booked

the VIP hours, where they only shared the dance floor with two other couples. They followed simple steps of sensual closeness. Instructors were up on stage to perform the dance. It involved teasing touches, hugging, and swaying hips for the female while the men stood there, appreciating their ladies. There was occasional lifting, but nothing too dangerous for pregnant women, i The lights were dimmed. Disco lights flashed from above, setting the mood as the music continued. Shantelle, in her red cocktail dress, was heartily following the steps, inciting her husband. Her ass perfectly grazed over his groin area. In the next beat, her back landed on Evan's chest, her hand was thrown backward, her fingers tracing his gorgeous face and neck. With another beat, her body turned to face him completely, her legs lifted, and Evan smirked. The man traced the outline of her ass and the softness of her outer thigh while his other hand supported her back. They kissed briefly as the music resumed, and Evan hissed. He whispered," I'm so turned on." The couple ground their hips, following the instructors in front of them. Shantelle gasped, smelling his expensive perfume and the bulge beneath his pants. She bit her lip and said, "I think this was the whole purpose of this honeymoon dance lesson." The next part of the routine required Shantelle to open a few buttons of Evan's black shirt. Her fingers briefly and teasingly made it inside to feel his bare chest. Evan groaned, and Shantelle could make out how her husband cursed inside. Another beat followed, and Shantelle turned her back to Evan. She put a safe distance between them while her hands were on her waist, slowly swaying her hips. Seeing his wife giving him a slow dance utterly stirred his emotions. He had been hard, so fucking hard, for the past two songs. When Shantelle returned to him, she gave off that temptress look.

Who knew his wife could look so seductive? He loved this other side of Shantelle, especially since they were away on their honeymoon. They went on, dancing a few more songs until the couple could no longer hold back their desires. They left the exclusive club and found themselves at their suite. "Come here!" The second they entered the room, Evan grabbed Shantelle's hand and abruptly pulled her into his chest. She slammed against his solid frame, giggling. Evan pulled up Shantelle's frame and urged her legs to be wrapped around his waist. They kissed as he carried her all the way to the bedroom. He lay her on the sheets before impatiently taking off his clothes. When he was completely bare, he was surprised to see his wife standing beside the bed. Shantelle said, "Lie down, Evan." "My wife is up to something," Evan said, hissing. Shantelle chuckled and repeated her instructions, "Lie down, husband." Evan lay down on the extra large king bed, all while palming himself. He was grinning from ear to ear as he made a pillow out of his arm. On the other hand, his wife swayed her hips as she made it to the closet. The cupboard was in Evan's full view, and she seductively pulled her dress down, revealing her thong. "Fuck, my wife is so sexy," Evan said. Despite Shantelle growing her baby bump, her figure remained slender, thanks to her dieting. Then she lazily pulled down her thong, purposely showing Evan her crack. Another hiss left Evan's lips. "So beautiful. Come to me, now, Wifey. I can't take it any longer." The man noticed her massaging her own peach, and he groaned. He thought it was incredibly hot. When she turned around, he saw her bottom lips glistening. He bit his lip, asking, "What's that, Wifey?"

Shantelle chuckled and replied, "You'll find out soon." She raised her hand, exposing a gel-like material on her fingers before settling between Evan's thighs. Shantelle reached for his manhood and began massaging him. "That's cold," Evan remarked. Then he smirked, "But, you know... we don't need lubricant." Shantelle chuckled and answered, "No, we don't." After putting the gel around Evan's size, she spread an excess gel down to his nuts. The man frowned, but he was gasping in pleasure. He said, "I like it when you tease me like that." Shantelle had taken out a strawberry-flavored oral gel. The smell permeated her nostrils, and she had to take a taste. She leaned down and started licking his nuts. "Aaahh, Shanty -1 love you," Evan said, throwing his head back, i "Mmmm," Shantelle hummed in delight. She loved eating Evan, but with added flavor, it was more inviting. Shantelle was licking almost all the gel content around his nuts, making Evan relentlessly moan, his stick twitching involuntarily. "Wifey, I love it. What in the world did you put in there?" Evan asked, chasing his breath. "You wanna know?" Shantelle asked, her tongue licking off her lips. When Evan nodded, she slowly climbed up to him. She kissed his lips before turning around and giving him her peach. "Oh, yeah," Evan expressed, his eyes full of passion. He first grabbed Shantelle's two round flesh. Evan adjusted his frame so he was slightly elevated. He gently bit each of her butt cheeks and kissed them repeatedly before lying back down and appreciating his wife's entrance. "God, you are so beautiful." "And you are so hard," Shantelle said before she began licking off his member. From the base up to his tip, she traced it with her tongue. Evan shut his eyes at the feeling of being teased. Then, when Shantelle ate him completely, he just had to take a taste at her.

The man indulged, sucking her entire rose. He pulled away in an instant as he said, "Strawberry." "Strawberry," Shantelle echoed. "Aaahhh, Evan!" In the next few seconds, Evan was eating her heartily. He was sucking her and sometimes flickering his tongue against her clit. Shantelle could not help but let her expression turn frail. At some point, she ground against his mouth, and the man let his face be buried completely. "Fuck." Evan did not know how many times he cursed out of excitement. All the more, when Shantelle returned to eating his manhood. Knowing what they were both doing to each other added to the flames of their wanting. Evan had his fingers clenched on Shantelle's two round-flesh the entire time. He often smacked her while sometimes gripping her ass firmly as he held himself from cumming prematurely. That night, they went on another level. This was the most sensual thing they had done together, and Evan loved it. Meanwhile, Shantelle was eagerly drinking him. She was hollowing her cheeks, sucking him thoroughly, but when Evan touched her sensitive part, she let go of his shaft with a pop. She sighed in pleasure before telling him, "Right there, Evan. Oh, god. That feels amazing. Keep doing that." In the next few minutes, they were at it, expressing the way they loved the feeling and the taste of each other. Aside from pleasing each other with their mouths, their naked bodies were pressed onto each other. The way their skins created friction added to their passions. Evan felt Shantelle's body stiffen. Knowing she was about to reach her high, he picked up the pace, flickering his tongue against her clit. It made Shantelle repeatedly moan in satisfaction, and eventually, her body mildly convulsed. He felt her skin and observed how she formed goosebumps. He continued to suck her, extending her orgasm, and that made her flounder on top of him. She said, "I love it, Evan!"

She returned to bobbing in between his thighs, allowing Evan's stick to go deeper into her throat. "Shanty. Fuck! Yeah!" Evan was relishing the feeling of reaching his wife's throat. He could feel how it tightened around his tip, which was ready to explode. Holding Shantelle's waist, he thrust up, helping his wife with her movement. "I'm cumming," he announced. He counted only seconds, then erupted into Shantelle's mouth, his hips moving up. "Aaahhh! Shanty!" His skin crawled in delight, and his hold on Shantelle tightened. Then, slowly, he felt her letting go of his manhood. He said, "Wifey, on top of me. I love it when you are on top."

CHAPTER 120 Chapter 120: The Perfect Name Evan had just come, but he was still stiff as a rod. He didn't need any viagra. All he needed was his wife. Shanty and Shanty alone was his obsession, addiction, and the only woman who could satisfy his needs. He watched as Shantelle seductively raised her ass and gracefully sat on him. She ground on him, rubbing her dampness against his member. "Oh, yeah. Damn. I wish I could go on a honeymoon forever." Shantelle laughed. She replied, "Well, we can't. There is Lucas, and in six months, I will be giving birth soon." Evan reached for her breast. He grabbed it tightly before gently touching her belly. He remarked, "They are growing. It doesn't show when you wear loose clothes, but I can see it clearly."

"They will grow incredibly fast starting the second trimester, and I am already crossing the next trimester," Shantelle reminded him. Shantelle was still sitting and grinding on his very thick and hard member. She bit her lip and said, "Evan, after I give birth and when I can return to our usual bed activity, I want more of you." Evan hissed and offered, "You can have all of me." "As I am yours," Shantelle replied, smiling. Just as he smirked, she raised herself and held his stick in position. Evan groaned in pleasure, watching his member go inside his wife. It was simply the most scenic view that stirred his emotions thoroughly. He felt his member grow bigger inside his wife as her rose sucked him in like a wet and soft vacuum. He wailed again, this time, so much longer,"Aaaaaah! Aaaaah!" Shantelle rested her hands on his chest. She first ground on him while his length was inside of her. She shut her eyes, feeling his member tickling her inner walls. She also had her fair share of loud cries. She said to herself, '1 love inferno!' "Wifey, I can't - enough of this teasing. I'm gonna cum again, and I'm only allowed inside you once a day!" Evan could not help but complain, and Shantelle pouted her lip. She chuckled lightly and began to ride Evan properly, her frame bouncing over him. Evan often took control, pressing Shantelle against his frame and thrusting upward. He loved it that way since he could kiss her thoroughly and feel her breast against his chest. He could also hold her ass and spank it anytime he pleased. When Shantelle took control, Evan was constantly looking at his stick. He repeatedly hissed at how it glowed in her love juice. A few times, he tried to pleasure her clit, and his wife would moan. Sensing his near climax, Evan urged Shantelle to lie down with him. She first lay on his chest, keeping his stick inside her. Then he gently settled her on her side. He lifted her right leg and settled it around his waist. He looped his left leg over her

left leg and began pumping into her in a sticky scissor position. The couple had recently discovered this position, exploring a few best ones meant for pregnancy in the first trimester. Evan thought this was the best since it pressed their bodies together, but there was no pressure on Shantelle's belly. It only allowed him to exert force in their groins, which was ideal for him. At that point, the melodies of their lovemaking were so damp. The sound of their slapping flesh appeared deafening with how they focused only on each other. Their erotic screams and moans filled the suite's air. "Evan!" Shantelle came first. She clutched onto his chest, her body trembling in euphoria. Sensing her orgasm first, Evan sped his pumping. He pushed deeper and harder, his hand holding her ass tightly, lifting it to give him more room. With his vigorous thrusting, Evan came in no time. He smashed his lips into Shantelle's mouth and tasted her sweet tongue. The couple remained one, kissing each other for another minute. Evan and Shantelle landed on their backs when they pulled away, chasing their breath. "That was... amazing," Evan claimed. "Inferno," Shantelle said under her breath. In her head, she thought it was just a mild scene. She learned more sizzling lovemaking sessions from the designer, Sarah Kate. "Wifey? What is inferno?" Evan asked. "Oh, nothing. Something I read in Cosmopolitan," Shantelle lied and laughed at the end. "Looks like that subscription is doing you good," Evan teased. "Yeah, it did," she said, laughing boisterously. After their hot first night of honeymoon, the couple bathed and prepared for sleep. Just as they settled in the bed, However, Shantelle said, "I'm hungry." "What? Right now?" Evan said.

"I'm starving," Shantelle confirmed, getting up. "They have twenty-four-hour in-room dining. Let's have some pasta. I could use some carbs after what we did."

"Shanty, you and Evan should get some sleep," Eleanor said, observing the time. "Well, I was hungry, and while I was taking my midnight snack, I thought of checking on Lucas," Shantelle reasoned. They were on a cruise, and a The signal was tough, but the ship had Wi-Fi that allowed them to connect to their families. Eleanor and William stayed in the villa with Lucas while the couple was on their honeymoon. Lucas would stay with Erick and Clara at the old Thompson House on the weekend. After showing Shantelle a video of the sleeping Lucas, Eleanor said, "See? He is fast asleep. He had quite a day! He played with Lily for half a day." Shantelle smiled. Before they left, Attorney Scarlett dropped her daughter since Lily was adamant about playing with Lucas. It made it easier for Shantelle to leave, knowing Lucas had a friend to talk to. With Kaleb Wright's itinerary, their family would remain in Rose Hills for another two days. Lily would visit Lucas on those same days. "I'm glad he is fine," Shantelle remarked. "Take care of Lucas, Mom." "You know, I will." Eleanor smiled at the video camera and said, "Enjoy your honeymoon, Shanty." Shantelle was chewing down the last of her pasta when her mother bid goodbye. She smiled, waving goodbye. It was Evan who said, "Night, mom!" After the call with Eleanor, the couple chatted for a few minutes. Shantelle asked, "How is it doing at the company?" "It's perfectly fine. Kaleb Wright is very understanding. He is taking care of the needs for the condo hotel's grand opening

next month," Evan said. "My VP is very effective. James does wonders for me." "James is great. He has been so loyal to you," Shantelle pointed out. "And don't worry about this vacation. It's only a week, and I am meeting the cruise ship's owner. He is considering selling the company because his son is mismanaging it," Evan revealed. "We will be meeting them once we reach Punta Cana. They are currently taking a vacation on the island." "Oh. Hitting two birds with one stone?" Shantelle asked. "Yes," Evan admitted. "Shall we go to sleep?" Shantelle nodded, and Evan offered to carry his wife in princess style. "Can I still carry you like this all throughout your pregnancy?" Evan asked. Shantelle laughed and replied, "No, I'm afraid I will gain weight, plus the water weight and two babies. I'll be too heavy, but you can guide me to bed. M While gently laying her on the bed, Evan pecked her nose and lips. He said," Then, while I can, I wanna carry you to sleep every night." Smiling brightly, Shantelle replied, "I’d like that. I love you, Evan." A hiss left Evan's lips, and Shantelle laughed boisterously. Shantelle complained, "Come on, Evan. Are you serious?" "I got a boner, but I will always hold back for the sake of our babies," Evan said while lying beside her. He pulled her closer to him and made Shantelle sleep in his arms. With one last peck on her cheek, he said, "I love you, Mrs. Thompson." He grinned from ear to ear, saying, "Sounds perfect. Shantelle ScottThompson." "Perfect name," Shantelle echoed before yawning, her eyes closing. "Stellar," Evan added. "I'm telling you, no other name fits you perfectly." Shantelle could not help but laugh. She said, "Go to sleep, Evan. I'm sleepy." "Carbs did that to you," Evan reasoned, and Shantelle only chuckled. "Goodnight, Evan," Shantelle said.

Evan watched Shantelle sleep for a few minutes. He could not count the many times he pecked her cheek. He stroked her hair repeatedly, still amazed at how Shantelle had returned to his life. He was about to sleep himself when an idea crept into his head. With difficulty, he reached for his phone from the bedside table and called his assistant through a messaging app. James answered in his sleepy voice. Evan quickly instructed, "James, first thing in the morning, make new name plates for Shanty. Make sure she has about ten pieces of her new name; Doctor Shantelle Scott-Thompson. Have her office name changed as well as her work email. Get the forms for her ID changes too. My wife can sign them when we return." "Yes, sir," James nodded. "Call the HR at the heart and lung center. Make sure her civil status is changed," Evan added, i "Yes, sir," James acknowledged. Evan brightly smiled. Before their marriage, Evan only claimed to be married, but now it was for real. Evan could not be more proud. He added," Of course, make sure to change my status too." "Gladly, sir!" James said.

CHAPTER 121 Chapter 121: Avenge The Tarts Cruise Day Three. "Wifey, I'm sorry. I didn't think they would serve canapes with anchovies." Evan massaged Shantelle's back. "I had them take back the compliments. They willingly made you some seafood ramen for free to soothe your stomach."

The couple was about to start their dinner at the cruise ship's seafood restaurant when Shantelle took a whiff of the anchovies' unpleasant smell. She wound up puking in the outer areas of the restaurant, her frame leaning against the ship's railings. After wiping her face with a tissue, Shantelle searched for the restroom, saying, "TH wash my face, Evan." "I'll go with you," he offered. To the ladies' room?" She objected. "It's just six tables away, Hubby. I'll be fine. I only need a fresh outlook at dinner before trying it again." Shantelle took one step and retreated, saying, "If they have those pineapple tarts from two days ago, I think that would make me feel better. I loved those." "Wifey, I already asked. They said they ran out. I'm sorry. However, we might stumble upon them on our next land tours," Evan replied. On day one of the cruise, Shantelle tasted a pineapple tart and had been asking for it since. "When we do, I'll buy as many as I can. I promise." Hearing Evan's reply, Shantelle pouted her lip and walked in the restroom's direction. Inside the ladies' room, Shantelle walked in just in time to hear a loud banging at the last cubicle. Her head turned to the source of the sound. Next, she heard the moans of a man and a woman! Shantelle felt utterly disgusted as she heard pants zipping and the woman giggling. She shook her head as she washed her hands. While washing her face, the unknown woman came out, rushing to the door. Shantelle did not bother to look and focused on freshening up. "Well, well. If it isn’t Doctor Shant." Shantelle shifted to the last cubicle door and saw a familiar man, but she could not put a name to his face. He had a brownish complexion. He was tall and well-built. Shantelle could not deny the man was charming with his form, but of course, no one could beat her man.

"Don't you remember me?" The man asked. "You operated on me two years ago. Allen Banks." "Oh." Shantelle's mouth formed into a big 0. How could she have forgotten the man whose girlfriend accused her of being a mistress?! "You look beautiful," Allen described. "Damn! I should have pursued you.” "Please." Shantelle rolled her eyes. She grabbed a paper towel and remarked, "Cardiologists were more of your thing, Mister Banks." "Allen! I knew you were in here!" A woman walked in, and Shantelle belatedly recalled this woman was Alien's girlfriend, Bridget something. She could not remember. She recalled how this woman stalked her for days at Warrington Hospital, thinking she was Allen's side bitch. "You are fucking another woman behind my back, aren't you?" "Wait. Are you still together?" Shantelle could not help but ask. She just witnessed Allen banging a woman, but apparently, he was still together with his girlfriend! "I remember you! It's you, isn't it? He is having an affair with you!" Bridget cried. "Haven't you learned your lesson?" "Woah! Woah, leave Doc out of this!" Allen tried to calm his girlfriend, but soon, Bridget became irrational, screaming and crying, her fingers trying to scratch Shantelle. "Careful what you say, miss, because I only came here to wash my face, then I found your boyfriend in the woman's restroom! Don't spout untrue accusations!" Shantelle barked. She walked to the door and claimed, "I am a happily married woman, and I have nothing to do with Mister Banks!" Shantelle shut the door hard and found her way to Evan. "What's going on there?" Evan asked, seeing a woman frantically shouting from the restroom. She appeared to be slapping a man's face loudly. "Where is that woman? I'm going to teach her a lesson!" Bridget screamed, but unfortunately, she did not find Shantelle.

Security came to usher her and Allen outside the restaurant, for they were disturbing all the diner's peaceful meals. In the In the end, the restaurant offered free desserts as an apology. Seeing Allen and his girlfriend gone, Shantelle shook her head. She explained everything, including how she was mistaken for the woman Allen had done in the restroom. She also said, "That man was my patient before. I remember now. I put a stent on his blocked artery." She described, "He was always flirtatious, but I was used to patients like him. I just ignored him. After the operation, he sent me flowers and other gifts as thanks. Then his girlfriend assumed he was cheating on her with me!" With a frown, she revealed, "Later, the hospital found out Mister Banks was doing his cardiologist because they did it in the hospital before he was discharged, but I was repeatedly blamed." With narrowed eyes, Evan said in irritation, "I'll talk to the restaurant and schedule a meeting. I want to ensure that man clears you and the girl sees you have no reason to betray me. Besides, no one gets to talk to you that way! You are Miss Thompson." The truth was, Shantelle did not want to be bothered by them, but she also considered that Bridget needed to understand how she had nothing to do with Allen. With a sigh, Shantelle replied, "Okay. I agree. No one gets to talk to me that way." Thanks to the ramen, Shantelle felt better. The warm soup, the hint of saltiness, and the noodles gave her happy hormones. Their dinner still turned out to be delightful. After supper, Evan spoke to the restaurant manager. The manager was apologetic about the earlier commotion and tried to offer the couple more compensation, such as a free dinner. Evan realized they were being evasive. He thought they were helping Mister Banks. He said, "Is Mister Banks a regular customer? Is that why you don't want me to meet him? I simply want to clarify the issue."

With a look of defeat, the manager said, "I'll arrange it, Mister Thompson. I'll update you anytime tomorrow."

Before Evan and Shantelle heard from the seafood restaurant manager, the couple had to get off the cruise ship. The ship had docked in Punta Cana and was off to meet with the owner of Caribbean Sales, the cruise ship company. Hendrick Grant, the company’s president, had been sick for the past year and entrusted the business to his son, but it was a failure. His only saving chance was for Evan to buy his cruise lines. From the port, a private limo welcomed Evan and Shantelle. They were taken to a luxury resort and guided into the lobby. They were heading to a meeting room when Shantelle saw the Caribbean dessert she had longed to have. She said, referring to the lobby cafe, "Oh, look, they have it in a specialty box!" Shantelle pointed at the glass display and reminded him, "Those pineapple tarts I've been yearning for after the first day of the cruise. Get them for me, Evan, please! Please! Please!" "Anything for my wife," Evan assured her. Before Evan could reach the small cafe, a woman had bought the entire box. Evan tried to ask the resort for more, but they had already run out. When the man turned to his wife, he saw sadness in her eyes. He knew she craved the treat badly. Evan swore, "I'll get those for you, Wifey." As Evan ran after the customer who bought the entire box of tart, the hotel staff guided Shantelle to the meeting room. She was still alone when she settled in one seat, but the hotel staff had already begun serving starters and beverages. After five minutes, another hotel staff member returned with the tart box. The young man said, "Mister Thompson is still settling the payment with the woman, Misses Thomspon. He should be here any minute now."

"Eeeh! I love this!" Shantelle squeaked in delight, seeing the box of pineapple tarts. She did not care how much Evan paid forthem. She just wanted them so badly. She impatiently ate one, and she was in heaven! Shantelle swore she could finish the entire box. "Like it, guys?" She was the happiest as she talked to her growing babies. Shantelle was about to eat another piece when four individuals walked in; An older man in his late sixties, a middle-aged man, Bridget and Allen Banks!" Before Shantelle could process anything, Bridget screamed, "You! What are you doing here? I can't believe the audacity! It's not enough that you are trying to steal my boyfriend. You just had to stalk us, too!" "Get out!" Bridget screamed. "You cheap whore!" She marched into Shantelle's seat and pushed the box of pineapple tarts away. "Take that dirty food with you!" Shantelle gasped, seeing the treats fly into the air. It played in slow motion how each piece landed on the floor, some breaking in the process. A tear rolled down her cheek, realizing she only had one taste of those delicious... pineapple tarts. It wasn't fair! She should at least have three pieces, one for the other twin and one for her! Evan's efforts played in her head. Her beloved husband had chased after a woman to buy these precious pineapple tarts, only to be thrown away by this unreasonably jealous woman! Shantelle thought she had been jealous of her previous marriage, but she had never done such a sinister thing - to throw away some of the world's most remarkable creations! ‘Oh, poor precious pineapple tarts!' she silently remarked. It was as though darkness had cloaked her that she swore to avenge the tarts. While Bridget kept throwing accusations, Shantelle's eyes darkened, and her hands clenched into fists. Trembling in

anger, she pointed at Bridget and declared, "You will pay for what you did to my tarts!" "What? Tarts?" Bridget laughed. She declared, "Woman, trust me when I say, when I am done with you, you will have more problems than your tarts!"

CHAPTER 122 Chapter 122: Shanty’s Super Powers "You try to steal my man, and all you can think of are those tarts?" Bridget taunted. She was so full of rage she did not analyze the situation appropriately. She turned to Allen and said, "Were you meeting her here too? In front of my father?" Bridget shifted her attention to the older man and revealed, "Father, this woman is seducing Allen! She is on the cruise ship - our cruise ship!" Returning her gaze to Shantelle, she declared, "I should have you thrown overboard from the cruise ship! Do you know Who are you messing with? My father owns a cruise ship! I am Bridget Grant, an heiress to Caribbean Sales!" "Bridget, what are you saying? Doc and I did not schedule to meet. Maybe she is here for a reason?" Allen tried to explain. "Lady, what brings you here?" The older man calmly sought. "Is it true what my daughter is saying? You seem to be a fine lady. You should find your own man to love." "Another one of your hoes, Allen?" The middle-aged man questioned.

'What? Tongue-tied? I gave you a pass two years ago because I had no evidence. But this is evidence enough, how were you in the restroom with my boyfriend last night? How you are on the cruise ship coincidentally as us-" "Bridget, enough!" Allen barked. He turned to the older man and said," Mister Grant, I swear it is not true "HAHAHAHA!" Before they could get answers from Shantelle, an ominous laugh escaped her lips. Shantelle was gentle and beautiful - a very kind soul, but that day, she appeared to be the scariest person in the room. Everyone else felt their skins crawl, their steps retreating at how frightening she looked. "Heiress to the Caribbean Sales? You mean sinking sales, right?" Shantelle corrected, her eyes rounding at Bridget. "You are so proud of your wealth and using it to bully other people, yet your influence is no match to mine!" "Throw me overboard? Let's see who gets to be thrown overboard when I am through with you!" Shantelle's eyes tightened. She declared, "I am Misses Shantelle Thompson, wife of Evan Thompson, and I will make you suffer for what you did to my tarts!" Those standing before Shantelle were Hendrick Grant, the owner of the Caribbean Sales, his son, Hans Grant, his daughter Bridget and a future son- in-law, Allen. At first, they were taken aback by Shantelle's revelation. Eventually, they realized how it made sense. Why would the hotel staff allow the woman inside the meeting room? However, they failed to think logically because of Bridget's sudden aggression. Hendrick Grant's face paled, realizing what his daughter had done, but before he could apologize, Bridget said with a trembling voice, "Nice - nice try, Doctor Shant! Aren't - aren't you a divorcee?"

Bridget tried to toughen up, but she feared that Shantelle's words were valid. She added, "I bet you have longed for a rich man to save you from despair. Naming a powerful man won't help you "What happened to the tarts?! Who did this?" A man's voice thundered across the meeting room. The Grants and Allen snapped their heads in Evan's direction. Like Shantelle, Evan's eyes widened in horror, seeing the crumbled tarts on the floor. He just bought the box of tarts for a thousand dollars! And while money was not an issue for him, the point was, they were for his pregnant wife! He chased after an older lady who had initially bought the tarts and used his fine long legs and expensive shoes against the pavement. He ran around the hotel to find the nearest ATM because the lady wanted cash as payment! The man did everything so his wife's cravings would be satisfied and he would continue to receive love. Fear flashed into Evan's face. Would his wife let him sleep on the couch that night? Meanwhile, Bridget was stunned to see the tall and handsome man in the form of Evan. He wore expensive clothes and had an aura. He had sharp eyes and a chiseled face. Despite the sweat on his forehead, she thought he was exceptionally alluring! She wound up gulping at the sight of him, but soon after, she wondered, 'Why was he asking about the tarts? Just what was in those tarts? Did they have diamonds?' "M - Mister Thompson, I can explain," Hendrick Grant said, his hands raised, hoping it would calm Evan down. "My My daughter, Bridget, made a mistake. Please forgive her and forgive us." Only Hendrick knew Evan's face. He recognized him immediately and connected the dots, thanks to how he reacted to the tarts! "Wifey?" Evan asked Shantelle. Shantelle's gaze turned devilish as she pointed to Bridget. She revealed," Husband, it was her? She destroyed all the

tarts. Then she implied that I tried to covet Mister Banks." "'You again!" Evan angrily called. "Last night, you accused my wife of being with your boyfriend when she only needed to wash her face. I was tables away, and she was in and out of the restroom for five minutes!" "Much more," Evan closed in, saying, "Why would my wife cheat on me when she has me?! Does that even make sense to you?" Evan walked to Allen, asking, "Who is Allen Banks? Is he as handsome as me? Obviously, not. Is he a multimillionaire like me?" As Evan berated, Hendrick Grant glowered at his daughter. His son, Hans, also gave Bridget questioning glares. Allen was also convinced himself. If he were Shantelle, he would not cheat on Evan! "I -1!" Bridget howled in tears. She said, "I thought! I really thought so! I'm sorry!" "Sorry, do not cut it!" Evan yelled in Bridget's way. He demanded, "You will have to pay for those tarts!" "Mister - Mister Thompson, please. We apologize. I'm sure we can arrange something," This time, Hans Grant suggested. "Speak to me!" Shantelle demanded as she returned to her seat. "I hold the power because I am Misses Thompson!" With her chin up, she added," Evan will do anything I say." She turned to Evan and said, ‘I don't want to buy the cruise ship! Let them go bankrupt for all I care! Let them lose the billions of dollars they have worked for since Bridget has no respect for me!" Evan stood behind his wife. He responded, "Anything you say, Shanty." "Announce to the business world how the Grants have humiliated me, your wife," Shantelle added. "No one will ever do business with Caribbean Sales." "Please, please," Hans started to beg. "We need help. We will lose so much. We can refund your cruise tickets!"

"We can give you an extended cruise," Hendrick Grant offered. "Or, I can sell you the company for half the price, don't leave us hanging. We might lose everything if we don't get help -" "No!" Shantelle firmly said. "I'm not interested in your offers. It's not just compensation for how you have wronged me!" They all turned to Evan in shock, but the man only suggested, "My wife has the power. I will do anything she says." In the next few minutes, the Grants started offering other gifts. "We have a house in the Bahamas. We can give you that." "Bridget has the latest Ferrari. You can have it!" "Can we at least have a partnership?" Bridget, who had been crying for minutes, went down on her knees. The thought of losing her wealth and status scared her the most. She begged," Please, I can make a public apology. I can recommend Doctor Shant to my social circle. Please help us." "No," Shantelle firmly said. "It's not the rightful compensation for what your daughter has done to me!" The Grants offered more options, but Shantelle rejected them outright. "Please, Misses Thompson," Hendrick also went down on his knees. His eyes landed on the crumbled tarts. An idea crept into his head, and he offered, "I know the store from which the pineapple tarts are made. I can order a few boxes before you return to the ship. Will that help?" Finally, he caught Shantelle's attention. She pretended to be unaffected for seconds, but soon, she raised her brows and cleared her throat, saying," First, you must teach your daughter some manners. She cannot be anywhere near my husband or me. Second, I will require a public apology from Bridget. Third, I want four boxes of pineapple tarts before leaving Punta Cana. Lastly, I want a monthly package of the tarts delivered to my home before I give birth!" "If you are amenable to these terms, I will allow my husband to negotiate with you," Shantelle added, her jaws clenched.

In the following seconds, Hendrick Grant finally understood what made Misses Thompson mad to the point that she made they beg on their knees. She was pregnant all along! Bridget's accusations clearly angered Misses Thompson, but what enraged her more were the tarts! Of course, it had to be the tarts! Hendrick glared at his daughter and reprimanded, "Bridget! How could you throw away a pregnant woman's food? We got in all this trouble because of you! Get out! And bring your good-for-nothing boyfriend with you!"

Hours passed. Shantelle got her four boxes of pineapple tarts. She was happy again. While Evan negotiated with Hendrick and Hans Grant, she ate an entire box merrily. In the end, Evan agreed to a partnership instead of a full buy-out. He concluded he still needed the Grants' experience. Their only downfall was that Hans, Hendrick's son, needed more marketing and leadership skills to manage the cruise line. Their parties verbally agreed on the next course of action before the couple returned to the cruise ship at night. In the car, Evan remarked," Wifey, you were so brave earlier. I was so fucking proud of you. You could potentially run my business!" Shantelle snorted as she laughed. She revealed, "I only wanted the tarts." 2 "I know," Evan admitted. "But, I have realized that I have superpowers!" Shantelle announced. "You should have seen how their bodies trembled in fear when I said; I am Misses Shantelle Thompson." "If someone would look down on me next, I would say, I am Misses Shantelle Thompson! Buy me a strawberry milkshake! Make those two!” Shantelle declared. "I could get used to that." 1

Evan laughed. He put his arm around Shantelle and claimed, "Get used to it, Shanty, because that is your permanent name." When Evan glanced at the three remaining boxes of pineapple tarts, he asked, "Can I have one? They look delicious." Shantelle bit her lip. She looked down at her sweet tarts before giving off an awkward smile. She took out one piece and was about to feed her husband when she pulled her hand back and said, "Oh, this one looks more delicious." She bit half of the tart and fed the half to Evan. The man frowned. As he chewed down half of the tart, he started laughing. He said, "I thought you loved me, Shanty!" "Well, loving is sharing, Evan, and what you did is you shared with me and the twins." Shantelle hugged Evan and said, "Thank you for loving me, Evan.

CHAPTER 123 Chapter 123: Couple's Advice During their last night on the cruise, the couple went stargazing on the ship's upper deck. Evan had booked a private area of one of the vessel's pool bars, where they enjoyed the view of the sky from sunset until the stars gleamed at night. "So beautiful," Shantelle remarked. "It's so different from stargazing on a cruise ship. It's like, you are moving along with the sky." "We should do this again," Evan concluded. They had sun lounges arranged for them to lie on. Shantelle was resting on Evan's arms as her eyes were fixed on the sky. As the ocean breeze brushed her skin, she hugged herself and moved closer to Evan. The cool air and the sweet the scent of the sea lulled her to sleep, secured in her husband's arms. Shantelle did not know how long she dozed off, but she woke up, hearing her husband calling out to her.

"Shanty! Shanty, look! You can’t miss it!" Evan said. ’’Wake up, Wifey!" Shantelle fluttered her eyes awake. Turning to her left, she realized that Evan was no longer beside her. "Shanty! Come on!" Evan called again. She realized that Evan was already by the railings, watching the seas. He said, "Check this out!" With a frown, she said, "What is so amazing that you had to wake me up from a good sleep?" As she approached Evan, He offered his hand and guided her to the railings. It was only from where she stood that she discovered why the man had disturbed her sleep. "Oh, my god! Planktons!" As the water crashed against the ship, it glowed in neon blue. The longer they lingered by the railings, the view became thrilling as dolphins appeared out of nowhere. The dolphins were hard to see in the dark, but the planktons took their forms, making them easier to recognize. "Oh, it looks so beautiful!" Shantelle sighed, saying, "Wonders of the sea. Just amazing!" She looked at Evan and pecked his cheek, her hand wrapping around his waist. She claimed, "This had been such an awesome vacation. Thank you, Evan, for taking me on a cruise." After spending another half an hour watching the bioluminescence of the sea, Shantelle and Evan returned to the lower deck, intending to rest for the night in their suite. When they made their way through the center lobby, they saw Allen Banks making out with another woman. The woman was a blonde like Shantelle, and that's when she recognized this was the same woman Allen had done in the bathroom three nights ago. It reminded the couple how Bridget and Allen were still part of the cruise. Only Hendrick and his son were taking a vacation at Punta Cana island. Next, the scene that Shantelle was afraid of came true. Bridget suddenly appeared, pulling the woman's hair and calling

her a whore. "Let's go, Wifey. It's none of our business," Evan suggested. However, Shantelle could not let it go. She freed her hand and marched in their direction, with Evan following her. "Choose Allen, this woman or me?" Shantelle heard Bridget ask Allen. Allen immediately replied to Bridget, "Of course, you, baby! I love you." Allen said a few more sweet words to Bridget, making her look confident in front of the other woman. While Allen kept praising Bridget, Shantelle intercepted and spat, "Don't listen to his lies, Bridget. He repeats the same words, giving you endless promises he cannot keep!" "Please, Misses Thompson, I know what I am doing. Allen loves me," Bridget said. She was about to tell more when Shantelle slapped her in the face. Shantelle barked, "Why are you so blind, Bridget? Mister Banks fucks around at each chance he gets! He has been doing that to you for years, yet you are still together? The worst part about this is that you keep blaming the women around you but not him! Wake up! You are a beautiful woman who studied at a reputable school. Find yourself a better man!" She was about to leave with Evan, but Shantelle noticed how Bridget was still standing there, shocked. Her hand, feeling her red cheek. "Arrgh! Come here, Bridget!" Shantelle dragged Bridget with her. With Evan glaring at Allen. The latter remained in his stance, watching as the couple left with Bridget. In another lounge area, the couple settled in the couches with Bridget. For minutes, Bridget remained silent, just pondering about what had happened. Shantelle simply waited, drinking fresh juice and watching Bridget. On the other Evan sat next to his wife, observing. After what felt like forever, Bridget looked up at Shantelle and said, "No one has ever done that to me."

"I'm sorry if I slapped you, but you needed a wake-up call," Shantelle pointed out. Tears stained Bridget's face as she revealed, "No one has ever told me the truth in that way." She looked down and admitted, "My friends kept telling me that I should fight for Allen and make every whore he sleeps with realize who they we're messing with, but you are the only one who said." She sniffed and added, "You said I deserve someone better." "No one has ever looked at it that way," Bridget added. Shantelle and Evan looked at each other. Eventually, Shantelle said, "Then, they are not your true friends because true friends would not want you to keep suffering the same way over and over again." "Value yourself, Bridget. Wake up and realize how Mister Banks will only keep hurting you," Shantelle suggested. "Having misunderstandings in relationships is one thing, but having a manwhore for a boyfriend is another story. I'm sorry, but I don't think your boyfriend will ever be faithful to you," Evan remarked. "I -1 don't know how." Bridget sucked in a breath, saying, "I'm so in love with Allen. I don't know if I can survive not being with him." Shantelle moved closer to Bridget and proposed, "What is it that you do, Bridget? Divert your energy into something more meaningful." She turned to Evan before redirecting her gaze to Bridget. She did not expound in detail, but she explained, "I should tell you, I was once like you I mean, not exactly, but I was once hurt. However, at some point, I stopped hurting myself. You see, when you keep exposing yourself to those that cause you pain, you will lose your confidence and love for yourself." "Instead, find yourself. Why not chase your dreams? Become the person you had always wanted to be? What is it? A

model? A singer?" Shantelle proposed, "Love yourself first, and everything else will follow. You'll see. Furthermore, if you'll always let Allen think that he can have his way and you'll forgive him, he won't change. Although, I think Allen is a hopeless case." The couple gave Bridget advice that would keep her thinking overnight before their ship would dock. Aside from Bridget, it gave Evan some things to ponder about. When Shantelle and Evan lay on their beds that night, the man asked," Shanty, is that how it was for you? You needed to leave Rose Hills to find yourself?" Shantelle fell silent. She turned to Evan and admitted, "I lost my confidence in the later part of our first marriage, especially after our divorce. I barely recognized myself. Leaving wasn't entirely my idea. It was Dad's, but to answer your question, I think, yes, leaving was good for me." "You would have been my greatest hindrance to achieving my medical degree in such a short time. If we did not split and I pursued medicine while married, I would have taken my time and become your perfect- imaged wife while studying. I would still be in my residency today," Shantelle described. "The parting was painful, I know, but it changed me into a stronger person and paved the way for me to achieve my dreams faster." "And you wouldn't have realized how you loved me," Shantelle pointed. She hugged Evan and yawned, saying, "I think by now we know that good things came out from my leaving." "I'm sorry again, Shanty, but you are right," Evan agreed. "I'm just glad I found you again." "Someone once told me, if you love something, set it free. If it comes back, it's yours," Shantelle said. "I believe, wholeheartedly, that the advice given was true."

Getting off at the port, Evan and Shantelle were welcomed by a private car. The driver was loading their luggage onto the

back when the couple noticed how Bridget had disembarked at the same time. She rushed, pulling her red luggage, and a The driver helped her with her things. Allen was running behind her, begging, Baby, please. I love you. Don't leave me here." "Get your own fucking flight home, Allen! Better yet, get your whore to buy you a flight home! You are not coming with me!" Bridget said back to Allen, and the driver, plus the cruise's security, helped push Allen away. From where Shantelle was standing, she saw Bridget nod at her, and she smiled. Bridget mouthed, 'Thank you.' Shantelle simply mouthed back, 'Welcome.' "I'm glad she learned her lesson. If she hadn't, I might reconsider canceling the partnership agreement with her father," Evan said. "Allen would have added to the issues of the Grants if they married." Shantelle chuckled and said, "I think she thought about it well." "That must have been some slap you gave her," Evan suggested. "Oh, it was nothing. Some superpower I picked up after becoming Misses Thompson," Shantelle said teasingly before giggling into the car.

Chapter 124: Priority Lane

Following their honeymoon vacation, Shantelle and Evan brought Lucas to the hospital for his regular laboratory tests. So far, Lucas has not shown any drop in blood count. There was little increase, but not enough to allow him to be in public. Lucas still had the same arrangements; staying indoors; homeschooling; and a weekly blood test. Evan and Shantelle returned to their busy lives in the coming days and followed the same routine. Shantelle's belly was starting to grow, and along with it, her cravings began to grow as well. One morning, while Shantelle accepted consults for surgery, one patient walked in with a sandwich. The patient said, "Doc, I'm sorry, I am so hungry. I hope you don't mind if I eat while we talk." Shantelle did not see any problem with her request. She nodded and allowed the consultation to proceed. The patient had lung cancer. She was a habitual smoker that developed a tumor in her early forties. "Removing your affected lung will still work," Shantelle spoke, describing the procedure. "It will stop the cancer from spreading through the other parts of your lungs and, of course, to your body." As she discussed the surgery, she saw how the avocado spread was seeping out of the sandwich. It just made Shantelle utterly jealous. She just had to ask, "Excuse me, but what sandwich is that, and where did you get that?" "Oh, Doc, you haven't tried these? This is the famous steak sandwich at the Blue Cafe, down the street. They made a spread out of mashed avocados." The woman practically parted the bread for Shantelle to see. "They mix it with tomatoes and onions and have a bit of lemon and then the steak, which is the ultimate heaven. You should really try it." "I will definitely try it!" Shantelle claimed. Through Andy, Evan had sent her some chicken meal for lunch, but after seeing the sandwich, she just could not let it go.

Heck, she could not get it out of her head! Her mouth drooled just at the thought of it. So instead of eating her lunch, she asked Andy to drive her to the Blue Cafe, wanting to get a piece of that avocado sandwich. Shantelle was already fifteen weeks pregnant, and her baby bump was already somewhat evident because she had twins. Plus, she wore a dress that allowed her belly to show. When Shantelle walked in, she was horrified, seeing the cue to the counters. There were two lines, one for each cashier. In each line, about twenty people were standing! Were they all after the sandwich? It looked like it, seeing how each The assisted customer had the famous sandwich in their hand. She looked around and discovered there was no priority lane. The seniors were standing in the same lane as the other regular customers. How was it possible? She asked the last person in line, "Excuse me, don't they have a priority lane?" The guy simply shrugged and offered, "You can go ahead of me, but I can't say the same for the others." Shantelle shook her head and tried to ask louder, hoping her voice would reach the cashiers or anyone in charge, "Excuse me, don't you have a priority lane?" It was as if the cafe staff were deaf. They could not hear Shantelle, or they were too busy to care. She asked the same thing twice, but still, no one attended to her. Most customers also turned a blind eye because they had been lining up for almost an hour. While Shantelle understood how it must have been so tiring to wait, the truth remained that each establishment should have priority lanes. She considered asking Andy to come out of the car and let him wait to buy the sandwich, but it annoyed her. Doesn't every store follow the same government-imposed guideline? She said, "Pregnant women here, priority must be given."

Crickets. All Shantelle heard were crickets. What else could she do now? She saw no other option but to use her superpowers. She sucked a breath and loudly announced, "Excuse me! I am Doctor Shantelle Thompson, wife of Evan Thompson!" Her voice echoed loudly across the cafe. Suddenly everything stilled around her. Heads were turning her way. 'Huh, finally got your attention now, eh,' Shantelle said silently before explaining, "I am pregnant. There should be a priority lane for pregnant women, seniors, and persons with disability. How is it that no one is listening to me?" "She's Doctor Shant from the news!" "That's Mister Thompson's wife!" "Miss Thompson? She is so pretty in person!" Murmurs could be heard throughout the cafe, and instantly, the crowd gave way to her, their hands guiding her to the counters. "Please go ahead, Misses Thompson," many customers said, smiling at her like she was a god. Shantelle walked to the front and said to the counter, "You should have a priority lane." "Yes, Miss Thompson. We apologize. We usually let the seniors and pregnant woman take their orders first, but because we were so busy, we did not notice any come in," the cashier said, bowing at Shantelle. The cafe manager also stepped out, apologizing to Shantelle about the incident. Before taking her order, Shantelle urged the seniors to go first. There were only two seniors ahead of her. Only then did She ordered the famous sandwich. Shantelle happily got her takeaway, but before leaving, she reminded the cafe manager, "Don't forget, you should have someone looking out for the priority lane. You try to be pregnant and see if you can wait an hour standing here."

"Yes, Miss Thompson. It won’t happen again. I promise," the manager swore. When Shantelle returned to her office, she had the most orgasmic lunch of her entire life. She absolutely loved the avocado and steak sandwich! What a treat! While disappointed with Cafe Blue, she knew she was bound to walk back into the cafe and order another sandwich in the middle of the week.

Two days passed, and Shantelle's fears came true. She craved the sandwich. The image of the steak and avocado spread oozing out of the toasted wheat bread simply lingered in her head. Shantelle asked Andy to drive her to the Blue Caffe once again. When she entered, it was the same scenario. People were waiting in line. To her surprise, the cafe had already established a priority lane. There was a third counter with a huge priority lane label. She happily lined up at the said counter. The cashier, who was in the same line, recognized her immediately. "Oh, it's Miss Thompson! Miss Thompson is here!" It was as if everyone was in a panic at her presence, including the customers. They were all smiling at her, some waving their hands. "Miss Thompson, right this way, please!" The manager called out of nowhere, urging her to another side of the cafe. Shantelle reluctantly followed the manager to the farthest end of the cafe counter. To her shock, she saw a label on the countertop, which read: Misses Thompson Priority Lane. 3 Her mouth nearly fell on the floor as she questioned in her head, 'Since when did I have my own priority lane?' She had to admit being Evan’s wife has its benefits. 'Damn.* Shantelle laughed her heart out. She said, "This is unnecessary." She snorted and kept laughing, but soon, she took back her words, "But you can keep that there until I give birth."

A month came, and Shantelle and Evan were driving to the hospital. It was the day of their twin's gender reveal. Evan was nervous. He asked, "What do you think they will be? A girl? Or a girl?" What? You want a girl?" Shantelle asked. I want Princess Shantys," Evan happily replied.

CHAPTER 125 Chapter 125: Gender Reveal "Mommy, I wish I could come with you. I want to see my brothers!" Lucas said while chasing after Shantelle and Evan in the driveway. The young man heard it was the day to learn the twins' gender. "I'm sorry, honey, but you know kids aren't allowed in the hospital, even before you get sick," Shantelle said to Lucas. He pecked his cheek and suggested, "But don't you have a video call with Lily later? She must be looking forward to that.” Since it was a weekend, Lucas and Lily would have longer chat hours. It was always something Lucas looked forward to every day. "Oh, right! Then, I'm not sad anymore!" Lucas said. "And guess who's coming to play with you today?" Evan asked, his eyes briefly wandering the massive lawn of their new mansion. It had been two weeks since they moved into their new home. Lucas enjoyed it, but having Miguel as his constant physical playmate wasn't enough. Only Lily kept Lucas from declaring complete boredom, staying in such a big house and

being an only child. "I'll have a playmate?" Lucas asked. "Your uncle Keith and Aunt Karise will visit you. They should be here in a few minutes," Evan revealed. He ran his fingers through Lucas' hair and announced, "And they have gifts for you." "I miss Uncle Keith!" Lucas declared. He turned to Shantelle and said, " Okay, Mommy. I'm okay now. Don't worry. Don't forget to show me a video of the babies. I want to show them to Lily!" After saying goodbye to Lucas, the couple rode in the car, with Andy driving them to the hospital. As they were on the road, Evan asked, "What do you think they will be? A girl? Or a girl?" "What? You want a girl?" Shantelle asked, surprised. "I want Princess Shantys," Evan happily replied. "Girls would really be nice. A boy can be really too energetic, at least with my experience with Lucas," Shantelle described. With a hand on her chest, she added, "But as long as they are ours, Evan, they will bring us so much joy, regardless of their gender." "You are right, Wifey." While putting an arm around Shantelle's shoulder, he declared, "This time, I won't miss a single milestone."

"They are moving a lot," Evan remarked, seeing the ultrasound at nineteen weeks. As he put his hand on his chest, Evan could not control his smile. He said, "I never thought I'd feel this emotion. It's so beautiful, watching life inside your womb, Shanty." Evan held Shantelle's hand and said, "I'm glad I came." It brought tears to his eyes, seeing the twins' form. Through the 3D ultrasound, he saw their faces, noses, lips, and fingers appear in perfect shape. He was especially delighted at how their limbs moved. Lying on the hospital bed, Shantelle was equally in tears, observing the screen. All thanks to the pineapple tarts, the twins

were very active that day. One of the twins was holding his legs, and Evan could clearly see the boy's sex. Seeing a penis dangling between, Evan sucked in a breath and announced, "I wanted girls, but clearly, this little guy is a boy!" Evan was happy regardless, especially since Lucas wanted a brother. He claimed, "The next will definitely be a girl. If not, I'll just keep working on it." Shantelle smacked him on the arm, warning him, "Let me give birth first, Evan! Stop thinking about having another one!" "His heartbeat is great, too," the doctor complimented. "Shall we go to the next baby?" "Yes," Evan and Shantelle said at the same time. It took longer to identify the next baby's gender. The second baby mainly showed the back and legs were clamped together. The doctor had to navigate the ultrasound probe, sometimes tickling the second twin with the same probe. After Some time, eventually, the baby gave in. Shantelle's eyes widened, and Evan's mouth fell open. "Congratulations!" The doctor announced. "It's a -" 2

The following weekend, the couple hosted a small gathering at their new home, inviting close friends and family. They meant to announce the twins' gender. Evan's close friends were there, including James, his assistant. The Thompsons were also present, eager for the gender revelation. Shantelle invited Karise, and of course, her parents were present too. The entire party had a picnic lunch on the massive lawn. When the main dishes were done, Mrs. Shaw and Miguel brought out trays of cupcakes. They were distributed to each guest. "So, depending on the color of your cupcake filling, that will indicate the baby's gender," Shantelle announced while waiting for everyone to have a piece.

"They will be boys, man. He'll be part of the boys' team!" Sean claimed, making everyone chuckle. "I don't know. I was pretty happy with Shanty," William remarked and winked at Shantelle. "Aww, Dad. Thank you," Shantelle said. "I love you and Mom." Evan had his mouth zipped the entire time. He reminded his friends, "If they are boys, you know what to give them. You must learn what to buy for special occasions if they are girls." Sean, Wendell, and Keith laughed. Evan was the most affluent man in the city, but he was also adamant about taking advantage of his friend's wealth. Fortunately for Evan, his friends didn't mind knowing how Evan would give back when it It was their turn to have kids. "Does everyone have a cupcake?" Shantelle asked. "I have!" Mrs. Shaw said, raising two cupcakes. "And I have too!" Miguel held a tray of cupcakes, saying, "I'm betting all these have blue fillings." "No! I want a girl!" Evan's mother declared. "It's going to be pink!" "I want a girl too," Erick said. "Evan was a handful, young baby." Giggles could be heard around them. Lucas was also laughing at how his grandfather described Evan. Lucas was the last to say, "I want brothers!" "Okay, then! Let's take a bite, shall we?" Shantelle said. "On the count of three, everyone," Evan proposed, raising his own piece of the white frosted cupcakes. "Three, two, one!" Each of them had a bite. Evan and Shantelle also took a bite, but instead of checking the filling, they observed their family's and friends' reactions. "It's a boy!" Lucas exclaimed, showing off his blue-filled cupcake. "No! It's a girl!" Karise said, flaunting her cupcake. "I have a pink filling." "I have pink filling too. It tastes great," Sean remarked. "I have blue," Keith said, looking back at his cupcake and comparing it to Karise's. "Mine is blue too," Wendell revealed.

"I have pink!" Clara announced. "I have pink too!" Eleanor announced. Lucas looked at his cupcake and his mother's cupcake. Seeing the difference in filling color, he sought, "Two fillings? So it's both?" "Wait!" James, Evan's assistant, caught everyone's attention. He questioned, "So it's a girl and a boy?" They all stared at the couple while Evan and Shantelle nodded simultaneously. Evan said, "I'll have my princess!" "And Lucas gets his brother!" Shantelle revealed. "I love it!" Clara exclaimed. She and Eleanor clasped hands, cheering for when they could play with a doll with a princess. "Ahhh!" Karise screamed. "I'm so happy for you, Shanty! You'll have a princess to look after!" Karise approached and embraced Shantelle tightly and said, "I'm so happy for you, Evan and Lucas." Then, she whispered, "And I’m so jealous." "Now, guys. Since you know our babies' gender, please be ready with your gifts. We will have a baby shower when she reaches eight months," Evan suggested. "Your gifts must be no less than two thousand dollars!" Everyone laughed. Out of nowhere, Keith challenged, "When Karise and I have ours, I’m going to ask for a payback, Evan! You'll need to give our child a five-thousand-dollar gift!" While Karise turned tomato red, Evan and his friends stilled. On the other hand, Shantelle's eyes widened in shock. No one knew how seriously Karise and Keith had gone deep with their relationship, to the point that they were planning to have a child together. After seconds of dead air, Shantelle broke the silence, saying, "I'm looking forward to it!" "Yeah," Evan claimed. "Tell you what, Keith, if you and Karise have a child together, I'll buy him a car outright!"

Following the sweet revelation of the babies' genders, Evan and his friends gathered on the patio to catch up. Shantelle and Karise also had their own table where they could chat. While the boys talked about the current financial status of Rose Hills, Shantelle covered her friend's romantic life. She asked Karise, "So, how is it living with Keith?" Karise smiled and answered, "It's been wonderful - so wonderful that it scares me if it's true." She leaned closer to Shantelle, whispering, "I think he is serious about the baby. And while I love the idea, I still don't know if it's best, considering how early we are in the relationship. He is not controlling at all. I'm kinda worried, but at the same time, I don't mind having such a good-looking guy as a sperm donor." Shantelle laughed. She commented, "The great-looking guy is your boyfriend, Karise. He isn't just a sperm donor. You should talk to him about it." "Did he say what would happen if you got pregnant?" Shantelle asked. "He just said the usual." Quoting with her fingers, Karise simulated how Keith would say it. 'Til take care of you and the baby, of course." "I don't know - I'm scared to ask, but either way, I'd be happy to have a child. I'm the only one in our group with no child. I'd really like to experience that," Karise said. "Yes, but Karise, bringing a baby into this world without clarity if he or she will have a father will affect the child's confidence. You know this about Lucas. The child will always crave a father's love," Shantelle pointed out." Have that talk with Keith." Karise pursed her lips, thinking. After some time, she replied, "I'll have that talk with him soon." Later, a car entered the estate. The vehicle was visible from the patio, alerting everybody. Keith said, "Aha! My surprise for you all have arrived!

CHAPTER 126 Chapter 126: New Craving Everyone had clips on their noses. They breathed through their mouths as the maids served the fruit Keith had brought from Maui. Apparently, the car that drove in carried Keith's surprise. Evan especially pinched his nose stronger before saying, "Durian. Your special surprise for us is Durian?" Keith pointed to Shantelle, saying, "Shanty loves durian. She and Karise had a durian feast during her residency in Warlington." Evan's friends, including Karise and James, were in front of the long table on the patio, ready to eat the exotic fruit. Keith had challenged everyone to have a taste and get five hundred dollars as a reward. Lucas, James, and Sean were instantly drawn to the idea. Wendell participated in the challenge itself. Evan was ready to throw away the durian, hating the smell, but Shantelle said, "Surprisingly, I'm not at all disgusted by the smell!" "Me too, Mommy! It's not bad for me," Lucas eagerly said. Shantelle knew how smelly the exotic fruit was. Still, she always had a great experience eating durian; she was willing to test the waters with her pregnant nose. To her surprise, the fruit's smell comforted her. She happily declared, "So fruity and sweet!" Everyone watched as Shantelle took the first bite, Karise and Lucas followed. Keith took the next bite, and Sean had a taste. In the end, despite having clips on their noses, they all agreed that durian tastes terrific! Only Evan remained unconvinced and did not have a single bite.

Hours later. "Shanty? Where are you?" Evan called as he walked down the stairs at night. The couple had already rested in bed, but

After only an hour of sleeping, Evan noticed that Shantelle was missing. "Here!" Shantelle yelled from the kitchen. "Evan? Have you seen the durian I kept in the fridge? I can't find it! I'm getting frustrated!" Evan grimaced as he walked into the kitchen. He scratched his head and admitted, "Wifey? The durian? Haven't you had enough?" "No, I want more!" Shantelle said. "I can't stop thinking about it. I think it's my new craving - your babies' craving!" The man gulped, hearing the word 'craving.' He thought about lying but knew no good could come out of deceit. Evan cleared his throat and admitted, "I urn -1 threw them away." "You what?!" Dead air fell upon them, and Shantelle froze in her stance. She wondered how she would get any sleep after all that thinking about durian?! "There were only two pieces left, making the fridge smell so disgusting." His knees trembled as he confessed, "I figured I throw it out, and you would not mind. I'm sorry, Wifey." Shantelle remained still. She tried to control her emotions but could not get over the fact that her husband threw away her newfound craving. Her mind and her heart were yearning for the fruit. Eventually, she wept and said, "Did you not learn anything from the pineapple tarts?" "I did not think you were craving it. You just tasted it again today," Evan reasoned. "I'm sorry, Wifey." "Now what?" Shantelle pointed to her growing belly and suggested, "Think about your children. One of them, or maybe both wanted the Durian." "See that?" Shantelle said, still referring to her belly. "You made them cry!" "Wifey, I don't see anything other than my upset wife," Evan answered. "I am upset because your babies are crying inside. They want the durian!" She put her hands on her waist and declared, "You will not get inside me tomorrow! No love!"

'No love.’ Evan gasped. How could he have underestimated the durian? Realizing his mistake, he called James immediately and ordered a durian fruit to be delivered to the mansion. Sadly for Evan, James could not find any durian fruit, especially at that time. In the morning, Evan summoned Andy and James called each supermarket to find a durian. Still, to his dismay, there weren't any. It wasn't the right season for durians to be flown from Hawaii. Before noon, Evan looked at the clock. In a few hours, he was going home and wasn't getting any love for that night. Would he allow it? No! He was going to work hard for his love. Evan marched out of his office and ordered his assistant, "Get a private flight to Maui now! Let's harvest durian fruits!" Evan and James flew out of Rose Hills in the next hour. They met with the farm owner in Maui, who guided them in the farm's direction. On the plantation, Evan and James went from different trees, searching for ripe durians. Each time they found one, Evan personally caught the fruit as it was picked by one of the farmer's men. James took the video of Evan catching the durian. In that video, Evan was still in his expensive suit. He effectively caught each fruit as a sack cloaked around it. He said to the video, "See this, Wifey? I did this all for you. Don't be upset now. I'm coming back with lots of durians!" 1 Before leaving Maui, Evan sent the video to Shantelle, hoping she was no longer upset.

Hours later, Evan and James arrived in Rose Hills. They were on the road when Shantelle called his mobile. She said, "Evan, I'm sorry I missed your calls. I had two operations today. I just got home. Miguel told me you were out to find durians?" "Didn't you get the video I sent you?" Evan asked. "Don't worry about the durians, Wifey

"Evan, I'm sorry about the durian. I don’t know what came over me. Maybe it was my hormones, I don't know," Shantelle explained. "It's okay, Wifey, because as for the durian Evan excitedly explained, but before he could announce how he had flown all on the way to Maui for the exotic fruit, his wife cut him off. "Oh, don’t worry about the durian, Hubby. I don’t want them anymore," Shantelle said. "What?" Evan's mouth fell open. He frowned, asking, "Um... excuse me, Wifey?" "I don't want it anymore. Besides, didn't you say it was hard to get?" Shantelle's tone of voice suddenly shifted to being happy as she revealed," Doctor Chen gave me persimmons today, and I loved them! This is my new craving. I think I'll I want persimmons for the next few weeks!" Evan's mouth fell open. He said, "But - but the durian -" "Forget the durian, Evan. You were right. They do smell bad. Your babies want persimmons now," Shantelle insisted. "Come home soon." The man ran his hand over his face again and again. He realized he might have overdone the way he pampered his wife. Still, he was beyond relieved that the house would not smell of durian. He turned to James, who was exhausted from their last-minute trip. He asked, "Do you like durian?" "Ah, yes, Sir. After all the adventures today, I love them now!' James expressed. "Then you can have all the durians. My wife wants persimmons now," Evan informed, and James reluctantly yet, happily accepted. So instead of going to the mansion first, Evan and the driver dropped off James at his apartment, and only then did the man returns home. When Evan arrived, he saw Shantelle squeaking in excitement at the door. The moment he stepped out, Shantelle

embraced him, saying, ’I saw the video. I saw the video. Where are they? Where are my Durians?" "Durians?" Evan asked, his heart drumming against his ribcage, his brow lifting. "Yes, my internet must have been so bad at the hospital. I did not see your video. Where is the durian?" Shantelle repeated. "I thought you didn't want them anymore?" Evan asked. "Pfft! I only said that because I don't want you to put in too much effort. I was afraid you'd fly all the way to Maui just to get the durian, but-," She pouted her lips and said, "As it turned out, you really did." With gleaming eyes, she asked, "So? Where are my durians?" She pressed her lips against Evan's ear and revealed, "Did you know that durians are natural aphrodisiacs? Prepare to have a good night tonight, Hubby." Evan was ready to have a heart attack at that point. He gently peeled himself from Shantelle, saying, "Oh, the durians? Let me get them from James." "James? Why are the durians with James?" Shantelle asked. "I asked him to wash them thoroughly," Evan claimed. Raising his palms, he requested, "Aphrodisiac? Hold that thought, Wifey. I'll be right back."

At James' apartment, he had cut open one durian and placed the fruit flesh on a plate. He was at his dining table, ready to dig in. He scooped the fruit with his hand and held one piece in front of his mouth. He smiled and said, "I had a tiring day. I could use a sweet treat right now." Before he knew it, his boss was loudly banging on the door. From where he was, he could clearly hear Evan scream, "Don't you dare touch that durian, James! Don't eat a single one of them! Open the door now!"

CHAPTER 127 Chapter 127: New Revelation Two months passed. At twenty-seven weeks, Shantelle's stomach looked like she was about to give birth. However, since she had twins, it was normal for her belly to grow like a watermelon at that point. Shantelle struggled as she exited the car with Evan, her hand carrying her tummy's weight. She sighed and said, "Remind Why did we come here?" "To support your friend, Karise," Evan responded before chuckling. He winked at his wife and added, "If it were up to me, I'd rather cuddle with you, naked in bed." "Pfft!" Brushing off her husband's naughty thoughts, she said, "Right. Karise. n Shantelle would rather be at home too, resting on that fine weekend. However, it was a special day for Karise and a big move for Keith. Keith was going to introduce Karise to his parents, and Shantelle had to show her friend her support. Evan was doing the same for Keith. He was thrilled that Keith was seriously moving on from Shantelle. That day was Keith's father's birthday, Mister Charles Henderson. Since his retirement, Charles Henderson and his wife, Helen has been traveling around the world, leaving the business in Keith's care. However, to celebrate his seventieth birthday, Charles and his wife returned to be with family and friends. As the couple walked into the Hendersons' mansion, Evan put his arm around Shantelle's waist. Only a few guests were invited, and they all settled behind the house, where a long table had been set up, facing the swimming pool.

Shantelle saw Karise sitting on one side. She and Evan settled next to her. "This is it!" Shantelle said to Karise. From afar, the couple saw Keith chatting with relatives, but not long before, he approached the table, greeting, "Evan, Shantelle, thank you for coming. Dad is expecting you, Evan." Sitting next to Karise, Keith asked, "Babe, you ready?" Karise put a hand over her chest and replied, "Babe, I'm nervous." Keith chuckled and pecked her cheek. He assured her, "Don't be. You look gorgeous and sexy as hell - oh, there they are." From the corner of Keith's eyes, he saw his parents walk out of the house. Much to his dismay, they were with Larry Mitchel, one of the owners of Channel 5, a local TV network. Next to Larry was Lola Mitchel, his daughter. It made Keith uneasy because Lola was one of the girls he casually dated and dumped after three days a year ago. He had that strange feeling that something was off. Before he could think of an answer, Sean and Wendell arrived. Keith and his group of friends were immediately immersed in a conversation. Soon, Keith's parents settled in their seats, and to Keith’s shock, the Mitchells occupied the seats opposite to them. Lola was especially giving him a flirtatious grin. "Evan, nice to see you, young man. I am so proud of what you have become, and Shantelle, who would have known you and Evan would get back together," Charles Henderson said. He turned to Keith and remarked," I guess things aren't meant to be." He directed his attention to Shantelle, saying, "With us, I mean." Shantelle and Evan had an inkling of what Keith's father meant but simply evaded the topic. Evan said, "Keeping our friendship. That was meant to be. M The man put his arm around his wife, saying, ”We prefer not bringing up our difficult past, Uncle Charles. Happy birthday

and may you have more birthdays to come." "I'll try my best," Charles acknowledged. After Charles and his wife greeted all the visitors, Keith's father announced, "Thank you for coming to my birthday. Aside from this special occasion, my wife and I want to make an announcement." He advised Keith to stand up, and Charles resumed, "My son, the CEO of Prima MedCare is engaged to Larry Mitchell's daughter, Lola Mitchell!" Shantelle's mouth fell open while Evan grimaced. To those who did not know Karise, they clapped their hands, happy for Keith. However, half of the surrounding people still, especially Karise. She has yet to be formally introduced, yet Keith's father was already making a statement by giving Keith a socialite as a fiance! "There is a mistake here, Dad," Keith immediately said. He turned to everyone at the table and corrected, "There is a mistake because Miss Mitchell is not my girlfriend." Keith ignored the frowns of the Mitchels and held Karise, urging her to stand with him instead. To everyone, he introduced, "This is Karise Myers, and she is my girlfriend. I've been linked to many women, but only Karise has made me consider settling down. I would rather marry her than any other woman out there." Keith gave an apologetic look and added, "My father may have misunderstood who my girlfriend is." "There is no mistake because I will never allow a nobody into our family!" Charles said in anger, startling everyone at the table. Shantelle, for one, felt her skin crawl in anger. She was the first who reacted," Excuse me, but Karise is my friend. She is a well-respected analytical chemist at Hues Pharmaceuticals. She has an admirable job and a good family background. How could you call her a nobody?" Charles must not have known about Karise's connection with Shantelle since he leaned back at the revelation. After a

Second, Charles replied," This is not about you, Shantelle, but about keeping the family's wealth and prestige intact!" "Which reputable and wealthy family does she come from?" Charles turned to Keith and suggested, "Whereas Lola here is the daughter of Larry Mitchell. She is more suited to be with you, son "But I don't love her, Dad. I love Karise!" Keith countered. "And you cannot force me to be with someone else. Do you forget that I am now the company's CEO and have been for years? The company board of directors acknowledges me, and I hold forty percent of the company’s shares." "I am your father. Do not defy me!" Charles said, shocked by Keith's reply. "If you go on with this path, Uncle Charles, Mister Mitchell, you will make an enemy out of me," Finally, Evan said. He calmly got up and held his wife's hand. He pointed to the two older men and said, "You are only upsetting my wife!" "Keith is not marrying Lola. He will instead marry Karise!" Evan demanded." If you push what you want, I will cut ties with Prima MedCare and Channel 5!" "Let's go." Evan wasted no time and addressed his friends. "I think we are all done here. Let's go to my house and have dinner there instead! We will celebrate Charles' birthday elsewhere." The man purposely called Keith's father by his first name, utterly angered by his attempt to control Keith. "You will support Keith, Evan? Is that it? You should know that he betrayed you for Shantelle. He paid off the investigator you hired to look for Shantelle! That's how you never found her, because your investigator never searched!" Charles declared, his voice strengthening by the second. "You should not support Keith's madness over this woman because he is not someone worthy of your friendship and protection!" Charles laughed at Keith. He said, "Sorry, son, but you left me with no choice. Evan won’t support you now. With Evan as your enemy, the board of directors will kick you out in no time!" 3

"What can you do? You simply need to dump that lowborn and be with Lola, " Charles said. "What do you say, Keith?" While Charles tried to intimidate his son, Keith's gaze was fixed on Evan. Keith said, "Evan. Evan, I'm sorry, but that's over now. It's all in the past. It was when Doctor Scott warned me about not telling you where Shantelle was - please, let's forget about it!" Charles smiled, seeing Evan suck in a deep breath, the man's nose flaring angrily. Shantelle, on the other hand, was stunned at the new revelation. She had heard about how Keith held out on her location, but this was the first time she learned about the investigator. 2 Sensing the air around them turn rigid, Shantelle shifted to her husband, grabbing his face. She whispered, "It's enough. Let's not go back to that, Evan." Wendell and Sean were also afraid of the new revelation that surfaced. Heck, they were done with this drama. They were all back at the boys' club. They all wondered if Evan would give in and stir another fight with Keith. Evan's jaws clenched. He glanced at Keith and said, "Keith-

CHAPTER 128 Chapter 128: Water Under The Bridge "Keith! What are you waiting for? Let's leave this house!" Evan ordered. He carefully guided his wife away from her seat. When he noticed Keith's puzzled expression, he repeated, "Let's go, Keith!" "Evan, did you not hear me? Keith betrayed you!" Charles reminded me. "He made sure you suffered all those years, not seeing Shantelle! You should punish him! Ban him from your businesses and your connections!" Charles glowered at Keith, saying, "He isn't a friend to you and he doesn't deserve your support i "Enough!" Evan barked. "I know everything! I know every inch of Keith's betrayal!"

Silence fell upon the room as soon as Evan admitted it. He said, "But I forgave him! Everything that Keith did to keep Shantelle and me apart, I forgave him!" "It's water under the bridge! You are trying to stir up a long-buried problem!" Evan said. "I will repeat it; it was meant for us to keep our friendship.” "Wendell, Sean!" Evan called. "Let's go!" Reality hit Wendell. Evan wasn't going to pick a fight with Keith. Thus, he glanced at Charles Henderson and said, "Uncle, think about your decision because even I will support Keith." "And so will I," Sean said. Keith was still standing there with Karise. Shantelle had to call her friend to join them. Eventually, they all made it outside the Hendersons' mansion and drove to Evan's home with heavy hearts.

Evan's kitchen staff was not prepared for the unexpected dinner, resulting in the couple ordering Chinese food for everyone. "Hey, hey! What does an easter bunny order from a Chinese Restaurant?" Sean asked. He had been trying to lighten the mood since their arrival by throwing jokes. "Come on, Karise!” Forcing a smile, Karise asked, "What is it?" "Chop Suey!" Sean said before laughing altogether, 1 "That was a good one," Wendell said. "It was a very good one," Shantelle remarked. She turned to her friend and stated, "It made Karise smile." "Look, Karise. Don't worry about it. Uncle Charles had always been indifferent. He and Keith hadn't always had the best relationship, so Keith would never listen to Uncle Charles. For once, I am thankful that Keith is stubborn that way," Wendell said. "Moreover, in our age and prime, Uncle Charles has nothing to hold Keith back. Besides, didn't you hear what he said earlier?"

"Fuck man, I never heard Keith say the L word," Sean commented before taking another bite of his spicy ribs. He glanced at Karise, and after chewing his food, Sean added, "I believe that this is it for Keith. So, trust him." "I have never supported Keith with his womanizing ways, but with his relationship with you, I support him all the way. This time around, Keith is changing," Wendell expressed. "I can say the same thing, Karise," Shantelle said, reaching for her friend's hand and gripping it. With a sigh, Karise replied, "Thank you, guys. Thank you for your reassuring words." At that point, she cried. Karise put down her food and embraced Shantelle. She revealed, "I felt so little in front of Keith's father, honestly. I have never been looked down in that way, much more being called a lowborn!" Shantelle and Karise embraced each other longer. Sean even joined in the hug. When Karise felt better, she turned to the direction outside the dining area and said, "Wonder if Evan and Keith talked it out."

At the mansion's patio, Evan and Keith were conversing earnestly. The man asked, "What else do I have to know, Keith? Are there any more surprises? Do tell because this is the only chance I'll give you. If I find out something new again, I I don't know if I'll be able to hold back from punching you!" The truth was, the news of Keith paying off the private investigator was new to him, but he made it appear to Charles that he already knew. He did not want Charles to use that information between him and Keith. "That's it, Evan! I swear that's it! And that was a long time ago - fuck, I had forgotten about it," Keith admitted. "Please, Evan, forgive me for it. I'm not going to be in your way with Shanty, and I've proven that -"

"Keith, we have never had a detailed talk about the past. We simply accepted how things were and coped." Evan groaned as he leaned back in his seat. He took a deep breath and said, "Promise me, Keith. That's it." "That's it!" Keith swore. "There is nothing else that you should know. I regretted all that, Evan. Everything "Keith, I just don't want us to be enemies." Evan pointed with his hand, saying, "I want you to be happy because I have a selfish reason to make you happy. If you are happy with Karise, then I am comforted that you will never be my rival with Shanty." "Should I get mad at you? I am damn mad right now, but It isn't worth it, and I won't let it affect me. We have worked hard to get back to our peaceful relationship - it's so tiring to get mad over the same thing," Evan added. "All I want is for us to move on from the past completely." Keith nodded approvingly. He responded, "I'm with you on that." He heaved with tears brimming in his eyes. He stood up and extended his hand to Evan, saying, "Thank you, Evan, for everything." Evan also stood up. He shook Keith's hand and said, "Be happy and be firm with your decision. I will support you in every way." The man offered an embrace, which surprised Keith altogether. However, he happily accepted the hug, saying, "Thank you for supporting me, Evan. Never in a million years, despite what I have done to you, did I ever imagine you would still have my back. So thank you for forgiving me." 1 Pulling away, Evan patted Keith's back. He said, "Now, talk to Karise. She feels awful about what happened today."

After that talk with Evan, Keith and Karise walked around the vast lawn of the mansion. It was from there that Karise expressed, "I'm scared." Keith held Karise's hand and answered, "Don't be."

"Your father is right, you know. I do not come from wealth. I'm not like Shanty and your past flings," Karise pointed out. "And yet, you are the one I am with," Keith said. He urged Karise to face him, and he cupped her face. He said, "Did you not hear what I said, Karise? Earlier, I said I love you. I don't know when it happened, but it just happened. I will choose you over my parents." Karise gasped. She heard him for the first time, and that was quite a shock to her. They had never said those words to each other before. She honestly did not know what to believe. She looked him in the eye, asking, "'Are you sure about this, Keith? I don't want to be a reason for your family to be torn apart "My father should have thought about that before looking down on you." Keith hugged Karise, saying, "I need you, Karise. You changed me into a better person. Every day, I look forward to going home early because of you. You made me feel things that I thought weren't possible. I will fight for us. Promise me you'll stand by my side." Karise wound up in tears. She embraced Keith and delighted in his scent. She did not know for how long they remained in each other's hold, but soon, she softly replied, "I will fight for what we have because I can't imagine a day without waking next to you. I love you too." "Wait, you love me, babe?" Keith faintly asked. "Of course, silly. I would not stick around if I did not!" Karise frowned as she replied. Keith's smile stretched across his face. He said, "It's just that you never said it." "You never said it too!" Karise reasoned. "I guess we are the same. We've been trying to figure out how you feel about me, and I was too,” Keith said. He leaned over and sealed her lips with a kiss. He said, "I love you, babe." "I love you too," Karise replied again.

In the front yard of Evan's and Shantelle's home, Karise and Keith made out, relishing in their flavors, following their confessions. They were at it so intensely that their desires became inflamed. Grabbing Karise’s behind, Keith said, "I fucking want you right now." "We should," Karise gasped, saying, "We should go home." "I don't know if I can hold it," Keith revealed. He looked around and said," Car." "What?" Karise asked. "In my car!" Keith said, grabbing her hand. "Come on, babe." They both hurried to the side of the driveway where Keith's car was parked. Keith went in first, and Karise immediately straddled his lap. When Keith fished under Karise's skirt, his eyes narrowed. His girlfriend wasn't wearing any underwear! A hiss left Keith's lips, and lust engulfed him. He said, "Babe, let's rock the car."

CHAPTER 129 Chapter 129: Rock The Car Keith adjusted his seat, pushing it back to give themselves a better room. As soon as Karise hopped in with him, she straddled his lap. Next, her lips crashed into his, and they readily indulged in a passionate kiss, their tongues intertwined in no time.

"Move your hips, babe," Keith instructed while pushing down her weight against his groin. "Feel that? I'm so hard on you." "Mmmm," Karise moaned into his mouth while grinding on him. She could feel that tingling sensation, her entrance getting wet as she kept feeling the bulge beneath his pants. With a hand behind her neck, Keith pushed his tongue deeper into her throat, giving him more of Karise's taste. He enjoyed sucking her tongue and biting her lip while feeling her breasts. Karise wore a v-neck cocktail dress, making it easy for Keith to insert his hand and cup her breast. He repeatedly kneaded a bosom, often playing with her nipple, and the sensation sent chills down Karise's spine. Along with their erotic sighs, the smacking sound of their kisses echoed throughout the space of Keith's sports car. Karise's humping speed, adding fuel to their flames. Wanting more of her breast, Keith let go of her lips. He littered kisses down her neck, not hesitating to leave marks on her skin. He licked the entire length of her neck, going down to her chest. Karise gasped in excitement, but when Keith suckled her breast, she cried in pleasure, "Babe, I love it." Karise's eyes turned frail, watching Keith flicking his tongue against her pinkish nipple, often sucking it thoroughly. Keith rolled down her dress. He threw her bra to the next seat, and, in the next few seconds; he lingered on her chest, eating her heartily until her nipples were damn hard. When Keith was done with her breasts, he fished beneath her skirt and felt her bottom. He was surprised to find his girlfriend wearing no underwear. He squinted at her, his eyes filled with lust as he said, "Babe, you are so fucking naughty. Let's rock the car." "Not until I eat you," Karise suggested. She hopped off him and settled in the other seat. She unzipped Keith's pants. When his length became free of his clothes, Karise's slender fingers held his girth, and just before putting it inside her mouth, she smiled and reached for his lips.

After a kiss, she remarked, "So hard, Babe." "Babe, I'm always hard for you," Keith said. Cupping her chin, he ordered," Now, have that beautiful lips of yours around me.” "Aahh!” Keith moaned loudly as he watched Karise bob in between his legs. Keith momentarily switched the lights inside the car because he could not resist but watch. It was challenging to move around the car, but Karise made it possible to eat him while she sometimes turned sideways, letting his tip poke his inner cheek. Each time Keith got a perfect view, he hissed, and his mouth would part to let out an erotic cry. When Karise felt she got him perfectly lubed, she turned the lights back off and sat on him slowly. That very moment, as she gradually let his hard rod enter her, they both moaned in delight. Karise felt utterly filled, whereas Keith felt warm and wet, sucking him in. "Fuck, I love it. I love being inside of you," Keith remarked. Karise ground on him, sensing how his size touched her inner walls. Then, she rocked his world. Up and down, Karise bounced on top of Keith. That wet-smacking sound of their flesh echoed within the small confines of Keith's car. "Babe, you are so beautiful," Keith remarked. His eyes had already adjusted to the night, and he could make out Karise's sexy figure, her breasts bouncing along as she continued to ride him. A hiss left Keith's lips as he traced her form. He cupped her breasts, felt her waist, and grabbed her behind. He could not get enough of her. Who would have thought that a simple arrangement of convenience would bring him so much excitement and satisfaction? Outside, Keith's car was humping along with the way they were making love. Keith sometimes looked past the windows of

his car in case any of his friends would come looking for them. There was an added thrill of having sex in Evan's driveway, knowing the place was not theirs from the start. "Aah! Keith!" When Karise called his name, Keith felt her arms. She had bumps forming and knew she was already cumming. He held her waist and aided her with the pumping. He thrust upward, going in and out of her, saying, "Together, Babe Aahh!" Keith erupted inside Karise's womb. While Karise trembled in his arms from the high they had just arrived in, Keith's body floundered in ecstasy. He could feel his member twitching inside Karise; he pushed and pushed, holding down her weight so that he would leave everything inside her. Cupping her face, Keith begged for a kiss. They made out for a minute before Keith said, "Babe, do you feel that? I'm still working hard. I think we better excuse ourselves from our friends and head home." Karise straightened her stance. She ground against him and replied, "You are still hard." She moved up and down, feeling Keith twitched inside of her." Ah, that feels so good. How long can you last?" In the next few minutes, the car went humping again.

"Karise? Keith? Where are you?" Shantelle called, walking out of the driveway. "Didn't they say they would have a walk on the lawn?" From her line of sight, she saw no one. She was about to return inside when she noticed Keith's car was moving erratically. She narrowed her eyes, trying to look through the tinted glass window, and could make out a frame, hopping in the driver's seat. "Oh, my god! My girl is so naughty! At least, that means Keith appeased her, " Shantelle remarked. "But car sex? Damn!

I'll be sure to try that." 3 Shantelle returned to their group, reporting how Karise and Keith were still talking it out. She said, "They are settling it uniquely."

After Keith and Karise had their car experience, they returned to the group to fill their stomachs. They left the mansion at the same time as Wendell and Sean. Finally, when the couple was alone in the driveway, Shantelle seductively walked over to her husband and embraced him. She suggested, "Hubby, wanna try car sex?" "Huh?" The man was shocked. Her wife was suddenly interested in exploring another sexual environment. "Wifey, where Is this coming from?" Shantelle grabbed Evan's arm and replied, "I caught Keith and Karise having sex in the car. Let's go!" i At first, they tried Evan's sports car, but when the man hopped in, they realized there wasn't any space to accommodate Shantelle and her belly. They moved to the family's Audi limo. Evan settled in one seat, and Shantelle tried climbing over him. Sadly, though, her my belly was in the way. The couple could barely kiss without discomfort. "Do me from behind," Shantelle suggested, and she quickly turned to the opposite seat, flaunting her ass. Evan kissed her butt cheeks, but later on, Shantelle complained, "I feel my weight is too heavy. I might stumble in this position. Let's try the SUV and do it in the back seat." "Okay, Wifey," Evan acknowledged. They moved to the SUV, where Shantelle could lie on her back. However, it required Evan to maneuver her legs since he could not spread them apart, with the backseat blocking one side. "Ouch! Evan, you're pinning my leg on my stomach!" Shantelle complained before suggesting, "Let's try reverse cowgirl."

"That's hot, Wifey," Evan said before sitting down and aiding his wife on top of him. Finally, they reached penetration. Shantelle carried her weight, going up and down on Evan. Moans began to leave their lips, but after only two minutes, Shantelle slammed her back against Evan. She sighed and cried, "I'm too heavy. I can't carry my weight and the babies!" She groaned and suggested, "I give up. Let's go to the room where it's more comfortable." Evan laughed. He leaned Shantelle to the side and kissed her lips. He proposed, "Don't worry, Wifey. After you give birth, we will try every place where you want to make love. I promise."

CHAPTER 130 Chapter 130: Keith's Big Gun Two weeks had passed since the incident at the Hendersons' mansion. Keith walked into a meeting room at Prima MedCare. It was a session requested by his father, Charles. Keith shook his head, knowing the reasons for the meeting. Unfortunately for Keith, his father still held authority, owning ten percent of the company shares. Charles still had the right to express and suggest anything related to the company. The worst part was how his father knew every shareholder, being the previous CEO. "Good morning," Keith said while taking his seat. "Before I address this meeting, I have someone here to join us." Evan walked into the room, surprising the board members. "What is Evan doing here?" Charles asked with a frown. 1 Edward, Keith's assistant, entered and distributed Evan's new acquisition of Prima MedCare's shares. It was a five percent share from another investor absent that day. "As you can see, Mrs. Chow sold all her rights to Evan. Mister Thompson, the CEO of the Thompson Group of

Companies will now be our business partner," Keith announced. The board of directors and shareholders became pleased. If Evan was part of the company, there could only be growth to I look forward to it. A triumphant look became painted on Keith's face, seeing his father resentful. With Evan as a shareholder, his business partners would side with him instead of his father. After Evan sat next to him, Keith asked, "So, May I know what this meeting is all about?" Charles stood up first. He said, "Everyone is here today because of the news of your relationship. We are worried about your girlfriend's reputation and that of yours." He walked up to Keith and handed him a file. When Keith opened it, he saw it was research done about Karise. Charles said, "The woman you are dating does not belong to our circle. You have to remember how perception is also important. Because we mostly earn as a corporate insurance provider, we deal with CEOs and executives. What will people say if you marry Karise? Can she blend in into your important events, such as charity gatherings or club meetings? How many languages does she speak? She will only be cast aside. Notable people will think of her as a gold digger." "During her college years, she waited tables at a local bar at night - who knows if she only served food or provided other services? She has had five failed relationships, which meant one thing, Keith, the woman is used "And what about me, Dad? I probably went out with over fifty women since high school," Keith pointed out. "I guess I'm pretty used to, but that's really besides the point. I don't care about her past like she doesn't care about mine! I love her, and I will want only Karise!" "And how does waiting tables make her a gold digger?" Keith contested. Charles bitterly replied, hearing his son counter his words, "Don't you think I know? You let her live in your penthouse! You

bought an expensive diamond ring! You have never spent so much for a woman before. I won't attend your wedding if you marry Karise, nor will the board members!" "Of course, I will spend it on the woman I love, Dad! Don’t you?" Keith looked at the board members and asked, "Don't you gift your wives with the most expensive jewelry? But it does not make them a gold digger!" 1 "I'm not finished yet!" Charles declared. "Look at those last photos of her at the club. She is a party girl, Keith, not the kind of the woman you should take home as a wife!" "Find someone like Shantelle! How about Lola Mitchell? She is a fine woman, and your unity could further strengthen our business," Charles suggested, and a few board members echoed the same. "Keith, if you marry Lola Mitchell, all the employees of their TV network will purchase insurance claims from us." One board member suggested." Imagine, three hundred employees!" "I have over two thousand employees, from Rose Hills to other cities," Evan interrupted. "All of them are using Prima MedCare as their insurance." Everyone proudly smiled, but they trembled in fear at Evan's following words. "If you insist that Keith marry Lola, or any other women that had miserably failed to straighten out my friend here, I will find another insurance company!" "However, if you leave Keith alone with his personal life, I will enlighten the Wright Diamond Corporation to potentially use Prima MedCare as their employees' primary medical insurance," Evan proposed. "And that, my friends, is like winning the lottery!" The shareholders' eyes gleamed upon hearing the news. If the biggest corporation in the country were to use Prima MedCare, they would all be settled for life! "The Wright Diamond Corporation in Braeton?" Charles asked, bemused.

"The new Diamond Hotel here in Rose Hills is a partnership between me and Kaleb Wright, the CEO of the Diamond Hotels," Evan revealed. "So what will it be, ladies and gentlemen? Are you siding with Charles, or are you siding with Keith and me?" Murmurs echoed across the conference room. Charles tried to win every one but failed to convince the business partners. "Charles," Evan said. "Nice research you have done about Karise. A Party girl? Who hasn't been there? If I dig well enough, I bet I would find more scandalous pictures of Lola Mitchell." "Why dislike Karise? Because she does not come from a wealthy family? That's social discrimination! Do you know that you could be sued for that?" Evan asked. "Since Karise is my wife's friend, I will hire her the best lawyer - II With nose flaring, Charles questioned, "Why are you like this, Evan? Don't you hate Keith one bit for all the wrong that he did -" "Again, Keith and I are over that matter. You can't use that against us," Evan clarified. "You'll just die trying." "Back to Keith." Evan pointed at Charles, contending, "You used to argue with Keith because you disliked his serial dating ways. Well, aren't you happy how that has all stopped?" Evan turned to the board of directors, saying, "Aren't you all pleased that your CEO has not been featured in the headlines again? Aren’t you all tired of reading about Prima MedCare's notorious playboy CEO out with the new Hollywood Starlet?" Keith utterly disliked how Evan recounted his past, but he understood where his friend was going with his words. Keith explained his personal life, "I have never thought of settling down until my girlfriend. Yes, she isn't a known socialite in the city, but I love Karise, and she keeps me right on track. So please, let's stop this nonsense! We are all wasting our time over something that will not affect the company!"

"Prima MedCare has established its name over the years thanks to my efforts. If it grew to a billion-dollar company like it is now, despite my womanizing reputation, it certainly would not be affected if I wed an ordinary girl," Keith added. He stood up and asked with conviction, "If any of you try to interfere with my personal life, I will leave Prima MedCare and build my own insurance company! So the greater question is, do you still want me as your CEO?!“ While the board of directors listened to Keith’s solemn announcement, Evan gave them a threatening look. He was silently declaring war on them should they choose to answer incorrectly. "We want you as our CEO, Keith. We are sorry we entertained your father's request," an executive said. "We apologize, Mister Thompson, Keith. You are right. We wasted our time on something irrelevant. It won't happen again," a shareholder expressed, and the rest echoed the same. Keith knew his father would use the shareholders and board members to sway him against being with Karise. Thus, that One day, he prepared for his big gun, and that was Evan. With their combined efforts, the shareholders and board of directors apologized and conceded to Keith. On the other hand, Charles failed to achieve his goal that day.

Half an hour later, Evan and Keith were alone in the meeting room. Evan took the chance to ask his friend, "So you bought an engagement ring?" "Yeah," Keith replied. "When?" Evan asked. "A month ago," Keith replied. "Are you planning to give it to her?" Evan asked. Keith formed beads of sweat on his forehead. He replied, "I've been thinking about it, but I -1 fucking don't know how. The The thought of following your proposal ideas makes me nervous. I thought I'd wait a little longer since it might be too early for her."

"Plus, I'm not good at being really romantic," Keith admitted. "It doesn't have to be romantic, Keith. Just do it however you feel like it. You know her the best," Evan suggested. "And you know what's great if you get married? Your father can't insist that you marry another socialite; I mean, how can you get married if you are already married?" "Just do it!" The man added. "The sooner, the better." "Okay. Okay," Keith acknowledged. "Do you mind practicing with me, though?"

Chapter 131: Proposal Practice With Evan Within the meeting room of Prima MedCare, Evan and Keith were in a serious conversation about the plan to propose to Karise. "What if Karise says no?" Keith asked. "Then, try again. Shanty did not say yes the first time I proposed," Evan admitted. "Besides, why would she say no? Why have that doubt?" "Because I still need to assess her thoughts about getting married, considering I just admitted I loved her. Honestly, I'm worried I am rushing her," Keith reasoned. "I think the length of your relationship doesn't matter. What matters most is that you are ready, not just with feelings, but in general - mentally, emotionally, and financially. Are you ready, Keith?" Evan asked, i "As a man? I have everything I need to raise a family. I have been ready for some time. I want a family with Karise," Keith admitted. "Great! Then assess how Karise feels about it," Evan said. The man checked the time and then returned his regard to Keith. He said, "Now, go on, Keith. I don't have all day. Propose." "Okay," Keith said. "So, I'm considering surprising her, and she'll be shocked to find the ring. Then I'll get it from her and propose." "I like where this is going. Go ahead. Get down on one knee," Evan ordered. Keith pretended to hold up a diamond ring. He went down on one knee and looked at Evan. Keith was about to propose when he saw Evan's stern face. He said, "You are not helping, Evan. Pretend to be Karise in shock!" Evan's mouth fell on the floor. He groaned as he covered his mouth with his palms, just like any girl would. He asked,

"Shock enough?" Shaking his head, Keith said, "Close enough." Keith cleared his throat and looked at Evan. He said, "Karise, babe.” He puffed his cheeks and forced a smile, looking at Evan and trying his best to imagine Karise. He reached for Evan's hand and was ready to say sweet words when the man pushed his hand away. "What the hell, Keith? Since when did we hold hands?" Evan objected. "You are supposed to be Karise, Evan! Dammit!" Keith countered. "Oh, right. But it's so fucking weird." Evan looked around and found a stick pointer. He grabbed it and, instead, let Keith hold it. He instructed," Imagine that it is Karise's hand." With a sigh, Keith held the pointer stick and visualized Karise's hand. It didn't help, though. All he could see was a stick. Keith looked at Evan. He asked, "I think your hand is better, man -" "I'm going to punch your face!" Evan warned. "In that case, the stick will do." Keith settled for the pointer stick. He held the tip with his thumb and forefinger. He said, "Karise, Babe, I love your sense of adventure. You always push me to try new things, getting me out of my comfort zone." He went on and on with his experiences with Karise, like how she let him try street food for the first time in his life and when they went shopping downtown, wearing average clothes. Evan yawned. Three minutes had passed with Keith summarizing his socalled adventures with his girlfriend. The man barked, "I feel like I'm already part of your trip downtown. Just highlight the best ones, will you? It's a proposal, not a summary of your love story!" 1 "I just want her to know that I value those times," Keith pointed out. "But it's too long, Keith. You don't want Karise falling asleep during your proposal. Make it short and sweet," Evan suggested. "Fine!" Keith cussed. He re-did his proposal and finally said, "Evan, will you marry me?" 2

"You mean, Karise," Evan corrected. "Haha! Fuck. It's just that I am looking at you," Keith reasoned. "I know I can make guys turn gay, but I swear, Keith, I never imagined you'd have the hots for me," Evan shot back. 3 "Fuck off, Evan! Now, say yes already!" Keith asked. 1 "Fucking yes, now get on with your life!" Evan barked. "You put the ring on her finger and give her a sweet hug. Kiss and End the proposal! All that matters is where, and when you will propose!" "Thank you, Evan. You helped me a lot," Keith suggested. "When I have the date and place, can we have a final practice?" Evan's face turned gloomy, and Keith laughed boisterously. Keith said, "It's okay, Evan. I was just testing how far you would go to help me. I at least appreciate the initial help." 1

Karise had a frown on her face. She told Keith that she had a bad day at work, and he left, saying he needed to get something from the office. She kept switching the TV channels from the living room of Keith's penthouse, ready to kill the remote control should Keith takes longer than an hour. Eventually, the door to the penthouse opened, and Keith walked in with a hooded jacket. He marched to the living room, walking backward. "What are you doing?" Karise asked. "Walking backward," Keith responded, his hood sliding down, showing off his dirty blond hair. When he finally turned, he held two milkshakes and said, "Tada!" "Milkshake!" Karise was almost in tears, seeing her favorite milkshake." Awww. I can't believe you drove out for my favorite milkshake!" She got up and hugged Keith. She kissed him on each cheek before pecking at his lips. "God, I love you." "Love me enough to marry me?" Keith asked with a teasing grin.

He noticed Karise stilled as she remained to embrace him, her hazel colored eyes looking at him intensely, her mouth wide open. "Um." Karise remained to study his face. She replied, "If you keep buying me my milkshake, I'll marry you any day." "Ah!" Keith said, and his earlier racing heart became at ease. He thought,' Maybe, I should propose with a milkshake?' Karise loved the milkshake from Bartho Street, the same MilkShake House she, Shantelle, and her college friends often hung out at, during their free time in college. She loved the blends so much that she brought Keith there for their first friendly date. Keith and Karise enjoyed their milkshake in the living room while watching a TV show for the next few minutes. As they relished their drink, Karise took pictures of them both. Keith used the time to continue assessing Karise's feelings about formally tying the knot. "The photos look great. We should keep those so we can show them to our future kids, everything, from vacations, special occasions, the wedding, honeymoon," Keith suggested. He turned to Karise and saw her eyes widen. Her face turned incredibly red as she replied, "Yeah, I mean. Keeping memories are good." Keith could get a feel of how Karise became uneasy. He wasn't sure if it was in a good way or bad. Soon, however, Karise asked, "How many kids do you want, Mister Henderson?" "Three. I want at least three kids," Keith answered, pulling Karise to sit on his lap. "What about you, Misses Henderson? How many kids do you want?" "Miss Henderson?" Karise laughed before sipping on her milkshake. "What? You don’t like my last name?" Keith tested the waters. "I think it fits you well." Karise put down the shake. She wrapped her arms around his neck and replied, "Karise Henderson? Well." She beamed and added, "As long as Mister Henderson keeps buying me milkshakes."

She giggled before crashing her lips into his, tasting the drink in his mouth." Ooh. Chocolate mint. Love it." With a milkshake involved, Keith saw a bigger potential of getting a yes. Hence, he included it in this proposal plan.

The next day, Keith got a call from Karise while at the office. She said," Babe! Guess what? I got promoted!" Karise and her team had been working on a new drug for months. It had recently been approved, and because of her efforts, she got promoted to a senior scientist position. Keith finally found the best opportunity, and with the milkshake in mind, he suggested, "Babe, let's celebrate that this weekend. How about having dinner at the Milkshake House? Let's invite some of our friends and your family." "Love the milkshake!" Karise exclaimed. "Great idea, Babe!"

Chapter 132: Milkshake Proposal Karise was surprised to find the Milkshake House closed for their gathering. It wasn't necessary. The place was still big enough to accommodate their party, plus the store's walk-in customers. Karise thought it was over the top. However, she I also appreciated the privacy. She noticed lavish changes to the decors, but then again, it had that colossal banner congratulating her for the promotion

that she thought was only fair. The Milkshake house had a homey environment. There were long couches on the side with cupcakes and candy throw pillows. Most of the center tables were white squares, but for that occasion, they were groped to accommodate six guests each. Karise's family arrived first. Her father and younger brother had huge grins, which she thought was strange. Some of her office mates came, and they acted like the usual, except they were taken aback after knowing she was dating Keith Henderson! "You lucky, bitch! You did not say anything!" One of her office mates teased me. "Well, now you know. My Babe is Keith Henderson. And no, he is the lucky one," Karise confidently claimed. Keith, who was behind her, acknowledged, "I am the lucky one. It's nice to meet Karise's office mates." Soon, Keith's friends arrived, together with Evan and Shantelle. They all congratulated Karise, and then dinner began. Karise was in her zone, and Keith loved it. She was comfortable being around her friends and family, chatting about work and old times. He became convinced he had made the right decision to propose, with important people in Karise's life. When dinner was over, Keith suggested a milkshake toast. Cafe staff served varied flavors of their famous milkshakes, depending on the guests' request. "Thank you all for coming. Today is a celebration of Karise's promotion. She has worked hard over the past few months, creating a new drug to help address heart conditions." Keith turned to Karise and said, "Babe, you deserve the promotion, and I wish you more career advancement in the future." Keith raised his milkshake and added, "I love you, and this is for you! Cheers!"

"Thanks, Babe. I love you," Karise acknowledged, also raising her milkshake. "Cheers!" Everyone echoed. Each of the guests enjoyed their shake. Keith was especially eying as Karise finished her own shake. It was because he had instructed the cafe owner to put the two-million-dollar engagement ring inside Karise's milkshake. "God! I miss this milkshake!" From one side of the table, Shantelle claimed, "Hubby, this is my new craving! The babies love it!” "Should I buy the Milkshake House, Wifey?" Evan asked. His words encourage laughter around the cafe. "Wow, the flavor is rich!" Sean remarked. "Always loved the milkshake here. This is your first?" Wendell sought. While the remarks about the milkshakes came flying, Keith remained glued to Karise's drink. Since it was served straight from the kitchen, Karise could scoop out the shake instead of sipping it from a straw. "Loving the shake, Babe?" Keith asked. He was seated in front of Karise the whole time. "Love it, Babe. Thanks for today," Karise replied. She leaned closer and warranted a kiss, which Keith granted. Seconds went by with Karise nearly emptying her shake, and Keith began to worry. 'Where is the engagement ring?!' Keith kept leaning closer, looking at Karise's shake, but there were no signs of the ring! "Babe, you barely touched your shake!" Karise pointed out. "If you wanted the vanilla shake, you should have ordered the same flavor as mine." "Um." Suddenly, Keith's heart raced. There was little left of Karise's shake that made him nervous. Unable to hold back, he grabbed her milkshake glass, saying, "Wait, Babe. Wait."

Keith shook the glass and scooped the remaining contents of the shake, but there was no ring! He was horrified! He said, "Oh, my god!” He returned his attention to Karise with eyes rounding. He said, "Babe, I'm sorry." "Why are you sorry? And why are you looking at my empty glass like that?" Karise asked. Beads of sweat formed on Keith's forehead. "Oh, shit!" Evan, Sean, and Wendell stared at him with worry. "Everything okay, Keith?" Evan asked. "Keith?!" Finally, Karise asked, her voice raising. "You are scaring me. What happened?" "Babe, did you feel anything? Something hard as you drank your shake?" Keith asked. "You are not making sense, Keith? No, I felt nothing hard,” Karise replied, utterly bemused. Sucking in a deep breath, Keith announced, his voice breaking in and out of anxiety, "Babe, you - you might have just swallowed an eighteen-carat engagement ring!" Silence fell upon them, following Keith's revelation. Karise's eyes widened, and her gaze landed on her glass. She gulped and said, "You were planning to propose?" "Yes!" Keith said, his hand running down his face. "And you put the ring in my shake?" Karise asked. "Yes, Babe. I did not think you'd empty it all down!" Keith said. "It was... a huge rock. You should have been able to feel it." Keith was nearly in tears when he revealed, "Babe, I bought that, especially for you. It's a two-million-dollar engagement ring." "Ahhhh!" Karise screamed. "What should I do? What should I do?" Turning to Shantelle, Karise asked, "Shanty, I need surgery now! My hopes of becoming Misses Henderson lies in your hands!" 2 "Let's go to the hospital! Dad! Take me to the hospital!" Karise called her father! 1

Most of those who were present also panicked, but Shantelle only laughed. In fact, she snorted out of amusement. "Shanty! This isn't funny. I have a two-million-dollar ring on my stomach somewhere! Please tell me the ring will be safe! How can Keith propose now?" Karise said, her eyes brimming with tears. "Help me get it out!" "It's okay. You can poop it out later, maybe a day or two! Then Keith can propose again! Haha!" Shantelle revealed. "Just watched your strain bowel." 3 "Ahhhh! That is not at all amusing!" Karise screamed again. She turned to Keith and said, "Babe, why did you put it in my shake? You should have just given it to me as normal people do!" "I'm sorry, Babe." Keith was losing hope. His proposal plan became a total failure. When he thought about taking Karise to the hospital for an x-ray, the kitchen staff interrupted. A young man said, "Mister Henderson. We are sorry." He gave the velvet box to Keith and said, "We forgot to put the ring inside the shake!" Dead air followed. Everyone's shoulders fell, relieved that Karise had not apparently consumed the ring with the shake. Keith nearly fainted. He was thankful the kitchen staff forgot to follow through on his instructions. He accepted the velvet box and opened it. There it was, the eighteen-carat diamond ring, gleaming in that heartshaped cut. He took out the ring and let out a sigh. He kneeled on one knee, and then the cafe staff frantically let another backdrop fall from the ceiling. It was a well-decorated backdrop that read: [Karise, will you marry me?] "Karise, Babe. With you, life is never dull. Today is an example of it." laughter echoed from the observers. 1 Keith smiled and resumed, "I love your sense of adventure and how you push me to try new things. I want to wake up next to you every day of my life. Will you make me the happiest man alive and marry me?" Keith gulped and added, "I promise

to maintain safety precautions in drinking milkshakes next time." 1 Laughter echoed throughout the cafe as Keith released himself from the stress of nearly losing the engagement ring. He briefly laughed with his friends before turning to Karise and awaiting her reply. "Babe, please," Keith said. "Babe, I'll marry you," Karise replied, teary-eyed. Keith happily put on the ring on Karise. He got up and embraced her tightly. Following a kiss, he asked, "Let's get married." "Huh?" Karise asked, puzzled.

Chapter 133: Instantly Married Monday came, and the marriage happened, 1 Karise could not believe what she was looking at when she entered the courthouse the following work week. It was a marriage certificate, and Keith had already signed his name on the contract. Karise's name had also been printed into the same document. All she needed was to affix her signature. "Babe? Do you need help signing the contract?" Keith asked behind her. He offered his hand, guiding her where to sign. "Right here, Babe. Right here. Let me help you." "I just want to make sure that no one is forced into this marriage," the judge said, glaring at Keith. "No. No." Karise realized her mistake, and she beamed at the judge. "I'm all in on this marriage." She signed the contract and happily announced, "There! I'm married!" 1 "Congratulations!" Behind Karise and Keith, Shantelle exclaimed. Keith's friends, including Karise's family, were also there to stand as their witnesses. 1

Shantelle was the first to come to the front and hug Karise. She said, "I'm so happy for you. Miss Henderson. I can't wait for the actual wedding!" Keith was adamant about having the formal contract signed first. It was meant to stop his father from pestering him about marrying someone else. However, Keith and Karise had agreed to have an official wedding in a month. "Congratulations, Keith,” Evan said, extending his hand to his friend. "You are now officially a married man." "Whoever imagined Keith to get married before us, eh!" Sean exclaimed, hugging Keith. "Makes me wonder why you aren't married yet," Keith said to his friend. "I could say the same thing for Wendell!" There was an awkward silence coming from Wendell and Evan. Shantelle also raised her brow. "Am I missing something?" Keith asked. "Clearly, I am. Wendell?" "Salome and I are a bit shaky," Wendell admitted. "She has been off lately." "You should have married her. You have been together for five years," Keith declared. He supported Wendell's long-time relationship with Salome, although he never liked her. He was pretty sure Sean and Evan didn't like her too. "I hope you sort things out with her," Shantelle said, patting Wendell's back. "Congratulations, son, Karise," Mister Myers said, hugging Karise. After letting go of his daughter, Mister Myers said to Keith, "Take care of my daughter now. After my wife died, she was the only woman in our family." "I will definitely treasure Karise, Sir," Keith acknowledged. "Call me Dad," Karise's father suggested. He hugged Keith, and after pulling away, he excused himself to get back home. After the marriage contract signing, everyone left, heading back to their businesses or work.

Days passed again.

It has been nearly two months since the Diamond Hotel Rose Hills had its grand opening. Since then, the condominium hotel has been fully booked. All businessmen and tourists who flew into Rose Hills preferred the new hotel. Sales were up, and with the famous designer boutique, Sarah Kate, transferring to the same hotel building, the property showed promising success. Nearly every upper-class local wanted dinner at the hotel's main restaurant or coffee at the rooftop bar. Because the new Diamond Hotel was so well received, Evan and Kaleb Wright wanted to celebrate it through a small outing between their families. At first, Evan and Shantelle hesitated because of Lucas. However, their young man was so excited about seeing Lily. The couple could not deny their son the opportunity. Instead of depriving Lucas of a chance to go outdoors, Evan arranged camping for the two families. It was set next to town, on a private lakehouse, the same favorite camping site of the Scots and the Thompsons. The Wrights and the Thompsons were on the road for two hours in each of their respective luxury camper vans. Everyone could see the bright blue sky from their vehicle's windows. It was dotted with fluffy clouds. Soon, their vans became covered with the shade of trees as their party turned into a narrow road, leading to the lake. The place was entirely surrounded by trees, mostly pines, giving the air that nice scent of nature. "I love it! I love it here, Daddy!" Lucas exclaimed, watching the scenery from the van. "I can take you for a walk up there, buddy! I can carry you over my shoulders!" Miguel exclaimed, pointing to the other side of the lake. Shantelle and Evan smiled at Miguel's offer. They could tell Lucas was really growing on Miguel. Aside from Lily, Miguel

was technically Lucas' next best friend. "Yeah, Uncle Miguel! You, me, Daddy, and Mommy should go!" Lucas exclaimed. "We will bring Lily too!" "Oh, no!" Shantelle laughed from her seat. She said, "I can't, honey. I can't carry your siblings out there. You, Daddy, Uncle Miguel, and Lily can go." "Sorry, Mommy, I forgot!" Lucas said. It did not take long for them to arrive at the lakehouse. It was a gorgeous red-roofed house that sat in front of the lake. The kids immediately got off their vehicles, running around and getting together to watch the lake from the docking station. Shantelle got off the van with Evan's help. As soon as she set foot on the ground, Attorney Scarlett approached her, saying, "None of the kids are sick, and I asked them to double the dose of vitamin C, so Lucas is good." With a hand on her chest, Shantelle sighed in relief, saying, "Thank you for being so considerate." "Of course! Anything for Lucas," Attorney Scarlett acknowledged. The men, including the hired drivers for their camper vans and the Wrights' security team, aided in settling things in the ten-bedroom lakehouse. Kaleb Wright's eldest son followed along, assisting his father with their bags. Shantelle and Scarlett observed the other kids from a nearby picnic table. "Not too close to the lake without an adult, guys! No one can swim after you if you fall!" Scarlett called. Turning to her youngest sons, she warned," Kayden, Kristoff, get back!" Calling her older children, Scarlett ordered, "Lewis, Levin, please watch your younger brothers." "I don't know how you do it!" Shantelle exclaimed. Attorney Scarlett turned to Shantelle, saying, "To have so many kids? You just have to have lots of sex!" Shantelle laughed boisterously. She admitted, "Oh, don't worry. I'm not depriving myself of that good thing, but I mean, how do you manage all five boys and a girl!"

"It's tough, but with enough help, we get to manage," Scarlett said. The attorney gave Scarlett some tips, including hiring a good nanny. While the ladies' were chatting, the attorney's kids were running around roughly by the grounds, dirtying their clothes. The older kids had to help their brothers get a change of attire. Lewis said to his mother, "Mom, we are going to change into something more comfortable." "Good idea, baby! Take care of your brothers," Attorney Scarlett said. With the other boys gone, only Lily and Lucas were walking around. Eventually, the two decided to rest on the other picnic table, close to Shantelle and Scarlett. Lily began to talk to Lucas about her friends at school, and while she did, the two moms paid attention. The young girl said, "My girl friends at school said that when we are older, we should have our own rings. But my friends like pink! Ewww! My brothers don't wear pink, so I never wear anything pink." With a frown, she corrected, "But sometimes, Mommy forces me to wear pink and a dress." "Girls have to have a ring?" Lucas asked. "Yeah, like a diamond ring!" Lily revealed. "My mommy has a big yellow ring on her finger. Didn't you see?" "I think my Mommy has blue," Lucas revealed. "I love blue!" Lily said. "My brothers wear blue all the time! When I grow up and meet my special person - because, only the special person gives that ring, you know. I want that special person to give me a blue ring! I don't want a pink ring." "But how will your special person know?" Lucas asked. "You are going to have to tell him." "Right," Lily said, "well, you know what I like." "Mmmmm." Lucas contemplated. He rested his chin on his fist, thinking. Moments later, he offered, "I know, Lily. I could be your special person! I'll make sure to buy you a blue ring!" "Really? You'd do that for me?" Lily asked, her eyes wining with glee! "Of course, you are my best friend!" Lucas proudly said.

"Yay!" Lily exclaimed. The two kids hugged each other, cheering for their own decision before they returned to observe the nature around them. Behind Lily and Lucas, Shantelle and Scarlett froze in their seats, their mouths parting. Eventually, though, they both giggled. Scarlett said," Awww, that was just about the sweetest proposal ever!" "Haha! I know, right? So pure and innocent! I wish I had recorded that!" Shantelle remarked. "If these two will ever end up together, I will definitely tell them about today's story," Scarlett suggested. "And I'll remind Lucas of the blue engagement ring. Haha!" Shantelle declared. The two mothers looked at each other before laughing again. "God, what if it does happen?" Shantelle asked.

Chapter 134: Lucas' Plan "Ouch!" Shantelle suddenly cried in pain. She was holding her stomach as she sat up from the bed at night. 1 She and her family were still at the lakehouse. They were supposed to return to Rose Hills that afternoon, but because the kids were exhausted from either playing, swimming, or hiking, Evan and Kaleb agreed to postpone their return for tomorrow. "Oh, babies, you sure woke up, Mommy!" Shantelle said while massaging her stomach. Evan also awoke. He readily climbed next to his wife, asking, "What's wrong, Shanty?"

"One of them kicked my rib!" Shantelle couldn't decide whether to laugh or cry. At thirty-one weeks, she was happy that her twins were active, but now that they were growing inside her fast, they were starting to give her discomfort. "It's so painful, Evan, and it came all so sudden!" "What? When? How come I missed it again!" Evan groaned. He had already felt the twins move lately, but he wanted more. "Well, they are pretty awake right now! Seems like they know their daddy is available to talk." With a smile, Shantelle adjusted her position. She said, "I can't lie down, Hubby. I think I should sleep upright more often now. The space is probably too cramped for them if I lie down." Evan put several pillows on Shantelle's back, helping her get more elevation. After she was comfortable, the man eagerly lay next to her, his hand fishing under Shantell's top and landing on her stomach. "Babies, it's Daddy - Oh! They kicked! Or at least one of them!" Instead of lying down, Evan sat on the bed and pulled Shantelle's top up, exposing her belly. He caressed her stomach, saying, "Come on, guys. Let Daddy feel you some more." When another kick hit Evan's palm, he exclaimed, "Aha! They love me!" Evan kissed Shantelle's belly. He said, "Daddy loves you! And Mommy too. Say hi to Daddy - yes! There it is again!" Her husband was smiling from ear to ear, incredibly happy with the experience. Seeing Evan in that way utterly amused her. To think, a few minutes ago, she was fast asleep. "Why don't you sing for them, Evan? Babies love to hear songs," Shantelle suggested. "What should I sing?" Evan asked. "You could sing Hush Little Baby," Shantelle suggested. She instructed Evan to search for the song online, and Evan played the music on top of Shantelle's belly.

Indeed, the twins loved the song. There were more movements after playing the music. Evan sang along to the tune, following the lyrics played on the video, "Hush little baby, don't say a word, Daddy's gonna buy you a mockingbird With a frown, Evan cut himself, remarking, "Honestly, the mockingbird isn't even the best bird singer out there. Why did it have to be a mockingbird?" "I don't know. It's probably just the perfect match to the rhymes." Shantelle laughed. She replied, "It doesn't matter. It's a nursery rhyme. Just sing it!" "Oh, but Shanty, my kids shouldn't settle for anything less!" Evan claimed. He whispered to Shantelle's belly, saying, "If Daddy is going to buy you something, I will buy you the best!" He turned off the video and sang, changing the lyrics of the song, "Hush little baby, don't say a word, Daddy's going to hire John Legend to sing you a song -" 1 Shantelle laughed her heart out. She snorted while she was at it. Indeed. If given a chance, Evan would hire a famous singer to sing for the twins. "What? You like Calum Scott instead?" Evan said, smiling. He went on singing the song. "And if John Legend has a sore throat, Daddy's gonna buy you a gold mine. And if that mine runs out of gold, Daddy's going to buy you a bullet train." i Really? A bullet train?" Shantelle questioned, still maintaining a laugh. "They are my kids. They can only experience the best!" Evan claimed before resuming the song. "Besides, that's much better than a cart and bull! II Funny enough, the twins kept moving in Shantelle's belly. They reacted more when Evan would kiss her stomach and make humorous sounds, whatever the man could think of. Evan delighted in the twin's activity in Shantelle's womb. When he noticed they had reduced their movements, he fetched the body butter and spread it evenly on Shantelle's chest. Yet again, he kissed her belly goodnight and said, "I love you,

babies." He arranged more pillows on Shantelle's side, and seeing her yawn, he kissed her forehead, saying, "Goodnight, Wifey. I I love you. Thank you for letting me have this experience." Before completely dozing off, Shantelle touched Evan's athletic face. She admired his intense gaze before saying, "I love you too, Hubby. You deserve to enjoy fatherhood from the very start. Goodnight."

While Shantelle and Evan returned to sleep, in one room, several small flashlights were on, lighting up the space. All the young boys were still, apparently, awake. Only Lily was fast asleep in her room. "Lucas, if you and Lily will be best friends and you get to hang out with us often, then that means you must join our brotherhood," Lewis proposed. He turned to their eldest brother, confirming, "Right, Liam?" Lucas turned to Liam with a question mark on his face. Liam replied, "It's just our dad's basic rules, and we turned it into our brotherhood oath. My cousins and I swore the same too." "Okay, then, I think it's fine," Lucas replied, nodding his head. "First, you must swear allegiance to the Wright Brotherhood. We will be your family. And thus, your family will come first in anything! Family is important," Levin said to Lucas, and he nodded. "Second, like our daddy said, we must learn how to share, like toys or food, " Kristoff said. "And we should not be jealous of each other because we are all brothers," Liam added. "We must have each other's back and protect each other, especially Lily since she is a girl." "Yeah!" Lewis echoed. He said to Lucas, "Since you are best friends with Lily, and she seems to trust you more about her girl thing, you must promise to keep her safe." "I promise!" Lucas swore.

"You must treat her like your sister, just like we do," Liam added." Remember your responsibility to Lily. I will hold you accountable for that!" "Of course, I'm her special best friend!" Lucas claimed. "Good, now that we got that settled, let's seal the deal with a brotherhood hug!" Liam encouraged. He and his brothers leaned back, then raised their right hand, forming it into a fist, saying, "Hiya!" "Hiya!" Lucas promptly followed their actions before they all wound up in a group hug! After the brotherhood oath taking, Lucas said, "you guys are the best!" Liam smirked at Lucas. He said, "Nah, we are like this because our family is the best! You should come to Braeton and meet our cousins." "And my grandma," Lewis said. "She is the best!" 1 "Hmmm." Lucas thought. "Is it far?" "An hour plane ride," Levin replied. "Easy peasy." "Easy peasy! When I get better, I can ride a private plane daily. I can go to school in Braeton!" Lucas claimed. "Lily and I will be in the same class!" 2

The next day, everyone returned to Rose Hills. The Wrights flew back to Braeton, whereas the couple, Miguel and Lucas, went home to the mansion. Like any pregnant woman with a growing belly, Shantelle immediately felt the need to relieve her bladder. Evan guided her to the first-floor restroom. She went in, but after a second, she screamed, "Evan! Evan! Take me to the hospital, now!" Chapter 135: Baby Names "It's going to be okay, Wifey," Evan tried to reassure his wife. They were on the road to the hospital as soon as Evan called Shantelle's doctor. Earlier, when Shantelle relieved her bladder, she noticed blood on her underwear. It was light, but it sent her panicking.

"The doctor said we have the safest twin pregnancy," Evan reminded. Shantelle nodded. Each baby had their own placenta and amniotic sac, unlike in some twin pregnancies. Still, she could not help but worry since she had been feeling mild pain in her cervix area. Upon arriving at the hospital, Shantelle was rushed to the ultrasound room for an evaluation. The doctor carefully studied Shantelle's womb. As the doctor spoke, Shantelle and Evan paid close attention to the monitor. "The fluid is fine. The cervix is closed. Actually, there is nothing to worry about. You said that you felt pain?" "Just mild whenever the babies move, or at least one of them," Shantelle replied. Pointing to the monitor, the doctor revealed, "You see this? The baby boy's feet are right at your cervix. This could be our kicker, and he might be pushing a little blood out to escape the cervix, but it's still closed." The doctor smiled and said to the couple, "In terms of the babies, they are safe and doing great." Relief washed over the couple, and they took deep breaths upon hearing the news. So apparently, it was simply because The twins were so active. The doctor asked, "Did you take progesterone, just in case?" "Yes, doctor. I just wanted to be sure," Shantelle said. "That's fine, Doctor Shant. Safety first," the OB doctor said. "From earlier's check-up, though, it shows that your blood pressure is going up, and that's normal because the blood flow increases to the babies. I'll prescribe medications for it to be controlled, but considering that we are going into the last one or two months into the pregnancy, maybe Doctor Shant can I take an early maternity leave to rest?" "You don't need to be on bed rest. That might even depress you, but sleep more and have time for third-trimester exercises that can help reduce your blood pressure," the OB doctor added. "Absolutely!" Evan replied first. He didn't want his wife to risk it.

Shantelle, on the other hand, paused for a moment. However, after recalling how Doctor Hale had joined their team at the heart and lung center, she agreed. "Yes, I can."

Over the next few weeks, Shantelle stayed home. Lucas was over the moon about it since he could spend time with his mother and his unborn siblings. One afternoon, after Lucas' home-schooling, he and Lily chatted online in the pool area. It was where Shantelle had yoga at the same time. After Shantelle finished her yoga routine, she rested on one outdoor sofa, and Lucas walked over to join her. Lucas said, "Mommy, have you named my brother and sister yet?" "Your daddy and I have covered a few names, but nothing is definite. Why? Do you and Lily have any name suggestions?" Shantelle asked while raising her blouse and applying some lotion on her belly. Lucas placed his tablet on the table, and from the screen, Lily spoke. "Aunt Shanty, I want the baby girl to be named Lacy. It's cute." "Hmmm," Shantelle thought about it. Then, she proposed, "I was thinking of Amelia, but how about we combine them? Amelia Lace?" "Yeah, that's nice too," Lily confirmed. "At first, I wanted Samuel for my brother," Lucas said. "Sam for short." "But my grandma is Sam! And she's a girl!" Lily contested. "I don't wanna get confused." While Lucas shrugged, Shantelle chuckled. She said, "Your daddy wanted Marcus." "Wait, Mommy. I'll check from your phone." Lucas did some research on Shantelle's phone. After some time, he said, "I read that the name Marcus is related to Mars, the God of War. I also found another Marcus name,

Marcus Antonius. It means highly praiseworthy. We can name him Marcus Anton." "Names are duly noted, guys. I like your suggestions," Shantelle said with a wink. Lucas smiled. Then, he wondered, "Mommy, since Daddy wasn't there to help you with my name, how did you name me Lucas?" "Hmmm." Shantelle's smile reached her ears. She admitted, "At first, I thought you were my lucky charm, but after doing After some reading, I learned that Lucas also meant a bringer of light." "When I was pregnant with you, I was going through a tough time. That was when your daddy and I separated," she revealed. "So I thought the name was a perfect fit. Not only did you bring me luck, but you gave me so much happiness. You were the light that brought me out from the sad times." "Plus, in a way, you brought me back to your daddy!" Shantelle added. Raising her arms, Shantelle asked, "Come here, baby. Let me baby you one last time before the real babies come out." "Ewww... Mommy, I'm not a baby anymore, but." With a sigh, Lucas said, 'TH give you one last chance." Lucas hugged Shantelle tightly. He kissed her on the cheek, saying, "I love you, Mommy." "I love you too, Aunt Shanty!" Lily said on the video call, giggling. "Lucas and I love you too, Lily!" Shantelle said back. "Durian delivery!" Miguel came out of nowhere, carrying a box of durians all the way from Maui. "Durian!" Lucas exclaimed.

"Evan, the pineapple tarts have not yet arrived. And how come there are only four durians? It's not gonna last a week, Evan," Shantelle said on the phone. Then she whispered, "You know Lucas eats them too, right?" The man was in his office, finishing up work, when Shantelle suddenly called about the fruit delivery. He replied, "Sorry,

Wifey. There weren't that many ripe ones this time, and I promised to give James three pieces of the fruit." "Oh, okay," Shantelle said. "Then, I guess. I'm not going to be that horny tonight. Bye, Hubby." i Evan's face formed a complete frown. How could he forget about the durian being their fruit aphrodisiac? Not that he needed any, but clearly, his wife was making it an excuse to get more. He ended the call and decided to take back the durians from his assistant. He went outside the CEO's office to look for James, only to be told he was in the pantry. He raced to the pantry, worried that James might have eaten the durians. Fortunately for him, James had only sliced two of the fruit open and had packed the fruit flesh in containers. One of the fruits was still intact. Speedily, Evan grabbed the unopened durian. He said, "Shanty wants more. I'll take this back." His eyes landed on the transparent food container with the durian flesh. He was about to negotiate for the said fruit when James objected beforehand, "No, Sir. I don't want these." "Why?" Evan sought, his eyes narrowing at James. "I was so excited to eat them that I opened up the durians without washing my hands." James described, "Before I came to the pantry, I took a leak." 1 James brushed off Evan with his hand, saying, "It's not safe for the Misses." 1 Dead air fell upon them. The temperature in the pantry dropped. Evan's eyes became hooded as he studied James' face. He was trying to assess if James was lying. 'Is he trying to get away with the durian? He wouldn't dare. ’ 1 After a second, the man said, "Fine, you can have your durian. Call the farmer from Maui and schedule the next delivery soon. And follow up on the pineapple tarts from Hendrick Grant. It's two days late.” "Yes, sir!" James said, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Thank you for the durian, sir!"

"Then!" Evan added. "Tell HR to release a memo. All employees who do not wash their hands, coming from the the bathroom will be given a written warning! It's for health and sanitary purposes!" 2 James coughed, choking on his own saliva. He replied, "Yes, Mister Thompson. Sorry again." 1

Chapter 136: Water Broke Thirty-six weeks into her pregnancy, Shantelle decided to personally buy dresses for when she would give birth. Evan wanted to buy the clothes on the weekend, but Shantelle was too excited. With Andy, she and Karise went to the New South Mall right after work hours. Karise came along, saying she didn't feel like going home since Keith was still stuck in a meeting. Evan was the same, having an extended discussion with The Caribbean Sales executives. Shantelle was choosing between two nursing dresses at the department store when she noticed Karise heave. She asked her friend, "What's wrong with you?" i "I haven’t been feeling well lately,’ Karise admitted. With brows meeting, Shantelle studied her friend. Karise heaved again at the smell of one item near her. Shantelle suggested, "Are you... pregnant?" The two friends looked at each other before their eyes widened. Shantelle said, "You could be pregnant! Oh, my god! You should get yourself checked! n "Let's quickly buy a pregnancy test after this," Shantelle advised.

"Ah, but how can we make it quick?" Karise said, her eyes directed at the long line of customers at the cashier. Shantelle smiled and confidently said, "Oh, don't worry about that. I know exactly what to do." Sucking in a deep breath, Shantelle called, "Excuse me! Doctor Shantelle Thompson here! Wife of Evan Thompson!" Heads were snapping their way. People were looking at her like she was the next hot celebrity! Shantelle arched her back, showing off her big belly, and raised the clothes she meant to buy. With a proud smile, she asked, "Hi, I'm Misses Thompson. Can anyone help me with this, please?" 'TH help you, Misses Thompson!" Some customers willingly offered their aid, but the store's staff was also quick to aid Shantelle. "Miss Thompson, my husband works for your company. Mister Thompson always gives all his employees a yearly raise. Your husband is so generous. Let me help you," said a woman. "It's okay, ma'am. I am the store manager. I can help Misses Thompson," a lady in the store uniform said. Shantelle and Karise waited not more than two minutes and were done with the payment. That was how effective Shantelle's new power was. It was better than the priority lane. 4 As they left the department store, the ladies could only giggle at how Shantelle had an automatic express lane wherever she went. Karise remarked, "I bet that will still work even after you give birth." "I'll try not to abuse it, though," Shantelle said before passing on the shopping bags to Andy. After shopping, Shantelle and Andy rested at a nearby cafe to rest while Karise left to buy pregnancy test kits. Minutes passed, and Shantelle saw Karise coming back. She was looking utterly excited, her hands waving at Shantelle from afar. Karise was about to walk in when a familiar girl approached Karise and grabbed her by the arm.

The girl was wearing a sexy and branded dress. Shantelle immediately recognized the girl as Lola Mitchell, the same girl whom Keith's father proposed to him to marry, i "I smell trouble," Shantelle said before joining her friend.

Earlier at the mall's restroom, Karise's eyes widened, seeing two lines on the first pregnancy test. She redid the test with another brand. It still turned out positive. Knowing Keith was in a meeting, she merely sent him a text: [Babe, I'm pregnant! I'm at the New South Mall with Shanty! Hurry, catch up!] She sent him a picture of two pregnancy tests before leaving the ladies' room and returning to the cafe where Shantelle and Andy awaited. Karise was about to enter the cafe when a woman suddenly grabbed her arm. The woman was pretty, but her perfume had that strong scent that Karise didn't like. Immediately, she gave a disgusting sneer. "Why are you looking at me like that? Do you think that Keith will keep you as his fucktoy for long? You'll see, you are just the flavor of the month!" The woman said. Suddenly, Karise recalled that this woman was Lola Mitchell. Karise still grimaced at Lola's smell, but she quickly said, "Oh, hi, Lola. For your information, we have been seeing each other for over a year. I'm sorry to burst your bubbles, but I'm not just Keith's flavor of the month!" "I'm sure you, on the other hand, experienced being a flavor of the week," Karise added. Okay, she lied about that. Technically, she and Keith were friends with benefits much longer, but Lola didn't have to know that. "I'm telling you, one day, Keith will get tired of you," Lola bitterly said. Karise laughed. She replied, "Then it's a risk I’m willing to take. I'll enjoy it while it lasts."

She was giggling inside, seeing how her answer frustrated Lola more. In truth, though, she wholeheartedly believed her husband would never leave her. "I know women like you - a gold digger," Lola said. "You won’t ever have the pleasure of marrying Keith because his family will never approve of you!" "Fortunately for me, I won't be marrying his dad or his mom," Karise responded. "Excuse me -" Karise saw how Shantelle was coming to her aid. She was about to enter the cafe when Lola insisted on insulting her. Lola said, "My father and Keith's father have already agreed to marry us. You might as well stay away from Keith. You won't be able to stop it from happening because the truth is, only the rich can marry into the rich! You are nothing but a woman of poor class! You will never be Miss Henderson." 'That's it!' Karise concluded in her head. She fished for her marriage license copy and shoved it into Lola's face. She said, "I already am! Misses Henderson, Lola! And I'm not sure about what class you are talking about. You sure come from a poor breed, judging by your behavior." After accidentally taking a whiff of Lola's perfume again, she leaned back with a grimace. Karise warned, 'And don't come any closer to me! I feel like puking from your perfume!" Karise observed how Lola gasped, shocked at the paper she was holding. Lola gulped, studying the copy. Then she concluded, "This is fake! It's fake! " She grabbed Karise's arm again and pulled her closer. Lola claimed, "You faked this Ahhhhh! You bitch!" Karise puked all over Lola. She coughed, tasting acid in her mouth, and her eyes watered in tears. Lola was about to slap Karise when Shantelle walked out. She warned," Don't you dare touch my friend "Or what? Your husband isn't here to protect you!" Lola shot back, clearly responding out of rage from being vomited at.

Shantelle sneered at Lola's claims. She called everyone's attention to prove Lola wrong. "Everyone, Doctor Shantelle Thompson here! Wife of Evan Thompson. This woman is harassing my friend and me!" Like earlier, people's heads were turning their way, and people were looking at Lola with disgust! Andy also followed Shantelle, warning Lola about causing any trouble. "But - but," Lola pointed to Karise, saying, "She threw up on me!!!!" "That's because I am pregnant, and your perfume irritated me! I warned you, but you kept coming at me. It's your fault! You were begging to be a puke bowl!" Karise barked. "Get lost, Miss Mitchel, before I sue you for harassing a pregnant woman!" Shantelle warned before approaching Karise and keeping her distance from Lola. "Are you okay, Misses Thompson?" One woman said before glaring at Lola. "Lady, don't you think of hurting Mister Thompson's wife!" "Such a shameful woman, harassing two pregnant women!" Another woman remarked. "You deserve to have vomit all over your dress!" An older man said. The people crowded around Lola, trying to make her realize she had caused her own misery. But instead of an acknowledgment, Lola glared at Shantelle and Karise, her hands balled into fists. Shantelle could see how Lola was about to act irrationally. Lola fumed towards them, but suddenly, she slipped on the floor! "Ahhhh!" It was because Shantelle's water broke, spreading all over the floor. Andy and Karise quickly guided Shantelle to safety before Lola could fall next to Shantelle. "Oh, my god, the water broke," Shantelle remarked, her eyes rounding. "Oh, my god! Even the babies hate Lola!" Karise commented. While Andy and Evan, altering the man about how Shantelle's water broke, the two ladies laughed at Karise's remark, i

"Don't say that. The babies don't hate anyone," Shantelle corrected her friend. "Let's go to the hospital and get these babies out!" As Shantelle and Karise left with Andy, passersby cleared the way for her, sending her love and best wishes for her delivery. "Miss Thompson is about to give birth. Give way, please!" "Have a safe delivery, Misses Thompson!" "My prayers are with you, Misses Thompson!"

Behind Shantelle and Karise, Lola was baffled, crying at her wretched state. She had been puked on! Her ass landed on the floor and practically bathed in amniotic fluid, yet no one cared for her. The passersby still gave her a filthy look. She questioned in silence, 'Just what power did Shantelle have over the entire town of Rose Hills?'

Chapter 137: Ever Ready Evan "Mother?" Evan asked, seeing Clara inside his office. "What brings you here? "Oh, I needed James' help with my ATM," Clara replied. "He said you wouldn't mind that he left to go to the bank." "Of course, Mother. You didn't even have to come by. I could have Evan still, hearing Andy's call. It only meant the call was about his wife. "Andy? What? Okay. I'll be headed to the hospital now," Evan nervously said. He turned to his mother and revealed, "Mother. Shanty is giving birth."

"Oh, my! I'm going to see my grandchildren!" Clara was teary-eyed, filled with excitement. She said, "I want to come with you! I want to see the babies. Have Howard fetch your father, and we can meet him at the hospital!" Evan and Clara immediately left for the hospital. While a company driver was behind the wheel, the mother and son discussed in the backseat of Evan's Audi. "You must be patient," Clara said. "Shanty will be experiencing the most significant pain of her life. It isn't emotional, but the very painful process of delivering the babies, and she has to go through it twice!" "Evan! If she blames you, let her! If she tells you she won't have babies again, just let her say anything she wants because I tell you, it is excruciating to give birth," Clara described. "You feel like your hips are going to break, your ass tearing, and that pain will remain active until both babies are out!" 3 "She will scream at you. She may even curse!" Clara warned. "But you must endure everything. Soothe her. Just keep saying sorry, and don't worry. She won't really mean what she says because it's just the pain clouding her reason." "Thank you, mother, for the advice," Evan acknowledged. "I'll be ready. I've been ready for a while. Whatever Shanty will throw it at me, I will take it like a man and keep telling her I love her." Clara nodded, saying, "I'm very proud of you, son!" The truth was, Evan had been ready for weeks. He had done his research. While watching Shantelle sleep at night, Evan often watched actual birth documentaries. Aside from mentally preparing Evan rehearsed breathing exercises with Shantelle to help reduce the pain during delivery. He had also mastered a few massage techniques with Shantelle over the past few days. The man wanted to be prepared entirely, a perfect husband for when Shantelle would give birth. He was going to support her through and through. He would not cower away when his wife would start yelling at him. No way!

While in the car, he imagined pacifying his wife as she yelled at him. It played like a movie in his head, and in that hypothetical scene, he repeatedly expressed his love for Shantelle.

Arriving at the hospital, Evan and Clara were dropped off in the driveway. As soon as they stepped into the hospital lobby, They saw Keith entering the same facility. "Evan!" Keith called. "Keith," Evan said. He quickly announced, "Shanty is giving birth!" "Karise is pregnant!" Keith said at the same time. "Karise is pregnant?" Evan asked next. "Yes, she is, but I'll tell you about it later. Today is about you and Shanty," Keith suggested. "Let's go find them," Evan said. "Two good news in a day!" Keith claimed. A smile became painted on his face as he walked with Evan in the lift's direction. Clara heard their conversation. While Evan chuckled, she acknowledged," Two good news in a day." When Evan's party arrived at the delivery room where Shantelle had been kept, Karise was already waiting outside the door. She said to Evan, "They are preparing her. I’m afraid only one could go in with her." That was Evan's cue to get scrubbed. Karise, on the other hand, turned to Keith and happily announced, "Babe, I'm pregnant!" While Keith and Karise hugged each other, Evan changed into a scrub suit and found his way to Shantelle. The moment he saw his wife, Shantelle smiled at him. She said, "Evan, the babies are coming out." He kissed her lips and caressed her face, saying, "You are so beautiful. I can't wait to see them. I love you then, and I love you more for the sacrifices that you make and what you are about to go through."

"Aww. Thanks, Evan. I love you too," Shantelle replied before asking for another kiss. Noticing how the medical staff was busy preparing for Shantelle's delivery, Evan readied himself. At first, he observed his wife. Shantelle occasionally groaned and adjusted her frame. Now and then, she complained about how painful her hips were. Then again, she had been whining about the same for the past three months since the babies had gotten bigger in her stomach. He wondered, 'Has labor kicked in? Is Shanty holding back?' Evan glanced at the medical team again and noticed they were already pulling up her hospital gown, checking her pubic area. He returned his attention to Shantelle and held his hand. He said, "Shanty, how are you feeling now? Is the pain kicking in? I want you to know that I am ready for this. You don't need to keep the pain to yourself." "You can scream at me, say anything you like, and I will be patiently sitting here and taking as much discomfort away from you, in any way I can," Evan revealed. "I won't get mad, I promise." "Hmm?" Shantelle reacted. "You can call me whatever names you like, and I won't mind. You can declare war, and I will understand. Shanty, I love you so much, Wifey. I can take anything you throw at me, so let it all out," Evan said. "You don't have to hold back." "I'll massage your back. I'll have the breathing exercises with you, and I'll even grunt with you as you push the babies out," Evan declared. The man noticed the nurses smile at him. Shantelle, on the other hand, giggled. He felt Shantelle's hand on his face. She laughed and revealed, "I get it now, Hubby. I am happy to know that you are ready for that scene. However, that's not going to happen." "What? What do you mean, Wifey?" Evan asked.

"Remember my last check-up with the OB doctor? Our son has not changed his position. They did an ultrasound earlier, and the situation is the same. I was given a choice of whether to try a normal delivery, but chances are, I might still go through an operation if our boy doesn't flip during labor. So I decided on a C-section." With a nod, Shantelle clarified," They are going to cut me open. It's the safest way to deliver them both. And while I am starting to feel the pain, my doctor won't wait until I go into full labor." Evan stilled. All that research and emotional preparation would not be of good use after all! "So, you won't be - urn, screaming, calling me names, cussing at me?" Evan asked, his frame leaning back, his brow lifting. "You won't need my comfort or hold my hand?" A laugh escaped Shantelle's lips, and a few of the medical staff also giggled. If that wasn't enough, Evan cleared his throat and added, "I -1 wanted to be that perfect husband who can keep it together when his wife gives birth." Yet again, Shantelle chuckled. She said, "Don't worry, Hubby. I may not cry in pain later, but you'll get your chance to help i care for the twins, especially since my recovery will take longer than those who give birth vaginally." "You'll still get to play that role of a perfect husband, and you must follow through," Shantelle assured him. Before Evan could answer, the doctors came in. The anesthesiologist began inserting Shantelle's epidural, and the operation started in the next few minutes. In each step of the operation, Evan chatted with his wife. It became Shantelle's good distraction from the actual scene, down her body. Soon, the doctor announced, "First baby out! Baby girl Thompson!" "Wahh! Wahh!" The loud cry was music to Evan's ears. His head snapped in the direction of the baby. His heart swelled with pride, seeing the healthy girl crying and her limbs moving.

He could not fathom how he was feeling. Evan struggled to breathe, and his chest felt like it was congested. Tears stung his eyes as he impatiently observed how his daughter was being cleaned. Before he knew it, the nurses placed the baby in Shantelle's chest. "Shanty, she is so beautiful," Evan remarked. Tears continued to fall down his cheek as he asked, "Can I touch her?" Shantelle nodded and said, "Yes, you can hold her too." After Shantelle had given her baby girl warmth, she urged Evan to take their daughter. With the help of a nurse, Evan finally held his first baby in his arms. He kept sniffing his tears away, saying, "So beautiful. My baby is so beautiful." i Evan's smile was from ear to ear as he planned his gaze from Shantelle to his daughter. He caressed the baby's head and said, "Hi baby, it's Daddy!" More tears rolled down his cheek as he reiterated, "It's Daddy." "Please, can you take a picture of my husband holding the babies?" Shantelle asked the medical staff, and Evan obliged. It was a perfect memory that deserved to be captured, after all. "The next baby is out! Baby Boy Thompson!" The doctor announced, and a loud cry followed, just like earlier. "Woah! What a loud cry there, buddy!" Evan exclaimed, turning to where their son was being cleaned. "Shanty, did you hear that?" i "Yes, I heard," Shantelle acknowledged, her smile stretched wider at Evan's every reaction. Evan recognized how his excitement must have been so evident that all the medical staff kept giggling at his reactions, but he did not care. He was on cloud nine with joy. Like earlier, their son rested on Shantelle's chest for a moment, and then they allowed Evan to hold the second twin. Holding the two babies in his arms, Evan approached his wife. He looked at Shantelle with gleaming eyes, whispering,

"Thank you, Shanty. I love you so much. Today, another dream of mine came true."

Chapter 138: Lucas Wants More "Evan? You had the babies roomed in?" Eleanor asked the second she entered Shantelle's room. Shantelle was still in the recovery room when William and Eleanor arrived. They were surprised to see the babies already in the private room with Clara and Erick. "I couldn't leave them in the care of others," Evan reasoned. He was sitting on one sofa, watching as his parents delighted in taking turns, holding the twins. Keith and Karise, who had their share of holding the babies, excused themselves for the evening, allowing the Thompsons and the Scotts to relish their moments with the twins. "Eleanor." Clara was holding the baby girl. She said, "Look at this! Our princess has arrived! Meet Amelia Lace." "And I'm holding Marcus Anton right here!" Erick said with a proud smile. "I wish I could wake him." 1 "Well, it's pretty hard to wake up a newborn when their stomachs are full," Eleanor said before she asked for her turn with the new princess." Newborns will be sleeping a lot during the first month." William also did the same, holding the newborn baby boy. After enjoying fifteen minutes of carrying his grandson, William asked, "Have they collected the placenta cord blood?" Evan replied, "The Children's Hospital had already collected them. They will be matching it to Lucas' blood tomorrow. I'm going to have to take Lucas there." "I hope it will be a match," Eleanor said.

"I hope so too," Evan replied. Both sides of the grandparents alternately took care of the twins for over an hour. Later, the hospital informed Evan that Shantelle was ready to move to her room. Eleanor decided to stay behind and help look after the twins with Evan. As he promised, Evan played the role of an excellent father. He learned everything from Eleanor, from feeding to carrying, burping, and changing their diapers. He had no complaints but wished he could do it simultaneously when the twins cried together. Evan could not sleep a wink. He was too worried that the babies would fall off from their pediatric medical crib. In the middle of the night, Shantelle awoke, and after seeing Evan still watchful, she chuckled and remarked," I'd like to see you keep at it for another month. Don't worry. They are still newborns. They won't jump out from there. Take a rest." Shantelle pointed her head in her mother's direction, saying, "Mom is resting." The man laughed. After checking that the twins were sleeping like a rock, he joined Shantelle on the bed. He lay next to her, his head resting on his arm. He asked, "How long will you be lying down like this?" 'Til try to get up tomorrow, but after two days, I should be able to walk. You have to help me with that, though," Shantelle replied. Evan began combing Shantelle's hair with his fingers. He said, "You look so beautiful, Shanty." She chuckled and cuddled with him. She said, "You don't have to flatter me. I know I just came from a C-section, and I won't be any prettier until I can get up and take a bath." "To me, you are the most beautiful woman in the world, regardless of your state. What made you even more gorgeous is how you gave me two wonderful children. You made me so happy that I want to eat you right now, " Evan teased.

Another laugh escaped Shantelle's lips. Her eyes sparkled as she stared at his dark orbs. She said, "I'm bleeding down there. Not to mention, I have a urine catheter inside me. I'm afraid you won't be eating me for two full months." "Two months?" Evan nearly raised his voice. He recounted in his head before asking, "Didn't the doctor say around four weeks?" Shantelle shook her head. She corrected, "It's four to six weeks or a little longer. That is the timeframe for when the cervix will close. Regardless if I had a C-section or normal delivery, the waiting time is the same." With a sigh, Evan said, "I can wait two months." "You can wait two months," Shantelle reminded. "You had no sex for eight years. What are another two months!" "Yeah, I mean. There's always your mouth, right Wifey?" Evan said, and Shantelle burst out laughing, 1 "Wifey, let's have another honeymoon when the time comes," Evan suggested. "Let us," Shantelle agreed. "Where do you want to go?" Evan asked. "Anywhere, just somewhere we can have time for ourselves alone - maybe a private island all to ourselves? That would be nice," Shantelle suggested. "Got it, Wifey! I'll buy you an island," Evan claimed, i

Shantelle and the babies stayed in the hospital for another three days. In between, Evan brought Lucas for blood matching. It took only a day for The Children's Hospital to confirm how the twins' cord blood matched Lucas'. The news brought joy to Shantelle and Evan, knowing Lucas could use his siblings' cord blood to help him grow healthier cells. They still hoped he didn't have to, but at least they were now prepared for the worst. For now, the cord blood cells were being isolated and prepped for culturing, a way to self-replicate in a bone marrow

environment. Lucas didn't need the transplant just yet. He was doing fine with the interventions being given to him. When Shantelle and Evan finally came home with the twins, Lucas was the first to meet them at the driveway of their mansion. He was jumping for joy, his hands up, ready to carry his siblings. They had pictures taken with Lucas holding each baby and learning how to care for them. After Lucas' initial welcome, Shantelle taught Lucas how to thaw frozen breast milk in the nursery. She said, "You won't be able to carry your siblings without help just yet, but you could at least help Mommy and Daddy prepare their milk if I am not ready to breastfeed them." Shantelle winked at Lucas, revealing, "Mommy will be home in the next three months while I continue to take my maternity leave." "What is maternity leave, Mommy?" Lucas asked. Shantelle was feeding Amelia when her son inquired. She looked up at him and said, "It's when mommies who give birth rest from work." "Oh," Lucas answered. "Daddy will also be on leave, but since he is the CEO, he will still be technically working from his study," Shantelle revealed. "So most of the time, it's going to be you, me, and the babies." "Plus, Mrs. Shaw? Uncle Miguel and grandma Eleanor?" Lucas suggested. "Yes, them too," Shantelle acknowledged while chuckling. "Mommy, I'm so happy to have a younger brother and sister. I'll have playmates. I'll be their older brother. Lily and I will watch over them as Liam watches over his siblings," Lucas declared, referring to the oldest son of Kaleb Wright, Lily's oldest brother. "I think Liam is great, taking care of five siblings." "I also want to be like him," Lucas added. "So, I need three more siblings, Mommy, okay?"

Shantelle nearly fainted at that request, but seeing Lucas' eagerness, she laughed, saying, "I will think about it."

Chapter 139: Getting Married Next The music resonated across the open garden of the Diamond Hotel, Rose Hills. Everybody stood up to welcome the bride. Shantelle took a video from her seat of how her best friend, Karise, was walking from afar, her head up, her smile reaching her ears. She waved at Karise, and her friend waved back. The wedding started with an intimate garden ceremony behind the hotel. As the sun was setting, LED candles lighted the aisle. Petals gathered on each side, where rows of seats were positioned. More than twenty floral arches stood in the same aisle, adding refinement as Karise took her special walk. Unlike Shantelle's wedding, Keith's and Karise's only had around five hundred guests. Only a few from Keith's family showed up, which was already expected. Mostly, the visitors were from Karise's side of the family, co-workers, and employees of Keith. Of course, Keith's best Friends and their families were also present. The Thompsons and William Scott celebrated with them. Only Lucas stayed home with Eleanor and Miguel. Naturally, the twins stayed home since they were not allowed outside yet. Sean's entire family was present. Wendell's parents and his brother's fiance also attended the gathering. Karise had an off-shoulder gown, patterned with lace and adorned with gleaming pearls. Her skirt had several layers of chiffon fabric. It flowed freely, following an A-line cut, only that the back stretched further, creating a stunning tale. She had her hair down, perfectly formed into soft curls. They were accented by gleaming purple hairpins. Her hairstyle

went well with her drop earrings and grand necklace. When Karise's father held her arm, she looked straight at the front, where Keith was clearly the proudest. Shantelle knew there were videographers around, but she wanted her own video, one that she could share with Lucas. She recorded the right moment as Keith gasped upon seeing Karise. Obviously, he had underestimated how Karise would look in her gown. Keith wound up hugging Karise, encouraging laughter in the air. They both were giggling, flirting right in front of the crowd. They whispered to each other, and the guests could only speculate what they had covered before the ceremony. From his seat, Evan had to say, "Get a room! We will wait for you back here! No rush!" Eventually, Karise and Keith let go of their embrace, Thanks to Evan.

Following the garden ceremony, all the guests entered the hotel, where the next part of the celebration would take place. An hour break allowed the visitors to indulge in some snacks. Shantelle and Evan were chatting with their friends. Wendell came alone, since he and his girlfriend, Salome, were having problems. Sean was with his girlfriend, named Brooklyn. Then, there were Felice and Celeste. Milan Gray, the fiance of Wendell's brother, approached as their group talked about the earlier ceremony. She said, "Wendell, I am heading home. Your older brother still isn't here, and your father is starting to ask why. I came here as Rowan's plus one, but he still isn't here. Last time I checked, he was still at your house, reading his email, but I'm just... upset, and I don't want to deal with it." Evan and Sean fell silent. If anything, they felt sorry for Milan. Wendell's older brother, Rowan, had clearly been ignoring his fiance. Shantelle and the girls, on the other hand, were mere spectators.

After Wendell's father retired as the city prosecutor, their family ventured into the manpower business, partly owned by Milan's parents, the Grays. So when Rowan and Milan started dating, Wendell's brother was automatically awarded the president seat of the company. Thus, Wendell knew how important it was for his brother to keep a healthy relationship with Milan. Hearing her future sister-in-law being upset, Wendell offered, "I'll check on my brother at home. Relax! Enjoy the celebration." 'Til come with you," Milan said. "You know what? Shanty and I will come with you," Evan offered. The man figured he could talk some sense into Wendell's older brother. With Shantelle with them, she can soothe Milan in a quick girl talk. Thus, instead of waiting for an hour for Keith's and Karise's wedding celebration to start, the party of four left for Wendell's home. Wendell's family, the Francos, were very family group-oriented, so much so that despite being old, Wendell and Rowan remained living in their mansion with their parents. It took only half an hour to arrive. When Wendell and his group walked into the house, the maids gave Wendell strange looks. They were shocked to find him there at that time. Still, Wendell ignored the odd stares. He and Evan went straight to the study where they expected Rowan to be. On the on the other hand, Shantelle kept interviewing Milan while they waited in the living room. When Wendell did not find his brother inside the study, he inquired from one maid, "Where is Rowan?" The maid formed beads of sweat. At first, she gave Wendell a run-around, but eventually, Evan interfered, saying, "We i don't have all day! Where is Rowan?" "The maid glanced at the living room where Milan and Shantelle sat. She shook her head and admitted, "He is... in his

room." The maid looked down, softly adding, "With Miss Salome." i Dead air fell upon them. Evan froze in shock. Not that it was strange for acquaintances to be together, but did it have to be in the bedroom? At the same time, Wendell paled. He wondered, 'Just what is this maid implying? My girlfriend and my older brother?' Without another word, Wendell ran upstairs, racing toward his brother's room. Evan ran after Wendell. The man said, "Maybe, she misunderstood." "The maid did not suggest anything, Evan!" Wendell shot back. As soon as they were nearer to the wing where Rowan's room was located, Wendell signaled Evan to keep his mouth shut. When Wendell stood by his brother's bedroom, he pressed his ear against the door to get a feel of what was happening inside. He could hear a woman's moans and the bed squeaking. Wendell's heart raced, angered by what could be happening inside. He certainly hoped the maid was wrong and that his girlfriend, Salome, wasn't playing with his older brother in the room. Adrenaline kicked in, and Wendell kicked the door! The door swung open, and right before his eyes, he saw his girlfriend, Salome, totally bare and still on top of his naked older brother. "What the fuck is the meaning of this, Rowan? What the hell?!" Wendell asked. "You are my fucking brother! Aren't you supposed to be getting married to Milan?" Rowan and Salome quickly peeled off from each other, but it was too late. Before they could even get dressed, Milan appeared in that doorway in shock. Ultimately, Wendell's family, the Francos, all returned home due to the incident at their house. They were no longer able to join the wedding celebration of Keith and Karise. While Wendell's family tried to resolve their internal matters, Shantelle and Evan returned to the party, both dumbfounded.

In the car, Shantelle said, "You know what, I never liked Salome for Wendell. She is too high maintenance. I hope Wendell breaks up with her." i "I will punch him in the face if he doesn't," Evan said. "Poor Milan, though. That must have been heartbreaking," Shantelle said." That short talk with her was enough to tell me She is a very nice girl. Too bad she fell in love with the wrong person." Evan cleared his throat and said, "Or the wrong brother?"

Evan and Shantelle momentarily forgot their friend's predicament. Instead, they genuinely celebrated Keith's and Karise's wedding party. Since Shantelle was bump-free, she danced with Evan on the dance floor with the newly wedded couple. She and Evan drank wine, participated in the games, and offered speeches to their close friends. Shantelle was the first one to speak. She said, "To my best friend, Karise, I could not be happier that another good friend is in your care. Call it fate. Maybe things happen for a reason, that you both found each other while getting entangled with mine and Evan's endeavors. And so, here you are, married and incredibly in love." She smiled brightly and added, "I wish you all the best, and from everything that we have been through and overcame, I know we will be best friends for life." Sean spoke next. He told about the happy times, living the life of a bachelor, and how he never expected Keith to get hitched first. He said," Now you left me unmarried. I pray that Karise will toss the bouquet to my girlfriend so I can join you and Evan into married life!" 1 Laughter filled the air, following Sean's words. It took a while for everyone to soothe their amusement, but soon, Evan stood up. He said, "Keith, I am probably the most relieved person in this banquet to know you are already married, and

only a few of us will understand why. I am glad we did not let our trials break our friendship, for here you are now, completely not my problem anymore, but Karise's." The Thompsons and William laughed thoroughly in their seats. Sean was also at it, laughing his heart out. Shantelle's Friends were the same, cracking up. Most of their guests did not know about Keith and Evan's history, but it did not stop them from laughing with them.

Moments later, the party ended. At ten in the evening, the friends were still in front of the table, chatting and drinking. Only Karise had a liquor ban. Suddenly, Wendell arrived, looking utterly lost. "Wendell? I heard what happened," Keith said, standing up. He offered a hug saying, "Forget, Salome, man, and, please, get the fucking out of your house so you won't see your brother anymore -" "I'm getting married," Wendell announced, cutting off Keith's words.

Chapter 140: Wendell's Comfort

Earlier at the Francos' home, the two families involved were yelling, trying to figure out how to resolve the matter. It was because Milan and Wendell's brother were set to be married in less than two months. Everything had already been paid for, and Wendell's father, a former politician, felt it was a shame to cancel the wedding. "I will not marry Rowan! Not after what he did to me! No way!" Milan spat, her eyes swollen from all the crying she had done in the past hour. "I'd rather die!"

Wendell's girlfriend had been kicked out of the house, and the Francos declared Salome banned from ever entering their estate. Of course, just before leaving, Wendell broke up with her completely. "Darling, please," Rowan, Wendell's brother, begged Milan. "Salome, she she seduced me!" "How long has this been going on?” Milan sought. "When I saw Salome at your office, it wasn't a coincidence, wasn't it? And she wasn't there to look for Wendell, right? Why would she be in your office in the first place? How foolish of me to believe you!" "What?!" Wendell barked. He realized that was why Salome had been distant from him. If his math was correct, this had been going on even before Keith had proposed to Karise! Anger surged inside Wendell. He said to his brother, "You have been fucking all this time? Tell me, how long?" Wendell noticed how his brother was frantically opening his phone as if trying to delete something. He abruptly grabbed Rowan's mobile and saw the communication between him and Salome. He glowered at his brother and said, "You have been fucking for around six months! You have fooled us that long?" "Oh, shut up, Wendell! It's your fault! You could not keep your woman in control! She seduced me, and I could not help but be tempted!" Rowan explained. "She was a good fuck. How am I supposed to say no to that?" 1 "Enough!" Milan screamed. Referring to Rowan, she said, "If you really loved me, you would not have been tempted. And cheat on me with your brother's girlfriend? How despicable can you be? Don’t you care for Wendell? I am not marrying you! That's final!" Milan's father, who held fifty percent of the company shares, pointed at Rowan, saying, "I expect your resignation tomorrow!" He turned to Wendell's father suggested, "Let us cut our partnership from here on!"

"No! No, please," Rowan begged. "It was a mistake! It won't happen again." Wendell's father also begged. He said, "This is not a good idea. We put all our money into the company we built together. Plus, the company is still fairly new. If you break ties with us, you will also suffer major losses. What if - what if Wendell marry Milan instead?" "Oh, Wendell is my good boy," Mrs. Franco declared. "You wouldn't have the same problems with him. I swear." Wendell was shocked by his parent's proposal. His brother was going frantic, saying he didn't deserve Milan because Rowan was the overachiever between him and Wendell. He was also claimed to be the more good-looking son. "This is ridiculous!" Rowan remarked. "Wendell is nothing compared to me. He glanced at Milan, saying, "Darling, don't listen to my parents. I promise I won't do it again!" Rowan kneeled before his fiance, but Milan did not blink. Instead, she fixed her gaze on Wendell. Eventually, Milan responded, "I'm fine to marry Wendell." "No! This can't be!" Rowan became hysterical, but Milan only glanced at Wendell before exiting the mansion. Only the parents of both parties remained. Milan's father concluded, "Then, it's settled. Milan will marry Wendell. I expect Wendell to learn the ropes of running the company. I can no longer trust Rowan. If he cannot be faithful to my daughter, he is not worth trusting millions of dollars either!"

Sitting in front of the round table, Wendell and all his friends, including Shantelle’s friends and Sean's girlfriend, were silent after listening to his tale. Shantelle was the first to clear her throat and said, "I don't know if marrying for the sake of saving the company is a good idea, though."

"I think Milan just said that out of spite," Sean proposed. "She'll change her mind." "But her parents might not. I'm telling you, Mister Gray was ready for the next world war with us!" Wendell revealed. "On a side note, I think Milan is a good person. Maybe, it's not such a bad idea? She is a lot better than Salome - no offense, man," Keith said, referring to Wendell. "I don't know," Wendell said. "All I know right now is how I could use a good sleep." Peering at Keith, he revealed, "And about your suggestion, I had my bags packed. I need a place to crash while I find my own home. I was thinking of staying in this hotel, but I don't want to be alone just yet." His first choice was Evan, of course. He said, "Can I stay with you and Shanty, Evan?" "Absolutely! Lucas would love to have you," Evan said. "I can reserve the Diamond Hotel penthouse for you should the tenant terminate his contract. No guarantees the lessee will leave, though." "That's fine, Evan. I would love the penthouse should it become available," Wendell weakley replied. "We'd love to have you, Wendell." Shantelle smiled and commented," Lucas would be ecstatic, but that would also mean he would be asking you to buy him gifts. You know that, right?" "I don't mind at all. I love the little guy," Wendell said with a smile. "Thank you."

That same night, Wendell repeatedly tossed and turned in bed, but no matter what he did, his heart ached, and he couldn't sleep a wink. He tried exercising. He walked around the guest room, trying to tire himself. Wendell did push-ups, crunches, and ran in place. At three in the morning, he was still wide awake. The memory of his girlfriend grinding on his older brother repeatedly made his chest feel heavy. He didn't want to cry, but

He came close thanks to that image of Salome and Rowan together. He needed someone to talk to, but who? Lucas was asleep. Evan and Shantelle were also tired from the wedding celebration, and Wendell was sure they had utterly dozed off. Who could possibly still be awake right now and relate to his pain? Suddenly, Wendell recalled Milan. He returned to bed and contemplated. After almost five minutes, he decided to give Milan a call. It took five rings before Milan finally answered. She said, "Wendell? You couldn't sleep?" Wendell could hear Milan sniffing her tears away. It was clear how she had been crying. He sat up and replied, "No, I could not sleep. I'm so upset about Salome -" "Why, Wendell? Why did your brother do this to me? Am I not good enough for him?" Milan suddenly sought. She sobbed against the phone, and Wendell felt her pain. "I'm sorry, Milan. I think you are a great person. My friends think you are an amazing person too, and Rowan was lucky to have you. I wish I had all the answers, but all I can say is that... you aren't alone," Wendell said. "You can talk to me." Milan kept crying over the phone, and Wendell could only listen. It hurt him more to know his brother caused their misery. He remained silent for some time, but after sensing how Milan desperately needed someone to comfort her, he suggested, "Can I go to your place? And talk?" "S-sure," Milan weakly answered. "I supposed I need a real person instead of a pillow." Wendell changed into a sweatshirt and jeans. He drove nearly an hour to the Grays' estate and found Milan sitting by the porch of their home. When he got out of the car, Milan broke down in tears and just hugged him tightly. It was in his arms, by the villa's veranda, that Wendell soothed Milan. He repeatedly massaged her back, stroked her hair,

and apologized for his brother's actions. He said, "My brother doesn't deserve you, Milan. Don't waste your tears on him." Wendell never hated his brother, but Rowan crossed the line. He earnestly thought that Milan was better off without Rowan. Soon, the sun shone on them. Wendell and Milan were now on the porch, talking. Rather than covering their failed relationships, they spoke of their interests and hobbies. "You like boxing?" Milan asked in surprise. "That's how you got all muscled? n Wendell laughed. He replied, "Yeah, Evan, Keith, Sean, and I used to kickbox in high school. That was how we got together in the first place. Now with work, it's just a form of relieving stress or exercise for us." He turned to Milan and said, "You should try it. It is a great way to let out any aggression." "Like picture out your brother every time I punch?" Milan asked. Yet again, Wendell laughed. He was at it so heartily that the dimple on his right cheek became evident. He said, "Yeah, That's one way to look at it." "You should picture Salome too!" Milan suggested. Wendell shook his head. He said, "Nah. I'm angry at her, but I don't hurt girls. Physically or emotionally." His response got Milan staring at him for seconds. He asked, "What?" Milan shook her head. She softly said, "Nothing. I'm sorry about suggesting to marry you, by the way. I just wanted to anger your brother "I know," Wendell acknowledged. "I'll talk to my parents about it," She promised. "Just give them time to cool down first." "No rush," Wendell replied.

Chapter 141: Move On Together

"Good noon!" Shantelle greeted with a smile. "| heard you went out at dawn?"

Wendell walked into the dining area, all freshly bathed, passed noon. He greeted Evan’s family, "Good morning."

1

Shantelle and Evan were present, along with Lucas. The twins were asleep in the nursery with their caregivers. The couple was still on parental leave. Although Even occasionally worked in the study, he was at least at home, helping

Shantelle takes care of the twins as a priority.

It was the day after Keith’s and Karise's wedding. The newlyweds were out of the country for their honeymoon. Wendell

had temporarily moved in with Evan and Shantelle until finding his own place to stay.

"Uncle Wendell!" Lucas jumped off his seat and ran to hug Wendell. "Are you going to come with us to the hospital?" Wendell gave a wary look at Evan. The man was sipping his coffee, and after putting his cup down, he explained, "Lucas

has his weekly check-up with Doctor Patel. If you haven't yet become your company's president, you are welcome to join."

Shaking his head, Wendell revealed, "Not yet. | asked Milan to help me with another two days of rest. | could use some

time off."

He sat next to Lucas and said, "| would love to come with you to the hospital."

"Yay! It will be fun! You, me, daddy, mommy, and uncle Miguel!" Lucas exclaimed.

Shantelle snorted, laughing. She described, "We will be fully occupying Doctor Patel’s office."

"Now, it's time to eat your broccoli because if you don't, | will eat them!" Wendell teased.

"No way! It's my broccoli, Uncle Wendell! You can eat sausages!" Lucas retorted, encouraging giggles in the air. It was a merry lunch gathering in Evan and Shantelle's home. After their meals, they all left for The Children's Hospital. It

it was from Doctor Patel's clinic that they received an update about the twin's cord blood cell culturing. With Wendell there,

The doctor had to thoroughly explain the process. Wendell was genuinely curious about how Lucas would receive his future treatment.

"In reality, the cord blood cells from Lucas’ siblings are just two-eighth of his needs. That is why the same collected blood

cells needed to be cultured in a marrow-like environment to self-regenerate. Although it is potent, we want it to have better

chances of curing the anemia. The plan is to let the cells grow first while we have time. Besides, Lucas' blood counts are

hanging in there with the added protection we are giving him," Doctor Patel explained. "He may also even get better on

his own."

"If Lucas can fight this one on his own, then well and good, but if his blood count starts to drop again, we will proceed with

the stem cell treatment,” the doctor added.

Wendell raked his fingers through his hair and said, "I see. It's just that | wish | could take Lucas out, Doc."

"Me too," Lucas said, looking down at his hands.

"You can go out, but with health measures, and you need to choose your crowd. You can only go out with those that truly

care for your health," the doctor advised. He smiled at Evan and suggested, "I'm sure your parents can figure it out."

In the evening, Wendell and Evan took their places inside the mansion's study. Wendell was studying his brothers’ work.

The Grays had demanded his brother’s resignation earlier, and Wendell only had one week to assume the president position.

Before Rowan ruined his relationship with Milan, Wendell only acted as a Recruitment Director for G&F Manpower International Service. He was the one working hard to attract applicants and fill in clients’ employment demands. All his

the only brother ever did was give him directives.

On the side, Wendell has invested in stock markets since college. He also subsidized two of Evan's businesses; The Lockwood Children's Hospital and the shipping lines. He likewise had shares in Sean's accounting firm. That was where

Wendell got most of his income. In truth, he did well for himself without getting involved in his family's manpower business. Still, being part of the Francos, he owed it to his parents to offer aid.

Two hours into being in front of his laptop, Wendell received a video message. Milan sent him a recording of her punching

a boxing bag, and his brother's face was attached to it. Wendell chuckled and replied: [Nice work, but you are doing it all wrong. You need to bend your legs a little, and you need

to close your fists harder]

Milan: [Well, don't blame me. The coach here at the gym taught me what | know]

Wendell: [You need to close your hand tighter as if your life depended on it. Imagine you are holding an extremely valuable locket, given by your mother's grandma's husband, who made it and died protecting it.]

Milan: [What? (Laugh emoji) That's one way to put it. Better yet, I'll imagine | am crushing Rowan's balls.]

A laugh escaped Wendell's lips. It came so naturally that Evan caught his attention. The man asked, "Who are you chatting with?"

"Oh, Milan," Wendell admitted. He proceeded to give his reply to Milan: [ One of these days, I'll show you. Screw the

gym's coach. He doesn't know what he is doing.]

Milan: [Excuse me, | don't screw! I'll take the most of what he can show me now.]

Wendell: [It's good that you don't screw strangers. You should only share that with your special someone. One of these

days, | promise I'll show you how to box.]

Milan: [You know what? Now that | think about it, it's probably because | can’t screw up. That's why your brother cheated on

me.]

Wendell: [I'm not following.]

Minutes came and went. Milan never replied. Wendell tried to call Milan, worried he might have said something to hurt her

feelings, but still, she did not pick up.

Thus, Wendell found himself driving to the Grays' mansion after dinner. Milan's father was pleased to see him, and Wendell could tell, he was assuming that they were moving forward with the marriage.

"Wait for her by the pool. Do you want coffee or a drink?" Mister Gray asked.

"Water is fine, Mister Gray," Wendell replied. "Thank you." "She'll be right down in a minute," Milan's father assured Wendell.

After half an hour, Milan came down to the pool area. She had a freshly washed face, but her eyes were puffed, suggesting she had recently cried again.

"Milan, did | say something to offend you?" Wendell asked. "You never answered my call."

Glancing back at the house, Milan clearly was checking if her father was nearby. After confirming he was gone, she said,

"Let's take a walk in the gardens."

They went around in circles in the next few minutes, with Milan remaining silent. After some time, she revealed, "| couldn't

make love with your brother. In fact, | had never really done it, technically."

"Recalling how Rowan ended up having sex with Salome, | imagine that's why he cheated on me," Milan suggested. "|

have a moderate case of vaginal agenesis." i

"Vaginal agenesis?" Wendell repeated his brow lifting.

"It means my, you know." Milan quoted with her fingers, saying, "Cat."

"Cat?" Wendell was sent laughing at her term. He teased, "How old are you again?"

"Shut up! | am younger than you by two years, and while | am old enough to marry, | try to be less vulgar with my words. |

i am a self-declared near-saint. So, yeah, my cat is underdeveloped. It's too narrow; a male's organ can't get through

without me howling in pain and bleeding. | found out about this when Rowan tried to do it with me. He was supposed to be

my first and last, so | gave in. | wound up bleeding on the entire bed," Milan revealed.

"Woah!" Wendell's mouth fell to the ground. He asked, "So you can't have sex, ever?"

"| can, and | have been doing exercises. | have been performing self treatment - don't ask me how. | won't tell you," Milan

admitted. "God, it's strange of me to talk about this with you. I'm not even sure why I'm telling you this.”

"It was either self-dilation or getting surgery, but | preferred not to take the surgery. The noninvasive treatment takes longer, and | reckoned that was why Rowan gave up.” With a long sigh, Milan added, "Now | know how incomplete | was

to him."

There was a long silence before Wendell spoke. He said, "No. It shouldn't be the reason to cheat. | mean, there are other

ways to address his needs.

And you did say you were getting dilated."

"So | guess it was me, talking about screwing that triggered everything. | am sorry about that," Wendell said. Milan giggled and said, "I think... | started it by twisting the meaning of screw."

"Yeah, | mean, | never said screw, screw," Wendell reasoned, quoting with his fingers and chuckling. "But | am relieved

you aren't upset with me."

"| am sorry to hear about your condition, but on the bright side, you are getting treatment for it. Plus, you were not entirely

able to give yourself to my fucking brother," Wendell said. "Yeah, me t00," Milan said.

Dead air fell upon them as they continued to walk around the garden. Soon Milan asked, "Wonder how long until this pain

goes away? | hate thinking about Rowan, but sometimes he creeps into my head."

"| understand. When | woke up today, | also thought about when Salome and | started dating," Wendell replied. "She used

to be nice, you know.

Salome changed over time. | tried to influence her, to change her back to who she once was, but | guess you can't change

someone who doesn't see a problem with their actions." "It's also possible that Salome never changed. She only revealed her true self," Milan suggested.

Wendell sighed. He massaged the back of his neck and replied, "I don't know, but from here on, I'm moving on, and you

should too."

"We should move on together," Milan remarked.

Wendell smiled. His dimple showed as he replied, "Yeah." Realizing her words may be interpreted differently, Milan corrected, "l mean, not in that way. You know both of us, moving

on from our past relationships!”

Wendell laughed and said, "lI know what you mean. No need to be so defensive."

Chapter 142: The Godparent Vows

"We have a problem," Shantelle said to Evan. "The twin's evening shift caregiver got sick, and you know we can't let any

infection gets in the house. Remember that Mrs. Shaw and Tessie took their days off?"

Pouting her lips, Shantelle revealed, "They won't be back until tomorrow morning. The morning shift caregiver can't extend

any longer. She said no one is taking her son to school.” Evan immediately got up from his seat and walked toward his wife. He said, "Go ahead and take your rest. It's my turn to

watch the twins."

But | thought you said you were working on something important?” Shantelle revealed. "Il was thinking of calling mom."

"At this hour? It's almost midnight, Wifey. No, let me take care of them. | can handle it. I'll ask James to finish my work,"

Evan said before making the necessary phone call to his assistant.

He pecked Shantelle's cheek and said, "Come on."

"Are you sure you can handle it?" Shantelle asked.

"I'm a super dad," Evan claimed.

"Okay, why don't we divide and conquer,” Shantelle suggested. "You take twelve to three. I'll take four to six." Evan rejected the idea, but Shantelle insisted. She said, "We both should at least get some sleep.”

Then, as if having a lightbulb moment, she searched the study and asked," Wendell took his rest?"

"No, he went to see Milan," Evan revealed.

"Oh," Shantelle said.

"A big oh," Evan suggested.

Evan guided his wife to the master bedroom for her well-deserved rest. Then, he went to the nursery and dismissed the

day-shift caregiver.

Looking at the twins sleeping in their respective cribs, Evan smiled. He might actually have a not-so-difficult night. The

a man moved one lazy boy chair and rested in between the cribs. He pulled out his phone and took pictures of Amelia and

Marcus.

Evan leaned back and admired the photos, including those he had previously taken with his wife. Just then, Amelia started crying. He carried his little girl and tried to soothe her, but eventually, he caught the scent of her dirty diaper.

"Oh, is that what | think it is? Is that why my baby is crying?" Evan asked.

As Amelia cried, Evan lay on the diaper changer area, gently removing her overalls and cleaning her off. Amelia was

crying so hard that in the next few seconds, Marcus cried too.

"Oh, no," Evan declared.

The man quickly carried Amelia and walked towards Marcus' crib. He scooped his son into his arm, then cradled both of

his twins. He hummed a soft melody of a known nursery rhyme, which aided the babies to sleep.

Soon both twins were fast asleep, relieving Evan. He placed them back in their cribs one by one and alternately patted

their frames. However, when Evan sat back in his seat, Marcus cried again.

Knowing Amelia would wake up soon, he hurriedly carried his son. It was at that moment that he realized Marcus’ overall

was wet. Evan quickly fetched a new diaper from a large storage box inside the closet.

When he removed Marcus' clothes, he saw the little guy's thing poking out of his diaper. Evan chuckled and said, "How

did that get out of there?"

Nonetheless, the diaper was also wet. Thus, Evan still changed his son. When he was done, Evan put him to sleep.

Evan returned to the chair and attempted to shut his eyes. Only fifteen minutes passed, and Marcus cried again. His son

had a dirty diaper, and Evan changed him again. As he did, he remarked, "My goodness, we need unlimited diapers."

After cleaning Marcus, Evan slept an hour before Amilia asked for milk. It was evident by the way she was making a

sucking motion.

The man realized how he missed thawing Shantelle’s pumped milk. Therefore, he opted to prepare powdered milk for his

daughter.

Unfortunately, Amelia did not like her milk. She went crying and crying until Marcus awoke!

"Argh. I'm so messed up." Evan was this close to waking up Miguel when Wendell arrived.

"Need help, friend?" Wendell asked. He was chuckling at how Evan was carrying both twins and swaying his body to

soothe them. "You look great dancing."

"Oh, shut up, and please get me some milk," Evan suggested. "The caregiver got sick, so I'm all alone to let Wifey take a

rest."

"On the second fridge downstairs, thaw two bottles. Just hold the frozen milk under lukewarm running water," The man

instructed.

It took a while, but Wendell ultimately returned with the ordered milk. Just then, Marcus was also asking for milk, crying

and making that sucking motion.

"I'm in trouble," Evan pleaded. He turned to Wendell and said, "l could use a free hand."

Let me wash first," Wendell said.

Thankfully the twins were still tiny at that point. Evan managed to carry Amelia. He placed Marcus in a stroller while

feeding his daughter. His feet gently rocked the stroller. "| suppose long legs have their advantages. Haha!" Wendell returned, teasing Evan.

"Will you please, just help me," Evan begged. "Pick up Marcus and feed him n

"Are you out of your mind? | don't know how to feed a baby!" Wendell complained.

Evan groaned. He let Amelia finish her bottle first and instructed his friend, "Let her burp."

"How?" Wendell asked.

"Like this." Evan showed Wendell how to carry Amelia over his shoulder. He said, "Then gently tap her back to help her

with the process."

Thanks to Wendell around, Evan managed the twins’ feeding. However, as soon as Marcus finished his bottle, Amelia

farted. 2

"Oh, no," Wendell said. "Man, | am not cleaning shit." 2 "Hey!" Evan barked. "That's your goddaughter you are talking about? What happened, for better or for worse?" Wendell laughed thoroughly. He responded, "That's marriage, Evan. There aren't no vows to being a godparent -"

Pointing at Wendell, Evan retorted, "Well, I'm going to change that. From now on, my kids' godparents will have vows!

You'll need to swear on for better or for shit." 2

It could not be helped. Wendell wound up laughing his heart out that Ameilia cried. He had to give the baby girl a dance

while wrinkling his nose at the smell of her dirty diaper. He said, "Fine, I'll learn to change the diaper, but you must show

how first."

Finally, when Marcus finished his bottle, the two friends switched babies. While Wendell carried Marcus, Evan showed his

friend how to change Amelia's diaper.

"First, you need to be prepared for all possible scenarios," Evan described.

"You make it sound like it's war, Evan," Wendell remarked. The man smirked. He said, "If there is anything | learned over the past week, babies urinate after they poop. So you need

to be ready for that surprise. You put a new diaper under the old one, and only then will you open and start cleaning Amelia."

Evan efficiently changed his daughter, and when he pulled out Amelia's old diaper, she urinated. The man said, "See that?"

Damn, so we need to change her again?" Wendell sought. "Yeah," Evan answered. "| seriously need a diaper subscription."

When Amelia already had a new nappy, Evan put her to sleep. Marcus had been resting on Wandell's chest. When the

the man suggested putting the baby down, Marcus cried. They checked his diaper, and indeed, it was dirty.

"So, how many times do babies poop," Wendell asked. "For now, | think, almost every after they feed," Evan admitted. "| think this is while they are still newborns."

Damn. You do need a diaper subscription," Wendell suggested.

Wendell did end up helping Evan change Marcus’ diaper, but after that, the man suggested, "You should get some rest. |

i can take it from here. Thanks for the help."

"How often do they feed?" Wendell asked.

Every two hours,” Evan revealed.

"So you are going to need milk again in two hours?" Wendell sought.

"In an hour. We have spent an hour changing diapers and cradling them,” Evan pointed out.

"Damn! | might as well thaw the milk!" Wendell declared before going to the kitchen. After about ten minutes, he was back

with a new milk set.

Instead of sleeping in the guestroom, Wendell rested on the beanbag found in one corner.

Evan was half asleep, but noticing how Wendell was still around, he asked," Aren’t you going to the guest room?" Nah, it's forty minutes to feeding time, meaning an hour and a half to pooping time, changing diaper time, and cradling

time. | thought I'd stick around. For better or for shit, remember?" Wendell said. 1

Evan laughed. He said, "Glad | have you, man."

Chapter 143: Getting Familiar

"Thanks for doing this, Evan," Wendell said before he and Evan walked into the building office of the G&F Manpower International Service.

That day was Wendell's official appointment. Evan came with him because his older brother, Rowan, was increasing

skepticism about his ability to take the presidency seat. What better way to impress all their employees and executives than to parade his connection with the wealthiest man in

Rose Hills?

As they walked along the halls, going from the first to the second floor of the office building, people were gaping at them.

Many mouths were down on the floor, shocked to know their new president had such a powerful backing. Moreover, Evan and Wendell looked incredibly dashing in their custom- made suits. The two friends shared similar features. They had dark hair and were both tall, with broad shoulders and lean bodies.

As for their distinct attributes, Wendell had more beard than Evan. Wendell had light-brown-colored eyes compared to

Evan’s intense, dark-brown orbs. Evan had a more slender, oval-shaped face, whereas Wendell had more cheeks and a

diamond-shaped face. Evan had straight hair, while Wendell had soft curls on top.

When Wendell finally made it to his office floor, Milan was already waiting with her father, the company's current CEO.

Wendell’s father was also there to support him.

Wendell could see how Milan's father was pleased to see Evan Thompson. He was smiling, nodding in approval. Then, he

turned to his daughter and nodded again.

Following Mister Gray's gaze, Wendell noticed Milan had cut her hair, and she wore spectacles too. He recalled how Rowan used to remind her to wear contact lenses instead. He smiled, thinking she looked great with shorter hair and with glasses on. Wendell thought it was rather refreshing. 'Wait? He stopped, realizing he was admiring his brother's ex-girlfriend.

Wendell shifted his gaze to Mister Gray. He greeted him and the rest of the executives who stood behind him. After all, introductions had been made, Evan excused himself to return to his wife and kids. He wished Wendell all the

best and suggested that he supported his friend's new career path.

When Evan left, Wendell entered his office. Mister Gray also followed, together with Milan and Wendell's father. With the door closed behind them, Mister Gray told Wendell, "Milan did not take an active part in the company, merely

referring clients and helping me with my work. However, with you taking this role on such short notice, | made Milan your

executive assistant.”

"You both can work together," Mister Gray presented. He glanced at Wendell and warned, "But mind you, know your place. Remember who Milan is to me."

"Of course, Mister Gray. | understand," Wendell acknowledged.

"| want us to talk about the wedding soon,” Mister Gray proposed. He turned to his daughter and said, "Remember to

make the changes with the wedding coordinator."

"Um." Milan gulped. She reluctantly said, "Dad, about the wedding. You see, Wendell and |

"Are you having cold feet, Wendell? Are you going to be like your brother, a man of no word? Tell me! | will gladly cancel

our partnership and return your shares!" From being calm, Mister Gray became agitated. "Do you think | have forgotten

how your brother has underestimated me and humiliated my family?"

"Wendell?!" Behind Mister Gray, Wendell's father glared at him. He mouthed, 'Fix this now!

Mister Gray, please calm down," Wendell asked. He didn't know why, but instead of canceling the wedding altogether, he

proposed, "Milan and | simply think we should wait and get to know each other first -"

"You both know each other for a year now," Mister Gray rebutted.

"Yes, but not close enough," Wendell replied. "We were simply considering moving the wedding date back - yeah, that's

right. Isn't that right, Milan?"

Milan repeatedly nodded, saying, "Yes, Dad. We just need more time to - to accept things - to make the changes and-"

Turning to Wendell, she added," And get comfortable "Then get to know each other fast!" Mister Gray responded. "I'm not yet convinced about moving the wedding. Talk to me

about it next week!"

Without saying another word, Mister Gray turned on his heel and left Wendell's office.

After that conversation with Milan's father, Wendell agreed to let everything cool down first. It was clear to him and Milan

that Mister Gray was still upset about Rowan's betrayal. Instead, Milan secretly worked with the wedding coordinator to

postpone the wedding so the suppliers could still have time to resell or cater to other events.

In the next two weeks, Milan and Wendell worked together. They saw each other for ten hours a day. They ate lunch and

dinner at the same time.

Their faces were in front of each other nearly six hours a day. With their work set-up, they were definitely becoming more

familiar with each other. Wendell had already discovered much about Milan, including how she loved Shiba toys. He learned that she spent five years of her life co founding a non-government organization that supported children with disability. Wendell became familiar with her facial expressions when she was mad or tired, but lied about it in front of him.

Despite her father's wealth, what amazed him was how grounded she was.

One evening, as they were having a late dinner at the office, Milan described a trip on the safari with her family. "Right in front of our villa, there was a family of elephants that drank from a pool of water - it was crazy amazing!" Her

eyes gleamed as she told about the adventure.

Wendell thought she had terrific sugar-gray-colored eyes and one of the most beautiful smiles he had ever seen. He concluded his brother was a loser for trading sex with Salome for Milan.

They were still covering her Tanzanian trip when Milan's alarm rang. She frantically got up and said, "Oh, my god! | totally

forgot! | have to leave. | have discovered a new addiction. As she collected the empty food boxes, she said, "It has been my perfect distraction from thinking about Rowan."

"That sounds interesting. What is it?" Wendell asked. Milan paused and bit her lip. She said, "You wanna try it?" "A twenty-four-hour arcade?" Wendell asked, his eyes bulging in front of a claw machine.

"I'm not particularly into the rest of the arcade." Milan pouted her lips and said, "l just want my Shiba stuffed toys. The

the challenge of getting the toy is a perfect distraction. Try it!"

A claw crane or claw machine was an arcade game known as a merchandiser. One has to direct the crane in the correct

position and drop it at the right time to get the desired stuffed toy.

Milan chose her own machine, saying, "My eyes are on the Shiba stuffed toys. You can put your energy into the paw

patrol toys." She winked at him and said, "If you win, | will treat you to dinner next. The person with the most toys wins the

game!"

Wendell pulled up his sleeves and declared, "Easy." Laughter escaped her lips, and she responded, "Let's see about that!"

Again and again, Milan and Wendell attempted to catch their toy, but it proved more complicated than it looked. They

i spent an hour trying to get a single toy, but none of them got one. Still, Milan didn’t give up.

"Why are we still at this if we aren't winning?" Wendell asked.

"It's not about winning. It's about the thrill and addressing the frustration of not winning," Milan said as she fixed her gaze

on her targeted toy.

"And to get even more frustrated after not winning," Wendell added.

"I'm still unresolved," Milan said after she made another attempt.

Another half an hour later, they still failed to get a toy. Wendell eventually proposed, "Let's work together.” "Sure." Pointing with her head, Milan referred to her crane machine, saying, "Shiba toy."

Wendell was behind the console, and Milan was on the lookout.

"Yeah, that is the right spot. Drop it! Drop it!" Milan eagerly commanded.

Wendell dropped the crane, and he felt his heart beating fast next. His eyes widened in anticipation as the crane's claw

played in his head in slow motion. The claw hugged the Shiba toy and finally carried the darn toy with it!

"Oh, my god!" Milan exclaimed. Tears stung her eyes with joy. "We got it!"

"Fucking, yeah! We won!" Wendell exclaimed, giving an uppercut punch. Thinking back at how hard he and Milan worked

together, he felt like he had won the lottery.

"We did it!" Milan said with joy. She was jumping for joy as Wendell picked up the toy.

"We won!" Wendell declared ecstatically, and because of their excitement, he and Milan hugged each other. Wendell spun

her around while Milan raised her arms in delight, still screaming at their win.

When they pulled away, they realized they might have overreacted with their win. The surrounding people stared at them,

thinking they probably had lost their minds. They were screaming and jumping for joy like they had hit a casino jackpot

when, in fact, they only won one Shiba stuffed toy. "Haha!" Milan laughed heartily. Her eyes thinned in amusement. She said," This was the silliest thing | had ever done, but

| enjoyed it!"

Wendell was at it too, laughing. He said, "lI don't care what they think. From here on, this should be our thing."

When Milan gave him a puzzled look, Wendell corrected, "You know, a friendly thing. Our friendly thing."

Milan laughed. Her face turned red as she acknowledged, "Yeah, of course!"

Chapter 144: Locked Inside

Hey guys, | have a visitor," Wendell announced as he walked back into the mansion with Milan. "Milan is joining us for

boxing training."

Shantelle grinned in amusement while Evan gave Wendell that 'We have a lot to talk about’ look.

"Wendell told me about the requirements, and | swear | am as healthy as a horse," Milan declared. "I hope it's fine that |

join your weekend routine?"

"Absolutely!" Shantelle replied. "Only the boys, Evan, Wendell, and my son, are doing the real exercises, though. Since |

had a C-section with the twins, | can only do some walking for now, but of course, you are welcome to visit."

She marched over to Milan, putting an arm around her, saying, "We are happy to have you. In fact, while Wendell is still

living with us, you are welcome to join us every weekend." As she guided Milan to the back of the house, she turned to Wendell and winked at him.

Wendell was surprised. He mouthed to Shantelle, 'l don't know what you are talking about?’

Let's go, Wendell," Evan called. "Let's get started.”

Daddy, | am ready!" Lucas announced, running down the stairs.

At the back of the mansion, Evan had a mini-gym. It had several cardio machines, weights, and boxing equipment that

would allow him and his wife to work out conveniently without leaving the house.

While Shantelle simply walked on a treadmill, Evan led the group with some stretching routine. After which, they formed

groups of their own.

Evan taught Lucas the basics of boxing while Wendell reviewed what Milan had learned. In only half an hour, Lucas was

throwing punches and excitedly exclaiming while he was at it.

"Hiya! Hiya!" Lucas loudly said with each punch he made against the boxing bag.

"Good job, Lucas!" Shantelle remarked.

Wendell and Milan also praised Lucas. Milan said, "Lucas is a natural! | need to catch up.”

With a laugh, Wendell remarked, "you definitely do. Your club coach taught you the basics, but he never followed through

on whether you were taking the right stance.”

He directed Milan to another section of the gym and suggested, "Come on, let me show you."

Wendell got into position. He said, "Keep your feet under your shoulders and turn towards your target. Put your nondominant foot in front of you and point it at a thirty-five to forty-five-degree angle toward your target. Plant your dominant

foot behind you like this."

Line yourself up with your target so you're comfortable, but keep your back foot open. Throwing power comes from the

lower body, not the upper body, so you must get into a strong stance before throwing any punch." Wendell simulated a

punch, grunting with every thrust. "Hiya! Hiya!"

On the other hand, Milan tried her best to focus on Wendell's instructions. However, she was thoroughly distracted. Her

eyes could not move away from his well-defined biceps, his broad chest that formed beneath his workout clothes, how his

eyes looked intense at his every punch, and how a few of his curls fell into his eyes.

"Got it?" Wendell asked.

'Oh, my god! What did he say again?’ Milan tried to hide her shame. Clearing her throat, she said, "l am usually a fast

learner, but I'd really appreciate it if you showed me again."

But - but before you do that, let me just -" She cut herself off and did what she had been itching to do for the past few

minutes. With her fingers, she tucked a few strands of Wendell's hair behind his ear.

After which, she caught herself staring into Wendell's light-brown eyes. It was as if time stilled, and both were looking at

each other. Eventually, Wendell chuckled and said, "It's going to fall either way, you know that, right?"

Right," Milan managed to hear that part, at least. She shrugged and answered, "I don't know. | just had the urge to do

that."

Following that awkward moment, Wendell returned to giving instructions. He helped position Milan's body by guiding her

arms and legs, their skins touching in the process.

Soon, Milan took a shot at it. With Wendell's guidance, she was able to throw stronger punches.

At that point, Lucas and Evan were already done. Shantelle also excused herself, saying, "My babies are calling. We will

check with you guys later! Take your time."

In the next few minutes, only Wendell and Milan remained in Evan's mini gym. After working on her punches, Wendell

suddenly proposed, "Are you tired? Do you want to try kicking?"

"Um." Milan thought about it and said, "Sure, why not. Just a few tries."

Yet again, Wendell flaunted his skills. The way he posed and kicked his leg up in the air made Milan gasp. After showing

Milan a few techniques, Wendell said, "Your turn."

"What? Already? | haven't learned enough!" She rebutted, but in the end, Wendell got her in a ready stance while holding

her by the waist.

"Start with a fighting stance," He ordered.

"So when you give a front kick, you lean back like this," Wendell guided her frame while holding her arms and letting her

rest on his chest. "Let's try it this time. Extend your leg straight out for a strong kick."

Milan kept pushing, and each time she tried, Wendell was there to guide her in her stance. On her last attempt, she may

having overdone it, she completely slipped backward and fell on Wendell's back!

Wendell wound up on the floor with Milan. He groaned in pain, saying, "You are a small woman, but you sure are heavy!"

Milan laughed thoroughly. She tried to move away but was somewhat confused since she was between Wendell's long

legs. She said, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry."

On her subsequent attempt to roll off Wendell, the door to the gym opened. It was Shantelle. Seeing Milan lying on top of

Wendell, she said, "Oh, my god. I'm sorry! Carry on!" They heard a loud click, suggesting Shantelle locked the door from the outside. She loudly said, "Take all the time you

need, guys!”

Wendell and Milan laughed at how Shantelle misunderstood. Just when they thought locking them inside was the worst

thing Shantelle could do, the latter ran back to the door and suggested, "And, oh, try not to scream. The gym isn't fully

soundproof, as you can tell! Bye!"

No, they couldn't open the doors from the inside. Milan and Wendell were stuck in the mini-gym for another hour, chatting

and laughing about their predicament.

When Shantelle finally returned, she asked, "You guys done? If not, | can come back tomorrow!"

"No!" Both Wendell and Milan replied at the same time. "Oh, so you are not done?!" Shantelle clarified.

"No!" Milan cried out before letting out another set of shrieks.

"No, Shanty. It's not it," Wendell tried to reason. However, the next he heard was Shantelle walking away. How will he be

able to get Shantelle to unlock the door then?

"Just holler when you are done!" She yelled.

In a panic, Wendell reacted, "We're done! We are done, Shanty! Open the door!"

Chapter 145: Like Brothers

The lights were nearly out at the Diamond Hotel, Rose Hills rooftop. Two people were standing in the middle. Electric

candles formed hearts to light up the couple's surroundings.

Above them, the stars were sparkling, and the moon was bright.

Sean was kneeling in front of his girlfriend, officially proposing. Holding up an engagement ring, he asked, "Will you marry

me, Brooklyn?"

"Yes, I'll marry you, Sean," Brooklyn said.

Suddenly, the surrounding lights were switched on. Applauses could be heard, and cheers roared. "Congratulations!"

"Finally, Sean is getting married!" Keith screamed. Around Sean and his girlfriend, his friends and family supported him with his proposal.

Evan and Shantelle were present. After spending a month away for their honeymoon, Keith and Karise came. Wendell

attended Milan as friends. Of course, Shantelle had a hand in it too. She was the one who kept pushing Wendell to

invite Milan.

After Sean had put on Brooklyn's ring, everybody settled in tables. Food was served. Keith and Evan began to catch up,

especially talking about Keith's father and the Mitchels. After the incident at the mall where Lola had agitated Karise and even dared to charge at Shantelle, Evan had Larry

Mitchel investigated. Channel 5, the same main business of the Mitchels, had apparently been evading taxes. Evan turned in the pieces of evidence to the Federal Internal Revenue Service, and from then on, the Mitchels were shaken.

They finally received the message from Evan, loud and clear.

"| think by now, they know not to mess with us," Evan concluded.

"Good. | have also asked for a restraining order against Lola. | hope she no longer tries anything stupid,” Keith responded.

Next to Evan and Keith, Shantelle and Karise were catching up. Karise ordered caramel popcorn, and they were warm,

right in front of the table. Karise said, "I have been craving for popcorn lately, so much that | want to go to the movies and

enjoy them there."

Caressing her growing belly, Karise suggested, "My baby wants them. What can | do?"

Shantelle chuckled and replied, "Don't | know those lines. "Babe, we should go to the movies later," Karise suggested. "Popcorn and movies go so well together." Babe, it's late. Isn't the scenery and being with friends entertaining enough? " Keith sought. "We can go to the movies

tomorrow, okay?"

Karise pouted her lips, but just when she thought she wouldn't have enough entertainment to go along with her popcorn,

She and Shantelle noticed Wendell and Milan giggling on another side of their table. Karise and Shantelle began to eavesdrop on their conversations.

"Salome kept calling me, but | ignored her calls. She texted me, saying I'll never find someone like her again." Wendell

reported to Milan. "| texted her back, saying, that's exactly what | was aiming for."

Milan chuckled and replied, "Rowan texted me just now. He suggested that he had the most wonderful dream. He said we

were back together. | laughed so hard after | replied, oh, god, what a nightmare!"

Wendell chuckled. He said, "That was a good one!" Milan's phone beeped, and she handed Wendell her phone, saying, "See! It's Rowan again! He says he misses me."

Let me reply to my brother if you don't mind," Wendell offered. As he typed, he said the same words, "The person you are

trying to reach it is not possible."

They both giggled. Then, another beep came in, and Wendell typed on the phone again, saying, "Unsubscribe." "Haha! He is so pissed off now!" Milan said back, her eyes gleaming as she laughed with Wendell in the subsequent texts

he gave to Rowan.

Behind them, Shantelle and Karise looked at each other, giving varied expressions. Karise opened her popcorn and softly

said, "Well, this is amusing."

"| tell you, it's entertaining enough - the way they seem to be in their own world," Shantelle suggested while keeping her

tone down.

Karise began to eat her popcorn, saying, "Aww. So cute. I'm blushing with them! I've never seen this side of Wendell."

"Well, that's because when he was with Salome, she often created drama," Shantelle remarked. "And you know what, Milan's father might have also seen this t00."

Extending her hand and pointing at the two, Shantelle added, "This scene right here - because Mister Gray eventually

agreed to delay their wedding."

"Uff, so they are still technically engaged," Karise said.

"As per their parents, yes, but as you can see, they seem to have no problem with it. They have been spending a lot of

time together," Shantelle revealed. She turned to Karise and asked, "Give me some of that. A lovable scene like this

requires popcorn.” i

Karise chuckled and remarked, "Yup. This is movie-enough for me. Love them!"

Shantelle smiled. She chewed one popcorn, and after swallowing it, she replied, "| love them too."

Days came and went. While Wendell and Milan's closeness was blooming and, Marco and Amelia were growing,

Shantelle and Evan faced one of their fears. Lucas got sick, and his fever went up to 39.5 C.

The couple did not know why or how. They had strictly implemented health protocol at home, but still, their son caught an

infection.

Eleanor and William had to temporarily move into their home while Lucas was admitted to the hospital. They supervised

the care of the twins.

Lucas’ blood count went down drastically, and he had to receive a blood transfusion. He also received another dose of

immunoglobulin through IV, allowing him to fight his infection.

After ten days in the hospital, Lucas' fever finally subsided following his antibodies infusion. Evan and Shantelle finally had

a decent rest. They both cuddled on a small sofa next to Lucas' hospital bed. From there, Shantelle said, "I'm sorry, Evan,

that Lucas turned out to be this way."

"Why are you sorry? It isn't your fault that Lucas got sick," Evan replied. He pecked Shantelle's forehead and said, "Trials

are given for us to overcome, and | know, together, we will get through this."

"I don't know if we can still push through with our plans to go on a trip if Lucas doesn't feel better," Shantelle said. "Then, we won't. Lucas comes first as much as | want to eat you like crazy. | can just... eat you like a baby," Evan said.

Shantelle laughed. She asked, "How does that work? Eat me like a baby."

Hugging Shantelle tightly, he said, "It means I'll have to tame it down while we do it in the comforts of our own bedroom.”

While the couple was at the hospital, Wendell received a call from Mrs. Scott. Eleanor had asked a big favor from him,

and Wendell readily agreed, knowing the family's predicament. Unfortunately, it meant canceling the dinner she had

planned with Milan.

When Milan walked into his office, already carrying her bag. She revealed," I'm ready."

"Milan, I'm afraid, plans have changed," Wendell revealed. "I'm sorry, we can't go for a special dinner."

"Oh," Milan said while looking down at the floor.

The disappointment was so evident in how Milan frowned that Wendell felt he had let her down. He then proposed, "It's

not because of anything trivial, | swear, but if you are up to it, | hope you can join me instead.”

"What is it?" Milan asked.

"It involves a threesome. With you around, it will become a foursome," Wendell suggested, shocking Milan altogether. "You are Kidding, right?" Milan asked.

A chuckle escaped Wendell’s lips. He said, "Want to find out?"

Two hours later, Milan found herself in a room where she and Wendell were involved in a so-called foursome.

She was holding little Amelia, letting the baby burp against her chest. To help care for the twins, she had to bathe in

Wendell's bathroom, wearing his oversize shirt and cycling shorts. Milan said, "This was your idea of a foursome?" She

laughed, adding, "For a second, you got me all worried." In his pajamas, Wendell was feeding Marcus. He was sitting next to Milan when she remarked about having a foursome.

He smirked and replied,”

And yet, you came. You came despite your dirty mind.” i

Milan laughed but soon hushed when little Amelia acted to cry. She said, "l was eighty percent hopeful; it wasn't naughty

at all.”

"Which means twenty percent of you was hoping to get naughty with me," Wendell proposed, leaving Milan to laugh

again.

"Stop that, please," Milan said. Her eyes watered in amusement.

For the record, though, by definition, foursome means a group of four people. It doesn't have to mean naughty," Wendell

said.

Milan smiled. She answered, "Yeah, this doesn't even come close to being naughty." she leaned back on the lazy-boy

chair she settled in and commented, "| think it’s great... the way you, Evan, and Doctor Shant have this closeness." "You and Evan must be really tight," Milan suggested. Wendell fell back on his seat. He turned to Milan and suggested, "We are like brothers. Despite him, getting married and

having a family, we are part of his life, and | intend to keep it that way even after we get married."

Milan turned to her with a red face. Only then did Wendell realize what he had said. His mouth fell open, and he said, "|

mean -1 don't know why | said that. It's just that your father keeps talking about it. agh!"

Instead of objecting, however, Milan just maintained her smile. She didn't object, nor did she give any approving remarks.

Chapter 146: There For Evan and Shanty

"Hey! Glad you are back, Lucas!" Wendell exclaimed, seeing Lucas exit the car with Shantelle.

"Uncle, Wendell! Mommy and Daddy said you have a surprise for me?" Lucas asked. The boy had a bright smile, but

While he was glad, Wendell observed how he was paler than the last.

Still focusing on being an optimist, Wendell replied to Lucas, "Of course! | have surprises for you!"

Last night, Evan called Wendell with several demands. The man requested that Wendell buy a guitar, a drum set and to

bring a horse. It was all meant to make Lucas happy. Wendell had to take an entire day's leave from work to meet these demands. James was too busy dealing with the

company on Evan's behalf. Thankfully, Milan supported him with that day's mission, and Mister Gray agreed. "Hey, Lucas!" Milan called. She was riding on a black horse, saying, "I'll be your riding instructor this afternoon!" Referring to the horse, she said, "Meet Midnight!" "Wow!" Lucas' eyes sparkled. He jumped in his place. "Is he mine? Is He mine, Daddy? Is he mine, Mommy?" He nearly

cried, repeating his line of questioning, just utterly surprised at seeing a horse in their estate.

"Uh, well, not for now, Lucas," Shantelle replied.

It was Evan who explained it to his son. He leveled with Lucas, saying, "Son, I'm working on buying Midnight, but there are

things to consider that need time." Evan's eyes studied the surroundings and described, "He needs a proper home. Maybe, we can buy another residence that can accommodate animals. The mansion isn't the right place for Midnight to

live in."

"You understand, right?" Evan asked, and Lucas nodded. The community did not allow animals other than dogs and cats. However, more than that fact, there was also a chance

that Lucas could get another infection from the horse. Thus, Shantelle and Evan agreed to limit Lucas’ playtime with the

horse.

"Okay, Daddy. | understand," Lucas acknowledged.

"But there is more to be happy about!" Wendell exclaimed. "Guess who has a new guitar and a drumset? Who is going to

be a superstar?”

"Me?" Lucas excitedly clarified.

No, me!" Wendell claimed, and after Lucas frowned, he took it back, saying, "Of course, you! | can no longer rock my

head like you do, buddy!"

Wendell gave Lucas a headbang, and the boy followed. "Yeah! Finally, | can be a rockstar too!" Lucas said. Everyone laughed. From behind Lucas, Shantelle mouthed to Wendell,” Thank you.' She did the same with Milan before

Lucas took his very first ride on a horse.

** <e

In the evening, after Lucas had dinner, he went straight to his room to chat with Lily.

From the dining area, Shantelle revealed to Wendell and Milan, "His blood count did not go up. The antibodies only prevented them from dropping drastically."

"That's why he looked paler," Wendell remarked.

"Yes," Shantelle admitted. "For now, though, his doctor wants to observe how he will do in the next few days. He is

scheduled for another blood transfusion next week. We will see from there."

Shantelle turned to Milan and said, "Thank you, Milan, for joining Wendell in taking care of the twins. That time, my parents were just super tired and could use a good rest." "No problem at all," Milan said. "| enjoyed my time with Wendell -1 mean, the twins."

Shantelle chuckled. Milan's slip of the tongue opened up to a lighter conversation instead of dwelling on Lucas’ situation.

Evan wound up saying, "I'm sure it was both."

"Well, of course. It's always fun hanging around Wendell," Milan acknowledged, and Wendell smirked.

He reached for Milan's hand, and they both held hands under the table.

*k%k

Days came and went.

Lucas had another blood test done. To Evan and Shantelle's dismay, Lucas ' blood count dropped again. The boy had to

stay in the hospital for a few hours to complete his transfusion, this time receiving blood from another donor instead of

Evan's.

It became clear to the couple that they were no longer fighting the infection but, instead, the root cause of the anemia.

Lucas's immune system was attacking his blood cells, especially any donor cells. If that wasn't worse enough, Lucas’

the teacher failed to recognize how she caught the flu. After only three weeks of being out of the hospital, Lucas got sick

again, and his home tutor was to blame.

At first, the couple tried to treat the flu at home, but Lucas’ fever worsened on the second day. Lucas was again admitted

to the hospital. During the admission, the couple learned that Lucas' blood count had decreased from the last. Aside from

getting treatment for his symptoms, Lucas immediately had another blood transfusion, i

*k%k

While Shantelle, Evan, and Lucas were at the hospital, back at the couple's home, Wendell and Milan wound up taking

care of the twins again. Like the last, Milan wore Wendell's clothes because everything came unexpectedly. Shantelle's parents had left to attend a medical convention. Clara and Erick were also sick with flu.

In the nursery, Milan was tickling baby Amelia after she fed. The baby girl smiled at her. Milan said, "What a cute baby you

are. Love your mommy's milk? And you like being taken care of by Aunt Milan?"

She flushed, calling herself their aunt. She thought she was pushing herself into their lives when she only offered her help

to Wendell this time.

That day was their company's anniversary party, but she dropped everything to help Wendell. On the other hand, Wendell

dropped the party for the twin's care.

Of course, the caregivers were present, but Milan acknowledged that there should be at least one person with authority to

look after the mansion - to make decisions in an emergency. This time, it was Wendell. Even Miguel, Lucas’ bodyguard,

became the couple's runner at the hospital.

"Hey, late dinner is ready," Wendell said at the door to the nursery room.

Mrs. Shaw followed and offered, "I'll take care of Amelia. Tessie will look after Marcus."

"Okay," Milan said. "Let me burp her first - Ooops!" Amelia threw up a little milk after burping in Milan's chest. Mrs. Shaw readily took the baby girl from Milan, saying, "That's

okay. It happens. Best to get some new shirts from Wendell."

"And after dinner, you two should get some rest too. We should be fine, and if we need any help with the twins, we won't

be ashamed to knock on Wendell's door," Mrs. Shaw said. "Oh, no. No." Millan corrected her burning face. "We are not together that way. We won't be sharing a room."

No?" Mrs. Shaw asked, utterly puzzled. "But aren't you both engaged?"

"It's more complicated than that," Wendell reasoned. "What makes it complicated? You obviously have feelings for each other. Otherwise, you wouldn't be here - Milan helping

you and you, bringing Milan here, and letting her wear your shirt, Wendell?" Mrs. Shaw said, leaving the two speechless

for seconds. 2

When Wendell tried to open his mouth, Mrs. Shaw quickly said, "Oh, excuses. Excuses. Just eat your dinner and figure it

out soon. Don't take too long, though, Wendell. Someone else might confess his love for Milan!"

Thanks to Mrs. Shaw, Wendell and Milan were awfully awkward as they walked to the room. They were both silent,

averting each others' gazes.

Milan changed her shirt in Wendell's bathroom. When she stepped out, Wendell stood in front of her, and now, leaving her

completely nervous, her heart drumming against her ribcage. She thought, "Thanks a lot Mrs. Shaw, the psychic!

For seconds, Milan just stood there waiting. Soon, Wendell spoke, "Milan, instead of partying at the company's anniversary, | would rather be here to help Evan. He is my best friend, and he and Shantelle have it rough now. It's not

that | don't care for my own happiness, but how can | be happy seeing Evan and Shanty in misery? Are you willing to

accept that part about me? Because Lucas’ condition is not going away that easily. For now, | will be there to help them.”

Milan's eyes lit up. She bit her lip, thinking, 'VWas that somewhat a confession?’

She studied Wendell for seconds, and seeing how serious he was, Milan nodded and grabbed the opportunity. She replied, "Instead of drinking booze and partying with girls, you preferred to care for your godchildren, and | think that's

What's great about you? In fact, that's what | like about you the most."

Milan gathered all her courage and added, "That tells a lot about your faithfulness and dedication. | know where you stand

and how much you value your friendship with Evan and your closeness with their family. | see that nearly every day. |

i came here with you because | support you. | won't stand in your way, but I'd be glad if | could stay by your side." 1 Wendell let out a sigh. He raked his fingers through his hair and asked, "Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure," Milan shyly replied. "I love helping care for the twins and Lucas, anyway. They are great kids." Immediately, Wendell exhaled profoundly. He said, "I - I'm glad you feel that way, Milan." He inched closer and smiled,

saying, "Then, there is no need for me to drag this

Before Milan knew it, Wendell put both his hands on her face. He caressed her cheeks gently and leaned in for a kiss. 1

Sparks flew, and moans readily left their lip”

Chapter 147: Dilated

After spending so much time with Milan, Wendell realized how amazing she was. More than her good looks, he loved her

personality, innocence, and how she made him laugh. Wendell especially liked that she was willing to give her time and

help Evan and Shantelle, despite not knowing them the way he did.

She was great with Lucas and easily mastered caring for the twins. Milan was friendly and effortlessly connected with

Shantelle and Karise. What could Wendell say? Milan would be the perfect girlfriend, fitting right into their boys' club like

Karise and Shantelle quickly did.

Was this fate or what? If his brother had not slept with his ex-girlfriend, Wendell would not have had the chance to get

close to Milan. Somehow, he thanked the heavens for his brother's mistakes.

It had not been long since Wendell started to have feelings for Milan, but he also had second thoughts. With Lucas’ condition, he knew he would offer Even more help. He wasn't going to abandon his friend.

Recalling his experience with Salome, she was a very demanding girlfriend. She disliked how he often spent time with the

boys rather than being with her. Yet, when being invited to his circle, Salome repeatedly refused. With Milan, however, she

blended in just perfectly.

In little ways, he would show her how he felt for her. He had held her hand a few times, and she would not refuse him.

They had gone out for special dinners and spent a few nights at the arcade, just having fun. They would spend long hours

at his office. While they covered a lot of work, they also talked about trivial yet amusing things.

For Wendell, the best moments were when Milan shared her time, caring for the people he cared about too.

Earlier, when Mrs. Shaw suggested they both had feelings for each other, Wendell could not shake off his excitement. The

the plan was to wait it out, at least when Lucas was better. While Lucas was sick, he could not go all out, but how could he wait now?

If they had mutual feelings, he needed to burn the flames and not let them die. He liked Milan too much to let her slip through his fingers. Thus, he confessed in a way that he also expressed his current wishes. Much to Wendell's surprise,

Milan not only liked him back, but she also understood him. The best part was how willing she was to help him in his goal

of helping Evan.

Wendell was beyond elated. He closed the gap between them and kissed Milan's lips. The moment Wendell felt the softness of her lips, he sensed electricity run through his body. When he tasted her flavor, he moaned into her mouth, his

arm unwittingly circling her waist and pulling her against his chest.

He loved it! Just by that mere kiss, she sent him to another level of euphoria.

Wendell noticed how Milan closed her eyes. She was responding to the same kisses with passion. Her actions utterly

made him hard beneath his pants. Sadly, knowing her well, he knew he wouldn't get any and would respect her wishes

too.

He lifted her weight and let go of the kiss, saying, "I'm not so hungry anymore."

Milan only chuckled and traced his face. She replied, "I'm not hungry, either. m

That was Wendell's cue to keep eating her. He lay her on the bed and settled next to her. He cupped her chin and then

began kissing her all over again.

They were so into the kiss, with Milan occasionally feeling his erection against her thigh. Their legs began to intertwine,

and their hands touched each other's faces. Soon, Wendell stroked Milan's thigh. She gasped, as if shuddering from that

skin contact. Her eyes turned dreamy, and her hands moved to Wendell's chest.

Wendell and Milan kissed again, and she started stroking

his arm while they were at it.

Soon, Wendell's hand went inside her shirt. He remarked, "Your skin is so soft."

Milan did not react. Instead, she simply returned to kissing him.

Eventually, Wendell made it all the way to her breast. He cupped her covered bosom and kneaded them gently. Milan

moaned and squirmed.

At that point, Wendell could no longer hold himself. He went under her bra and touched her bare breast. He let go of their

kisses to say, "Il want to feel more of you."

He reached for her back and unhooked her bra. He climbed on top of her and helped her off the shirt. When his eyes

landed on her chest, he puffed his cheeks and declared, "Right now, | am the luckiest man to see these beauties." Milan did not have oversized breasts, but her nipples were pink and perky. As Wendell marveled at her, she bit her lip and

allowed him to see more of her.

Wendell returned to kissing her, but this time, he played with her nipple, rolling it in between his fingers.

"Mmmm," Milan released an erotic sigh when Wendell sucked on her breast. She shut her eyes, and her back arched.

Her legs spread wider for Wendell as he ate her mounts. 1 Their desires were at their peaks, both gasping and moaning erotically. Wendell was this close to getting past her

abdomen when all of a sudden, Milan's stomach growled.

Wendell stopped. He looked at her, asking in silence. She said, "I'm not hungry. Let's not stop."

Wendell littered kisses on her belly. He gripped the waistband of her shorts, ready to pull it down, when Milan's stomach

growled again.

"| swear, | am not hungry!" Milan claimed.

At that point, Wendell laughed. He climbed back up to her and kissed her lips. He said, "Let's stop and eat. Besides, it will

be a struggle to hold back, knowing we can't even go all the way."

He kissed her again, saying, "And | don't know if you are ready."

Milan lay there, taking deep breaths. She was slightly disappointed that she didn't get an orgasm, but at the same time,

she was relieved that Wendell understood her situation. She said, "Wow, you are so different from Rowan."

"I'm not my brother," Wendell said while offering his hand to her.

"I know. | just can’t help but compare. You are so much better,” Milan said." I'm sorry."

"| think it's understandable. | compared you to Salome just earlier," Wendell said while helping her into the shirt. "And?" Milan asked.

Wendell smiled. He embraced Milan, saying, "I think we will get along just fine."

Milan hugged him back, answering, "| think so t00."

Miss Milan Gray, will you be my girlfriend?" Wendell asked.

Milan pulled away from the hold with a flushed face. She replied, "I'd love to be your girlfriend, although we kinda are

engaged.” i

A laugh escaped Wendell's lips. He said, "We are, aren't we?"

After an intense make-out session, Wendell and Milan had their late dinner. They checked on the twins then after and let

The caregivers take their personal breaks before returning to Wendell's room.

Instead of Milan sleeping in another guest room, they cuddled in the same bed that night. Because they were spooning

together and Wendell's arm was practically across her chest, he had a boner again. Thinking about Milan's condition, he

asked, "So, Milan. | know you said you can't have sex yet, and | won't ever rush you -"

"Depends on the size. What's your size?" She asked. "Um. Large?" Wendell replied.

"Hmm. How many inches?" Milan sought.

"Six and a half, | think," Wendell replied.

Milan turned to Wendell, flushing. She replied, "Um...1 thought you were bigger, but now it's great."

"Are you mocking my size?1' Wendell asked, his eyes narrowing at her.

She giggled and revealed, "No, it's just that | am dilated for a large-size male organ. | had practiced it for two weeks straight. If you were bigger, we'd have to wait another few months."

Wendell's mouth fell open, and his member became stiffer than a rod.' Fuck, why did she have to admit that?’

She traced his chest with her finger and proposed, "You know what that means? You are the perfect size for me. You just

have to do me, really slow... So it won't hurt?"

Dead air fell upon them. It took seconds for Wendell to recover. He said," No, | think what needs to be done is to get you...

extremely wet." "Extremely wet?" Milan lifted her brow. She asked, "How?"

Chapter 148: So Tight

Wendell's mouth nearly fell off the bed. He lifted his brow, asking, "You mean, no man has ever tasted you down there?"

When his eyes traveled to her groin area, Milan understood. She gulped and replied, "At best, a play with a finger, but no -

not taste - Wendell?"

Wendell got up to turn back the lights on. He climbed up the bed and abruptly tugged on the waistband of her shorts. He

pulled it down and took it off along with her underwear. Seeing her bare, a hiss left his lips." Beautiful."

Looking back up at Milan, she turned tomato red.

He crawled above her and sealed her lips with a kiss. As he did, he said under his breath, "You are so beautiful." While savored in each other's flavor, Wendell reached under her shirt and began massaging her breasts. He tugged on

the base of her shirt and pulled it up, removing it completely.

She didn't wear any bra to sleep, so her bosoms were accessible to him. Like earlier, he sucked her mounts heartily,

twirling his tongue around her nipples before diving in to latch like a baby. 2

As Wendell held her breast with one hand, the other began to rub her clit. Milan began to moan and writhe beneath him,

her legs giving away and her face burning.

"Wendell," softly, she called his name. "It feels different." "How different?" Wendell asked, briefly letting go of her breast and quickly returning to eat it.

"It's not like you are trying to stab my - my cat," Milan said. She giggled at the way she described her previous experience

with Rowan.

A laugh escaped Wendell's lips. He sat up and took off his shirt. He spread her legs apart and answered, "Gentle is the

best way to make you very wet." 1

He touched her clit with two fingers and said, "Right here." Giving that feather-weight circling motion, he added, "With the

right amount of pressure."

"Aaahhh!" Milan threw her head back, her body relentlessly making waves as Wendell fondled her clit. She did not even

realize how her hips were twitching in delight.

Milan closed her eyes, relishing the moment, but soon, Wendell stopped. She frowned and looked between her thighs. To

to her shock, he was inching closer to her peach. She was about to oppose, but before she knew it, she felt his warm tongue

sucking her entire core. "Aaaaah... Wendell!"

She jerked at that very sensation. It utterly caught her by surprise! Milan wound up touching herself, reaching for Wendell's curls and tugging on his hair. Her hips repeatedly raised, wanting more of his tongue against her core. "| want

more. | want more - aaaahh!"

Milan mildly convulsed at having reached climax. Her gaze turned frail, and her skin formed happy goosebumps all over.

She noticed how Wendell checked her entrance. He dipped two of his fingers and inserted them inside her. Another moan escaped her lips. She noted, "It feels so good."

"You are so wet already,” Wendell revealed. He raised his fingers and showed her how they gleamed in her love juice.

Milan gasped, and a sense of contentment engulfed her. Next, she noticed Wendell taking off his pajamas. Her eyes

became hooded, watching him as he palmed himself.

He lined up his large male organ into her rose and slowly penetrated her. 1

"Aaaaah!" Milan sighed in desire. "You are so hard, Wendell."

Fuck. And you are so tight!" Wendell remarked. Despite going halfway in, he clearly understood what she meant by being

narrow. He felt the muscles around her core hugging his little man down there. Thankfully, she was wet enough for him to

glide in with ease.

"Relax, Milan. Relax. Let me take care of you," he urged. "I'm a little nervous," she admitted.

Wendell pulled out and kissed her again. He returned to touching her, and playing with her breasts while rubbing her clit.

When Milan surrendered to that feeling of euphoria, Wendell sat back up and entered her again.

Milan was wetter than earlier, and that encouraged Wendell to keep pushing. He said, "Tell me if you feel pain.”

"Very little pain, mostly ticklish and filled," Milan confessed. "It - it feels great.”

Her words made Wendell smile. He lowered his frame to kiss her again, his member still halfway in. He was pumping in

and out, but not thoroughly pushing all the way. Soon, however, his wanting grew bigger. He asked," Can | try pushing

deeper?"

Milan nodded, saying, "Be gentle."

While still on top of her, he slowly pushed his manhood in. As he did, he studied her face. When she would frown, he would pause and evaluate the situation. Wendell would return to kissing her again, sucking her breasts, and touching any

part of her body. When he felt she was damper again, he'd push again until he finally reached her ends.

"Aaaah! Damn, Milan! You are so tight. | fucking love it," Wendell said." How do you feel?"

"l -1 don't want you to stop," she said, her chest heaving in excitement. "It feels amazing. Keep moving, Wendell." Wendell felt like the floodgates had opened. He began to move to and fro without wavering. In each second that passed,

Milan was becoming more and more relaxed, her love juice further soaking Wendell's stick.

Soon he unknowingly picked up the pace. Wendell was pumping faster, yet Milan kept moaning in pleasure. Understanding how Milan was no longer uncomfortable doing the deed, Wendell sat up, but not before pecking her on the

lips. He held her waist and said, "Il want to do it a little faster."

Milan only nodded.

In the next few minutes, Wendell thrust back and forth with a bit of strength, their flesh slapping. Again and again, he wailed in desire, complimenting how tight Milan was. His body glowed in sweat, his butt cheek hollowing deeper with

every push.

On the other hand, Milan was rebounding on Wendell's bed, her breast bouncing with her. As Wendell made love to her,

her eyes never left his torso. She marveled at his muscles and mainly feasted on his well-shaped abs.

While Milan was lusting over his body, she gasped, feeling a more thrilling sensation between her legs. "Wendell, | - Aaaaah!"

She came, unable to hold the desire that spread through her body. She mildly convulsed and begged for a kiss. Wendell leaned down, and they relished in an open mouth kiss.

"Ah! Ah! Aaah!" Milan's face burned while she screamed. Wendell pushed and pushed into her pulsating core, and she

quickly drowned in a sea of pleasure.

"I'm cumming," Wendell warned. He frantically sat up and pulled out just in time! As Wendell moaned in ecstasy, his brows

met. He ejaculated, right on top of Milan's rose, his semen dripping into her crack. "Fuck, that was hot."

After making love, Wendell and Milan took their shower. They kissed and groped each other until arousal hit them again.

They had a repeat in the bathroom with Milan bent over and Wendell pumping from behind.

Only after their second round did the two manage to get some sleep.

At dawn, Milan woke up and went to the bathroom.

Feeling thirsty, she went to the kitchen to grab a glass of water. When

she came up, she noticed the twins were crying.

Milan went to the nursery and helped Mrs. Shaw and the other caregiver. They ran out of milk, so Milan rushed back to

the kitchen to get another frozen breast milk. Knowing how the twins would change their diapers soon, she prepared the

diaper changing area with two sets of nappies.

Milan offered to help, but Mrs. Shaw insisted they could handle the twins.

It was as if Mrs. Shaw knew that Milan needed to return to Wendell. She even winked at her before she left the nursery.

Back in Wendell's room, Milan considered resting for another hour before whipping up some breakfast. However, just as

she climbed under the sheets, she noticed something hard and long poking the blanket. She took a peek and realized it

was Wendell's shaft. He was awfully hard at five in the morning.

They had slept naked last night, so his manhood was free to reveal itself. For minutes, she studied his member, biting her

lip at the memory of last night. She could not get over how it felt so good that she decided to get some in the morning as a

great breakfast.

Milan grabbed his stick, and gave it a little palming before putting

Wendell's rod into her mouth.

"Aaah, Milan!" Wendell called. He looked down and found her sucking him heartily.

She let go of his length with a pop, saying, "Good morning. Want breakfast?" "| like that kind of breakfast, yeah," Wendell

said before Milan got up and rode his stick.

Chapter 149: Years Back

Wendell threw his head back, enjoying how Milan was eating him. He felt some teeth, but he didn't mind. It further

exhilarated him, knowing his girlfriend was such a cute amateur. Still, he gave a gentle reminder, saying,

Milan, don't bite my dick off. We still need it once we want to have our own family."

Milan's eyes widened. Her heart fluttered when Wendell mentioned making a family. She let go of his rod, saying, "Sorry."

She giggled and asked, "Like this?"

This time, she did her best to cover her teeth while giving him lip service.

"Yeah, fuck. Like that," Wendell sighed. He lifted his head, watching as Milan moistened his manhood. To him, she looked

so beautiful, cautiously sucking him.

His eyes remained glued to how her thin lips were perfectly wrapped around his rod. A hissed left his lips, and he said,

"Fuck, | still can't believe you are mine. Get up here, and let's do this together."

"Together?" Milan asked.

A smirk formed on Wendell's face as Milan crawled up to him. He rested his hand behind her neck and kissed her passionately. When he pulled away, he said, "Yes, together. Take off your clothes."

After getting naked, Wendell guided her to the proper position, saying," Give me your ass. Eat me while | eat you."

Milan gasped. Her eyes blinked, and her face burned. She replied, "Oh? | guess that's fair."

"Sweetheart, I'm all about fairness and equality," Wendell teased. His words made Milan roll her eyes, but she did as he

instructed either way.

Milan was nervous and excited at the same time. Before she lowered herself to please Wendell, she felt his hot breath

against her entrance, sending chills down her spine. When she sensed his tongue pleasing her, her breathing hitched. He wasn't just licking her, he was lathering his tongue

across her crack, and she thought she would go crazy in a minute or two from pleasure.

Milan relished the moment. She closed her eyes, her hips unknowingly grinding against his mouth. She thought, "Wow.'

She did not know how long she sat on his face, enjoying Wendell's work, but soon he called her attention, saying, "Hey,

What happened to fairness and equality?"

Milan moaned. Under her breath, she objected, "Oh, | thought that was your thing."

She laughed, realizing she was being selfish. Who could blame her? She had been missing out on all these great emotions, being intimate with a man and much more with someone she had grown to like so much.

Leaning down, she studied Wendell's pulsating rod. Milan grabbed his member and returned the favor, sucking him with

affection. Remembering Wendell's earlier instructions, she tried her hardest not to bite him.

Milan's eyes turned dreamy at the thought of their erotic position. All the more, the feel of Wendell's tongue sent her into a

galaxy of delight.

The two went at it in the next few minutes, pleasing each other. Their slurping tongues echoed across the room, and moans escaped their lips continually.

With the way they were stimulating each other, it did not take long for them to reach another level of high.

Milan came first. Her body mildly convulsed. Yet despite having cum,

Wendell still ate her hungrily, further inflaming her desire. She was so lost in that feeling of having orgasmed that she

rolled off Wendell, evidently in dreamland.

She was still letting it all sink in when Wendell maneuvered his way around her. The next thing she knew, he was

checking her wetness. He said, "I'm going in now."

Milan nodded, saying, "lI want all of you, Wendell." Pleased by her words, Wendell kissed her. After which, he said, "You can have all of me, but to be fair, | want all of you

too."

Milan simply chuckled, watching him settle in between her legs. He entered her, and he rocked her world. She was sent

screaming and crying in pleasure, and she never held back.

Soon their bodies glowed in sweat. Their frames were intertwined as they rolled from side to side in the bed, making love.

They were constantly kissing, touching, and grabbing each other skin, all while Wendell took control of the pumping motion.

"God, you are so tight, Milan. | don't know if | could pull out,” Wendell remarked.

Recognizing his climax, Wendell grunted as he sat up. He shut his eyes like it was the most challenging thing to do. Subsequently, Wendell pulled out, using every bit of his sanity. Yet again, he exploded at her entrance.

After letting all his soldiers out, Wendell lay beside Milan and pulled her in his arms. He said, "I fucking love this. | hope |

can wake up next to you every day. When the penthouse to the Diamond Hotel becomes available, will you move in with

me?"

Milan still. She turned to face him and said, "You'll have to ask my father about that."

Wendell hummed. He knew exactly that the old man Gray wanted to make it happen. He smiled and pecked her lips, saying, "I'll talk to your father when we get back to work." Nestled in each other's arms and utterly elated, sleep was nowhere near forthem. Worse, Milan's phone rang passed Six

in the morning. When Milan saw it was Rowan, she canceled the call. A text from Rowan followed. He said: [Fine, we can

break up, but can you at least talk to your father about giving me back the presidency seat?] i

As Milan read the text from Rowan, Wendell caught a glimpse of it. Milan remarked, "Jerk."

She ignored the text and put it back on the bedside table. Wendell asked, "I have always wondered how you and my brother got together."

Milan fell hushed for a second. She replied, "Well, it started when | met him at the Mayor's masquerade ball years back.

Dad was invited to invest in Rose Hills, and | think that was when your father and him connected on another level."

A masquerade ball. | think | remember that. | was there,” Wendell said.

"You were there?" Milan asked, bemused.

"Yeah, my whole family was there," Wendell replied. #HHIFLASHBACK: YEARS BACK AT THE MASQUERADE BAL L#HE

Milan wasn't into parties, especially those that required her to wear a mask. Behind her disguise, she rolled her eyes at

how some guests were flaunting their costly clothes. Seeing her father occupied, she grabbed a glass of sparkling wine

and walked to an empty balcony.

The gathering was held at Rose Hill's social hall, where several balconies were available for visitors to use.

Milan drank her wine when her heel got stuck between the tiles! As she struggled to free herself, she broke her heel altogether.

"Great!" She exclaimed. If that was not any worse, she shattered the wine glass on the floor after it slipped from her hand.

"Let me get that," a gentleman offered, walking into the balcony and picking up the broken pieces of glass. He was tall,

with dark hair, and his mask covered his entire face. When the man cleared the floor, he said, "Be careful next time."

1

"Thank you," Milan said.

Then, the same man noticed how Milan was limping. Milan revealed, "Il broke my heel. It got stuck in between the tiles earlier.”

The man studied her feet, but because they were beneath her dress, he said, "You want me to check?"

"No, it's fine. | will head back to the hotel,” Milan replied. "With one heel and one without?" the man said. A chuckle escaped his lips before he offered, "Don't worry, | don't bite, nor

Am | hitting on you? | have a thing for heels."

Milan wound up laughing at his suggestion. She didn't know why but she found the man to be a good person. After the man studied her shoes, he said, "There is only one solution | could think of that would allow you to walk out of

Here without being judged -1 mean, there are a lot of reasons why a beautiful woman would end up limping. A broken heel

is the last thing people would think about."

Next, the man broke Milan's other heel and kept it. He took out some cash from his wallet and said, "Til pay for the heels. |

did break it anyway."

Milan laughed. She said, "Keep the heels, mister. That's a reward for helping me walk out tonight without being judged."

That night, she briefly chatted with that unknown man on the balcony, getting a feel of his excellent character. Eventually,

However, she had to leave.

"| won't be able to guide you out," the man pointed to an exit and said, "But that's the closest exit. Take care." "Thank you, mister Milan said, indirectly asking for his name.

Just as the man gave his name, her father called her attention. It distracted her from getting his identity. All she got was

how the man said, "...Franco. | am the former prosecutor's

»

son.

At the same time, the man's attention was called by another. Milan never got the name, but he made an impression on

her. The memory of that masked man lingered in her head in the following months until her father announced his plan to

relocate to Rose Hills and establish a business.

Milan met Rowan in one of her father's meetings with Mr. Franco. Recalling the last name and how Rowan was the former

prosecutor's son, she approached Rowan one day and said, "Rowan, | believe we have met before. Remember about a

a year ago; you helped me with my broken heels?" Rowan was utterly puzzled. He said, "Refresh my memory, gorgeous.”

Milan giggled and narrated how it all happened. After which, she said, "| thought you were such a nice person for helping

me out."

A smirk formed on Rowan's face, and he said, "I'm sorry. It's been a while. | must have forgotten, but yes, now that you

| remember helping an angel like you back then. How about we talk about it? Do you want to go out for

dinner?"

H END OF FLASHBACK/HHE

*k%k

"And that's how it all started!" Milan said. "We got to know each other. He seemed different from when | met him, but | am

not a very difficult person to please. | always try to see the good in others."

Wendell fell silent. He sat up, raking his fingers through his hair.

Milan caressed his back, asking, "What's wrong?"

Instead of an answer, Wendell crawled on top of her and sealed her lips with a kiss. He was so hungry for her that they

wound up making love again and sending Milan into heaven.

After that talk, Milan asked, "Wow! What has gotten into you? You were so fired up?”

As Wendell chased his breath, he said, "Nothing. | simply think you were meant to be mine."

Chapter 150: My Milan

"Lucas is sad," Evan said on the phone. "I think the primary reason was Lily's family is on vacation, and she is out of

reach." 2

Wendell called Even after arriving at his office. It had been almost a week since Lucas was admitted to the hospital again.

Shantelle's mother returned a few days ago. Thus, Wendell and Milan got a break from overseeing the twins' care.

"Whatever you do, Evan, don't make him feel inadequate because of his disease," Wendell proposed. He sighed and said,

"| wish | were there."

"Thank you, man. Shanty and | are trying to be cheerful, despite his blood count going down. Visitors are limited, though.

Last night, Keith and Karise tried to visit, but the hospital did not agree, given his condition. He only saw them through the

door window. | lied and told him Keith and Karise had a cold," Evan revealed.

Put me on video call then," Wendell suggested.

Wendell and Lucas chatted through a video call in the next few minutes. They talked about anything under the sun, with

Wendell repeatedly tries to make Lucas smile.

"I have great news for you," Wendell said. "Your Aunt Milan is my girlfriend now. She is officially your Aunt."

That got Lucas confused. Instead, he asked, "Does that mean you and Aunt Milan are getting married?"

"Oh, my god! Did | hear that right?" From the background, Wendell could hear Shantelle exclaim. "You and Milan should

get married now."

She wasn't anywhere in the video frame, but Wendell was familiar with her voice. Just as Shantelle said those words, Mister Gray walked in, overhearing their conversation. "You and Milan are like the perfect couple. I'm glad that you are together for real! | always knew you had developed

feelings for each other," Shantelle added.

She went on and on, making Wendell uncomfortable since Milan's father was standing right in front of his table. If that wasn't enough, Shantelle took over the video call and asked, "By the way, you need to tame it down when you do it. Mrs.

Shaw said something about hearing moans 4

"Bye, Shanty!" Wendell said, ending the call. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead.

Mister Gray narrowed his eyes at Wendell. He asked, "When are you going to marry my daughter? Are you going to keep

moving it back until | die?"

Sometimes, Wendell thought Milan's father was humorous. It had only been a few weeks since the original date of

Rowan's and Milan's wedding. He was exaggerating how long he had been waiting.

"Um - Mister Gray." Wendell got up and replied, "l am going to buy an engagement ring at my first opportunity. It's just that

It has been extremely busy lately with Evan's son getting sick."

"Mmmrn," Mister Gray said and nodded approvingly. "Good."

Mister Gray," Wendell said. "I have been meaning to talk to you."

"You should because you don't invite my daughter to live with you without marrying her," Mister Gray said.

"Right," Wendell said. He scratched his head, realizing Milan had already told him their plans. Though in this day and age,

it was common for

couples to live together before tying the knot, the Grays were a traditional family.

Did you already have sex with my daughter, Wendell?" Mister Gray asked, and the temperature around the room dropped.

Wendell became tongue- tied. "Then all the more that you should marry my daughter!"

Mister Gray," Wendell said. "If we hold an actual wedding ceremony soon, Evan and his family might not make it. As a

family friend, | am sure you know how the Thompsons are very dear to us. | was hoping you would agree if Milan and marry on paper first."

Moreover, Milan and | haven't begun rescheduling the wedding," Wendell said. "We need more time."

"Hmmm." Mister Gray said. Wendell knew that Milan's father sympathized with Evan. That was how he was allowed to

work from home occasionally. He knew Mister Gray would consider his request.

"Get that ring, give my daughter a face - do you know that after her wedding got canceled, she became the talk of her

friends back in our old hometown? And the mayor? Those we asked to be sponsors are looking down at the kind of union

The Francos and the Grays have formed. | could say the same thing to the potential clients who thought our company had

a strong collaboration," Mister Gray pointed out. "I don't care that this union has turned out to be a marriage of

convenience, but -"

"It Wendell coughed against his fist before revealing. "It isn't just a marriage of convenience. | wholeheartedly like your

daughter. | would not ask her to move in with me if my feelings for her are superficial."

A smile formed on Mister Gray’s face, but he quickly took it back, acting to be stern. He said, "Then, | will agree on the marriage on paper, as long as Milan is fine with that. Have you talked to her about it?"

"No, not really," Wendell said. The truth was, he wasn't sure if Milan would agree to the marriage at all. "But I'll bring it up

with her tonight."

"Good. Then, I'll be on my way," Mister Gray said. 1

In another office, Wendell did not know that Rowan, his older brother, went to see Mister Gray. Milan's father questioned,

"What are you doing here, Rowan?"

"| want to ask for forgiveness. | won't stop until | get it," Rowan said." Please give me back my position, and | will work

hard to win back Milan's love." i

"You are not getting back your position, and you won't win Milan's love because she and Wendell are together,” Mister

Gray said, shocking Rowan.

Hearing the news, Rowan marched out of the room and charged at Wendell's office. Rowan kicked the door open, his

voice loud and clear as he questioned his brother's honor, "How could you? | get when you were forced to marry Milan,

but being in a relationship with her? You knew she was my fiance -"

"Ex-fiance!" Wendell shot back. "And so what? | can't help what | feel about her. Besides, who did the betrayal first? You

were the one who had been having extra fuck relationship with Salome -"

"Wendell, if this is about Salome, I'm done with her, okay! Just give me back my Milan," Rowan begged.

"Your Milan? You mean my Milan!" Wendell claimed. "Don't you think | don't know how you lied about meeting her at the

masquerade ball? You claimed to be me when it was | who helped her with her heels that time. Milan only let you in because she thought you were me!" 3

"Even if she developed feelings for you, the point is, you deceived her, and you continued to do so when you started

fucking Salome!" Wendell added.

Before Rowan could say another word, Mister Gray yelled behind them," Rowan! Get out of here! You are no longer welcome to this company!"

Wendell's office became surrounded by people, staring and eavesdropping on their exchange. After Mister Gray ordered

the guards to escort Rowan out, the office floor became cleared of employees, and only Milan was left staring at Wendell

blankly.

Heartbeats later, Wendell's office door had been fixed. Wendell and Milan were silent inside the room. Eventually, Milan said, "So, it was you? You were the one at the masquerade ball?"

In Wendell's seat, he cleared his throat and admitted, "Yes, it was me. | was the former prosecutor's son who pretended to

be obsessed with heels to offer you help."

Milan was restless for the next few minutes. She was moving back and forth in her seat, thinking. She recounted how

Wendell reacted when she told him about the masquerade ball. It was no wonder he made love to her again. She asked,

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"It was over and done with, and | didn't want either of us to be frustrated with the past," Wendell said.

"It all makes sense now how Rowan was so different from what | expected! " At first, she laughed at it, but soon, it angered her. She spat, "All that time was wasted on the wrong man!" 1

Milan went on and on, letting out her feelings about Rowan's deception, but eventually, she saw it from Wendell's point of

view. She said, "That's right. You are right."

A tear rolled down Milan's face as she walked towards Wendell. She sat on his lap and embraced him tightly. She claimed, "You were meant for me, and | was meant for you."

Before Wendell could speak, Milan crashed her lips to his, her hands unbuttoning his shirt. She said, "I want you now

"What?" Wendell asked in a panic.

Now! | want you!" Milan claimed before carelessly kissing Wendell again.

Their emotions were high, their hands turning restless, and their breathing became labored. Milan had nearly unclothed

Wendell when his office doors opened. They heard Mister Gray clear his throat, and they both stilled in fear.

Next time, you lock the doors. Wendell, remember what we talked about," Milan’s father said before locking the door

behind them. 1

Dead air fell upon them. It was not until a few seconds had passed that Wendell managed to speak, "You know, Sometimes, | think your father secretly likes me."

Milan chuckled and answered, "Now that | think about it, he does seem to like you."

Walking into the elevator hallway, Mister Gray smiled brightly. Who would have thought that Wendell and Milan would end

up together?

While his daughter was in a relationship with Rowan, he had come to know Wendell. Mister Franco had always praised

Rowan for his career achievements, but they always referred to Wendell as their good son.

Mister Gray saw it daily when Wendell worked for the company. Wendell was respectful, a good boss, and hard-working.

He was also very faithful to his girlfriend, whom Mister Gray thought did not deserve Wendell.

Aside from that, he learned that Wendell had smart investments. In fact, he was more prosperous than his older brother,

but he never bragged.

Many times he wished his daughter was with Wendell instead. He always thought that Rowan was arrogant and too full of

himself. His fears came true when Rowan cheated on his daughter. Worse, Rowan did it with Wendell's girlfriend! He was prepared to go to war, but when Mister Franco suggested that Wendell take Rowan's place instead, he agreed.

He allowed Milan and Wendell to spend more time together, hoping they would grow to like each other. Thankfully,

everything turned out well, and he may get the better son- in-law after all.

The elevator doors dinged open, and Mister Gray maintained his smile as he walked in. He said, "I hope I'll have

grandchildren soon."

Chapter 151: Complete Isolation

Shantelle cried in the bathroom as she took a shower. After she checked herself in the mirror, her heart felt heavy.

Evan walked in and said, "Wifey, we already talked about this."

The man wiped the tears on her cheeks and said, "Wash your face, Wifey."

Shantelle nodded, and as she cleaned her face again, Evan stood behind her. When she turned to Evan, he held her face

and said, "My wife, smile for Lucas. Make him feel like this is just a walk in the park. Then, you might want to put on a little

makeup. He will know that you cried."

She nodded and spent a few more minutes in the bathroom.

After Shantelle changed her clothes, she went to where Evan and Lucas were.

In the living room of their home, Lucas kissed Marcus’ cheek as Mrs. Shaw held the baby. Lucas said, "I'm going to miss

you, Marcus. Thank you for your blood. | love you." 1 Evan held Amelia, and Lucas did the same, pecking his sibling. He said," I'm going to miss you too, baby Amelia. | love

you." i

At that point, all the adults were already wearing masks, including Shantelle and Evan. Wendell stretched his arms for

Lucas, saying, "And hug your uncle! I'll miss you, buddy, but don't worry. We made your new home as fun as possible.”

Milan, who had stayed overnight at the couple's home, also hugged Lucas. After letting go, Lucas said, "Aunt Milan,

Advance happy birthday. | have a gift for you later, but | won't be there when you open it."

"We will call you, buddy. At least you can see when your aunt opens the gift, " Wendell said with a wink, and Lucas’ nodded.

All of Lucas' grandparents also arrived, but before offering the boy a hug, they changed clothes and disinfected, just to

ensure Lucas won’t get any more infection. After putting on their own masks, the grandparents alternately hugged Lucas

and pecked his head. It was the safest place to kiss him. Lucas was no longer allowed a peck on the cheek.

Karise and Keith also came; just like Lucas’ grandparents, they had to change, disinfect, and wear masks to hold Lucas.

Sean was the last to arrive, and he gave Lucas a warm hug. Sean said, "I'm going to give you a gift every week."

"I'm going to give you a gift every week t00," Keith claimed.

"And me too!" Clara added, and the rest followed.

Lucas laughed and replied, "Okay, let's schedule it. Mondays will be Uncle Wendell, Tuesdays will be Uncle Keith,

Wednesdays will be Uncle Sean..."

He went on and on, making a mental list. Ultimately, each day, he would receive a gift. Lucas' way of scheduling the gift giving created laughter in the air that the adults momentarily forgot the reason for that small gathering. "And we will call you every day too. You won't see it now, but we will be on your TV screen," Keith revealed.

"But Daddy is going to be with me,” Lucas said while reaching for Evan's arm.

"Yes, he will, but if he takes a rest in between and you don't want to disturb your daddy, we - all your uncles will be one

call away," Keith said. Leaning back, he asked, "So, who is the strongest little man | know?"

"Me!" Lucas claimed.

"Remember that always because your siblings gave their blood to you so you can be better," Keith reminded. 1

After everyone said their goodbyes, it was time for Lucas to leave with his parents. Knowing full well it would be months

before seeing them again; the young man gave one last wave at his support group before hopping into the car. Lucas’ blood count continued to go down without a blood transfusion. It became clear to the couple that Lucas would be

blood transfusion was reliant from then on, and they couldn't have that. Lucas would constantly live a life locked in a room,

without having to see the world.

Thus, Evan and Shantelle proceeded with the stem cell treatment option. However, to make the treatment a success,

Lucas needed to be placed in an isolated facility that could protect him from infection.

Lucas's unique isolation facility was prepared for admission at the Rose Hills Children's Hospital. The unit consisted of

three rooms.

It had an anti-room before reaching the patient's quarters. The room had a negative airflow chamber, lower than the usual

air pressure. This prevents any contained air from flowing into other parts of the unit. The same room served as an entrance for doctors and nurses, including registered visitors. It also had a huge glass window where round nurses could

observe Lucas without entering his isolation room.

The middle room was designed to be the patient's space, where Lucas would stay for the entire part of his treatment. It

was a spacious room with a bed and a sofa bed for a family member or visitor. Initially, the hospital did not allow a family

member to stay overnight. However, Evan had arranged for him or Shantelle to stay with Lucas, alternately taking turns.

This would mean that for the first two months of Lucas’ treatment, Evan would remain with his son. He was not allowed to

leave to avoid contaminating any bacteria or viruses that could compromise Lucas. Shantelle would follow next. Miguel

would serve as their runner for whatever Lucas and Evan would need in the hospital.

Only two visitations were allowed weekly, which was the reason for Shantelle's tears. She would miss her son, but she

knew complete isolation was for the best.

A week before, they let Lucas choose who he wanted to be with during the first two months of his treatment, and being the

Daddy's boy, he chose Evan. That also worked out for them since Evan could work anywhere with a laptop, but Shantelle

had to be physically present for emergency surgery. Lucas would be admitted for a minimum of four months. He may stay longer depending on how fast he can rebuild his

immune system.

The third room of Lucas' isolation unit, was a doffing area where Evan and other visitors could change before attending to

Lucas.

On Lucas’ first day, his parents were allowed inside the unit. When they entered, Lucas Jaws dropped. "My drum set! And

my guitar! Woah, what a huge TV!"

"The TV is already connected to the internet, and your laptop is already here, along with your tablet," Evan described. He

turned on the TV and said, "Same at home; you can just give your voice command.”

"In cases where you are tired from your treatment, and you just want to lie down," Shantelle added.

"Hey g-0-0-g-l-e, call Uncle Sean in messenger!" Evan demonstrated, and the TV searched for the right app and called

Sean.

Sean was immediately on a voice call, and he chatted with Lucas briefly." Hey, buddy! Loving your new room!"

"I love it! It's like I'm on vacation!" Lucas claimed.

"That's one way to put it, yeah!" Sean replied. "Fighting!" "Fighting!" Lucas said back with a cheerful smile.

After the call, Lucas turned to the left-side corner of the space. He saw an arcade machine. He asked, "Is that what | think

it is?"

"Yes, it's a dance revolution machine!" Evan revealed. "This is a gift from your Uncle Keith."

"Exercise is good therapy, too," Shantelle said. "So when you have the energy, you can dance with Daddy!"

"It's cool! | think I'm going to have fun here!" Lucas claimed.

The couple chuckled. Shantelle leveled with Lucas and said, "That's good. You should think happy thoughts only. Your

treatment may include some discomfort, but they are meant to cure you. Remember what the saying says?" "There is always a rainbow after the rain!" Lucas declared. "That's right! Just like, there is calm after the storm," Shantelle added. She made a mess of Lucas' hair and said, "You are

the strongest boy | know. And remember, it isn't about the muscles!”

"Mind over body!" Lucas finished for his mommy.

"Good boy!" Shantelle embraced Lucas tightly. Tears stung her eyes, but Evan quickly wiped them with his thumb. The man mouthed, 'Don't cry in front of him." 1

"Okay, now that we are good! Let's get your things in place,” Shantelle said.

In the next two hours, Lucas underwent several blood tests in preparation for his first treatment stage. At seven o'clock, a

the nurse paged in, "Doctor Shant, visiting hours are over." It was another emotional goodbye for Shantelle, but she held her tears this time. She hugged Evan, and they indulged in a

passionate kiss.

The man said, "I'm going to miss you."

"I'll miss you too, Evan. I'll see you on the video call," Shantelle replied.

Whispering to her ear, Evan added, "We are going to get through this, and Lucas will, too, because we have all the resources we need. Plus, we are all here to give Lucas his strength."

Shantelle nodded. She said, "I'm glad that we are in this together. | love you.

Pulling away, Evan answered, "I love you too. Have fun with the boys."

Shantelle chuckled. She answered, "I'll try."

Kissing Lucas on his head, she said, "My brave boy. Think of your siblings every day. Think of mommy every day. | love

you."

"I love you, Mommy. Goodbye!" Lucas said. "I'll miss you!" Shantelle had a heavy heart, leaving the children's hospital that day, but at least, for that night, she wasn't going home

straight to feel the emptiness.

She would attend dinner with the Grays and the Francos for Milan's advanced birthday party. It was purposely made in

advance because Wendell had a surprise for Milan.

Chapter 152: Unboxing Lucas’ Gift

Wendell and his friends crowded around Shantelle outside the venue of Milan's party. It was because she howled in tears

when she arrived.

Wendell had to fetch her from the car because no matter how Miguel urged her to join the party, her heart felt like it was

being squeezed by a hand.

"We all want to be there for him, Shanty," Wendell said. "But he needs his isolation, right?"

Shantelle nodded and replied, "Yes, he does."

Karise quickly got a handkerchief and wiped the tears on Shantelle's face. She hugged Shantelle and said, "It's okay. You

can cry it out. We are all here for you."

From Keith to Sean and Brooklyn, they gave Shantelle a comforting hug. Milan was the last to embrace Shantelle. She

said, "Even if | had only known Lucas for a short time, | know he will survive this."

"This is supposed to be your happy night. I'm sorry," Shantelle said to Milan.

"That's okay. | understand," Milan replied. She smiled and added, "lI would also be in tears if | were in your shoes."

"I'm so glad | have you guys. Since | won't see Evan often, | need those bear hugs," Shantelle said.

"You are free to bear hug us anytime, Shanty," Sean said, embracing her again.

Letting out a sigh of relief, Shantelle said, "Thank you, guys. | love you all. We better join the gathering. It would be a

strange party without the celebrant.”

The intimate party was held at the Diamond Hotel Rose Hills. Milan's

a family was there, a few executives at the company and the Francos were also present. Only Rowan did not attend the

celebration, which was understandable since he wasn't invited in the first place.

Throughout the event, Shantelle and those around her table were in a video conference with Evan and Lucas. Shantelle

had a tablet for everyone to chat with her husband and son.

"What are you eating there, Lucas? That looks yummy!" Keith said, leaning onto the tablet's view.

"It's broccoli, Uncle Keith. Earlier, the hospital gave me pork, but | wanted vegetables. Mommy said | should eat more so |

can be healthy!" Lucas said.

"The hospital cook whipped him some broccoli," Evan said behind Lucas before laughing.

"So the hospital has a twenty-four-hour cook?" Karise asked.

"They do," Evan replied. "All the food here is." He quoted with his fingers, saying, "organic."

"Hey Lucas, do you want some cake?" Sean asked.

"No. No. Only when I'm okay," Lucas replied. "Mommy said to eat vegetable proteins for now."

"So you won't have desserts?" Sean asked.

"My fridge is filled with my favorite yogurts," Lucas said. "They are also protein."

As Lucas chatted with Evan's friends and their partners, Shantelle kept throwing thanks at them. She often mouthed her

appreciation or showed it by putting a hand on her chest.

Soon, the moment their group had been waiting for arrived. A host announced that Milan would be opening gifts for her

birthday. At first,

Milan refused. She said, "I'm not a kid anymore. We don't have to open gifts!"

"Well, | want Milan to open my gift," Karise said.

"Mine too," Shantelle added.

Milan's father also encouraged her that she was left with no choice but to choose from the wrapped items on the gift table.

After Milan opened ten gifts, the host announced, "Next, a little boy requested that you open his gift."

The monitor behind Milan lit and showed Lucas on the colossal LED screen. Lucas cheerfully greeted everyone, "Happy

Birthday, Aunt Milan."

To the other guests, he said, "Hello. My name is Lucas. I'm in a hospital for my treatment. | could not be there to show

Aunt Milan is my gift, so my dad and | are on a video call instead!”

"Hi Lucas, I'm excited to open your present!" Milan said after turning around.

"Well, here it is, Aunt Milan!" Lucas said, pointing with his hand.

Hotel staff readily brought up a lifesize gift, covered in a toy store wrapper. Milan's mouth fell on the floor. She reacted, "I

have a toy for my gift?"

Lucas giggled and answered, "Yes, it's your favorite." 1 "My favorite?" Milan echoed.

Milan excitedly unwrapped the gift. She perspired as she removed the wrapper since the box was so big. However, after

opening the box, it had another present inside, also covered in a toy shop wrapper!

She turned to Lucas and saw the boy giggling. From the table where Wendell sat, they were also laughing. On stage,

Milan said, "I think Lucas wants me to exercise." Laughter echoed across the conference room while Milan opened the second box. To her shock, it contained another wrapped box. At that point, shrieks filled the air since Milan kept unboxing gifts. She had already opened seven empty

boxes when Milan commented, "| feel like | am running a marathon."

She turned to Lucas and asked, "Lucas, did you wrap all these?"

Lucas laughed boisterously. Tears welled in his eyes in amusement before he responded, "Uncle Wendell helped me."

Milan shot Wendell an angry glare, making Keith and Sean tease.

"Oh, no, Wendell. You are in trouble," Keith said.

"Big trouble," Sean added.

Milan went on, unboxing another three more until she finally held a gift that could fit in her hand. She chased her breath,

saying, "Lucas, this should be a special gift to be secured by so many boxes."

The Grays were already smiling from ear to ear as Milan started to open the present. Wendell secretly took hiding while

the rest of their table fell silent in anticipation.

Finally, the red wrapper was on the floor. Milan wiped the sweat off her forehead before opening the small box. She was

still smiling, but soon enough, she stilled, recognizing a velvet box. She bit her lip before nervously lifting the velvet box.

Her expression said it all. She was clearly starting to doubt whose gift it came from.

"Open it!" Karise urged.

"Open it!" Brooklyn followed.

Milan searched for Wendell, but he was away from the table. Still, her instincts told her to open the jewelry box. "Open it, Aunt Milan! You will love it!" Behind her, Lucas urged.

She turned to Lucas before finally facing the audience and opening the velvet box. She gasped, but she grimaced as soon

as the box flipped open.

The box was empty. Yet again, Milan's jaws dropped, but as soon as that happened, everyone said, "Surprise!" Lucas' voice was thunderous that Milan shifted her frame. Just as she turned, indoor fireworks erupted!

Wendell was down on his knee, right in front of her. Milan did not know when or how, but he was there, holding up an

expensive-looking diamond ring and hugging a huge Shiba stuffed toy. Wendell was smiling, but everyone could tell that

He was nervous too. He said, "Milan, the law of love knows no bounds of space and time. Getting married is not about age

or the right time. It's about finding the perfect person. To me, you are the perfect person. Will you marry me, Milan?"

Milan was utterly taken aback. They had discussed arranging the marriage, and while all that was set for them, she never

expected Wendell to still give her a proposal, which every girl dreamed about.

Tears rolled down her cheeks. She nearly kneeled with Wendell as she said, "Yes. Yes, | will."

Wendell had to hold her up and hug her in place. She cried in his chest for an undetermined time before she looked up

and requested a kiss.

Wendell kissed her repeatedly. He also scattered a few pecks on her face. He said, "I love you, Milan." 1

Looking into his eyes, Milan smiled brightly and answered, "I love you too, Wendell." i

Milan's party resumed with entertainment and drinks. She was the happiest girl in the room.

At one table, Mister Gray was the merriest father, seeing Milan genuinely delighted. He saw it in the sparkle in Milan's

eyes, her smile, how she flushed, and how she constantly hugged Wendell. Mister Gray especially loved that Milan was

well received by Wendell's circle.

He envisioned his daughter having a wonderful family. Then, he checked his phone and searched in g-0-0-g-l-e: How to

have grandkids fast, very fast. 2

Mister Gray was smiling from ear to ear as the page loaded. However, he quickly frowned because there wasn't any

search result.

Chapter 153: Evan Can Be Funny

"lI now pronounce you husband and wife," the judge said after Wendell and Milan signed the marriage contract at the

courthouse. 1

Milan was smiling. Wendell was over the moon. They were officially husband and wife. Next was for them to follow through their promise to Milan's father, and that would be the official wedding.

Sean, Karise, Keith, and Shantelle were able to make it to their courthouse wedding. They all wished them well for their

married life and the next adventure, living together.

Evan was able to secure the penthouse for Wendell at the Diamond Hotel Rose Hills, and the newly wedded couple was

moving in that very afternoon. Now that they were married, Mister Gray had given his blessing to let Milan live with Wendell.

After greeting the newlyweds, Shantelle excused herself, saying, "Wendell, Milan. | have to leave. | have surgery in a few

hours."

"| understand, Shanty. By the way, where are you planning the wedding in six months? That should be okay with Lucas,

right?" Wendell asked.

"Oh, Wendell, you don't have to change your wedding date because of us, or Lucas," Shantelle replied.

"l insist. | want you and Evan to be there. | especially want my boy, Lucas, to be there," Wendell said.

Behind Wendell, Milan also echoed, saying, "I'm on the same boat as him."

Letting out a sigh, Shantelle replied, "Okay, fine. If you insist. You are really great to consider us for your wedding. | just

i love you guys."

Shantelle hugged them both, and Sean cleared his throat from behind them. He said, "Now, | am feeling guilty." This was because Sean's wedding was happening in a month, regardless of Lucas’ situation.

"Oh, don't be," Shantelle scolded. "Brooklyn's family are the ones planning the wedding. You can't disappoint your future

in-laws. Besides, | don't want you guys to hold back your life for us."

"Yes, and technically, we aren't," Wendell corrected. "This wedding came crashing in, you know that, right? We need time

to prepare, and it best to schedule it at the right time when you and Evan would be worry-free."

"Again, | think that's sweet of you, Wendell, but we can discuss this another time. | really need to go," Shantelle said

before bidding goodbye and blowing Karise a kiss.

"Hey, long night?" Shantelle asked Evan on the phone. "How is he doing with his first dose?"

She was preparing for the operation and decided to give her husband a call since he did not pick up early in the morning.

"More like | was worried for nothing that | kept awake all night," Evan said." So far, Lucas has been tolerating it well. He is

i'm sleeping now. Let's give him his rest and wake him up later.”

"But Doctor Patel cautioned that tomorrow's medication will be tough," Evan added.

"Right," Shantelle replied. She fell silent for seconds, thinking. She nearly cried in her seat as she warned her husband,

"You better give him strength, Evan. You better."

"Of course | will, Wifey. Better me than you. Who is the crybaby between the two of us,” Evan teased.

Shantelle wound up letting out a laugh. She said, "Oh, please."

"I love my son. You know that. If | could take any pain and discomfort away, | would, even if it meant I'd have to be the one

to endure,” Evan answered.

"Maybe | should go there tomorrow after the second set of medication has been infused," Shantelle proposed. "lI can help

comfort him."

"No, don't. You'll end up crying, and that's a guarantee. I'll tell you when it's best to visit,” Evan proposed. "You will violate

the visitation agreement.

Remember what Doctor Patel said? He will have you kicked out of the room to ensure Lucas won't get any infection."

Lucas’ doctor was very stern with the isolation procedure. He had said many times that often, the treatment was not the

cause of death for some of his patients that passed away, but acquiring infection did. If not for the patient's emotional needs, he would order no visitors completely.

Recalling Doctor Patel’s reminders, Shantelle sighed and replied,

"Fine. Tell him | love him. | love him so much.”

To prepare Lucas for his cord blood transplant, he had to undergo chemotherapy, killing whatever was left of his bone

marrow so it would not reject the new cells.

If they proceeded with the treatment without chemotherapy, Lucas' immune system would fight the newly introduced

blood. It would ultimately fail and cause more damage than good. However, before achieving the transplant, Lucas would

have to endure the side effects of the chemotherapy drugs.

"We will call you later after your surgery, okay?" Evan promised. "Il love you and know that Lucas loves you. He will be

strong for us."

Later that afternoon, at the Children's Hospital, Lucas’ doctor visited him.

He wore a hospital gown and a mask to ensure Lucas won't catch any infection from him. He gave Lucas a book about

bone marrow transplants and said, "Do you know this already?"

"It's my first time seeing the book Doctor Patel, but Mommy has told me about it," Lucas replied.

"Very good. Bone marrow is almost the same as the cord blood transplant you will receive in two weeks," Doctor Patel

said before explaining the chemotherapy treatment. He then asked, "Do you know what are some side effects of chemotherapy?"

"I'll lose my hair," Lucas replied. "But that's okay because that would make me like a baby." He laughed and described,

"My twin siblings don't have hair yet."

His doctor laughed and added, "And it's okay for boys to have no hair."

"Yeah!" Lucas answered.

"Aside from losing hair, you will have fever and chills. You might experience nausea, vomiting, and headaches too. You

must inform your daddy how you feel so we can give you added medication for the symptoms, okay?" The doctor told

Lucas, and he nodded.

The doctor spent a little more time connecting with Lucas, reassuring him about the process. After evaluating that Lucas

was ready for the next phase of the treatment, he ordered the succeeding chemotherapy drugs to be administered. Everything was okay at first, but the drug took its toll in the wee hours. At three in the morning, Lucas started having headaches and feeling uneasy to the point that he vomited. He was in so much discomfort that he cried and screamed.

"Daddy, it's so painful. | tried to sleep it off, but it's painful!" Lucas admitted, sitting up and stretching his arms to his father.

"I'm sorry, Daddy.

I'm sorry. Lucas is not brave." 3

"No. No. Baby, Lucas is brave," Evan was quick to hush him down. Rubbing his back. "You are brave to fight this."

"Daddy, can you make the pain disappear, please!" Lucas begged. Tears flooded his cheeks as he slammed his head

against Evan's chest. 5

The nurse hurriedly came in to give more medication, helping Lucas with the pain. Aside from that, he had a very high

fever, which Evan had to monitor until dawn came in.

The man was this close to calling his wife, but he held back, knowing how Shantelle would probably break down. Eventually, the pain somewhat reduced, which allowed Lucas to hush his tears. He ultimately let Evan go to lie in bed.

After watching Lucas just lay there, forcing to shut his eyes, Evan went to get a glass of water for himself. Evan stood by

the table where a pitcher had been prepared whenever Lucas wanted a drink. The man turned his back on his son SO

Lucas didn't see. He didn't like to show his weakness, but no father could bear to see his child in pain. The man eventually

cried, and his chest congested. However, as soon as he realized this, he sniffed his tears away, alerting Lucas. i "Daddy, are you crying?" Lucas asked.

Panic struck Evan. So much for the rule of not crying in front of their son! As a solution, Evan took the glass of water and

splashed it on his face!

He turned to Lucas, as if sniffing the water that soaked him from face down to his shirt. He said, "I was feeling a little hot,

kiddo. What? Daddy crying? No way!"

Lucas chuckled. He said, "It's not hot, Daddy. You are funny."

"| should have you know, your daddy has a funny side too," Evan said before winking at Lucas. "Let me just change into

dry clothes. Love you, Lucas.”

"Love you too, Daddy. Thanks for hugging me earlier," Lucas said.

"Son, once we get out of here, | swear | will baby you for another two years, " Evan claimed.

"No, Daddy!" Lucas objected. "I'm not a baby!"

Chapter 154: New Hairstyle Days came and went.

Lucas had his bad and good days, undergoing chemotherapy, but despite the side effects of the drugs, he withstood it all.

The good news was he had not caught any infection during the process. His isolation was perfectly well followed, allowing

continuity in his treatment.

With everything going smoothly, Doctor Patel confirmed the cord blood transfer in two days.

The family was happy. Lucas was excited. Having that cord blood transplant meant they were halfway closer to achieving

their goal.

While Evan stayed with Lucas, James, his assistant, did a lot of work for him. In the past ten days, he traveled across the

state, went to Russia, and manned up to support his boss in Evan's trying times. However, there were matters that James

felt he was not empowered to question, like finances. Especially since Evan's Chief Finance Officer, Griffin Hernan, was

adamant about being on top of it.

Griffin Hernan was Erick Thompson's apprentice when he was running the company, but he was only given the CFO position since Evan, the next heir, naturally took over the CEO seat.

During one of the man's video conferences with James, Evan saw how stressed his assistant had become. James said,

"It's just like the numbers are not adding up, Sir, especially with the financial entity, but Mister Hernan is saying otherwise.

| can't overrule him." 1

"And by the way, Sir, the Lockwood Children's Hospital would like to get an update on when the new isolation rooms

would be renovated," James reported.

Raking his fingers through his hair, Evan groaned. He glanced at Lucas, who had been trying to follow a drum routine on

TV. He said, "Son, can you call your Uncle Keith?" "Sure, Daddy!" Lucas turned to the TV and instructed, "Hey, g-0-0-g-l-e, call Uncle Keith in messenger!"

The messenger rang, and Keith answered in seconds, "Hey, Lucas, boy! How are you doing?"

"Hi, Uncle Keith. I'm doing better today. The last chemo wasn't so bad." Lucas stood in front of the TV. He took a full turn

and said, "See, I'm okay."

"Good to see. | miss you, Buddy!" Keith said, winking. "Your aunt Karise is having a baby girl, by the way!"

"Yay! She can be playmates with Amelia!" Lucas concluded.

Keith nodded and said, "She will be."

"Dad wants to talk to you," Lucas revealed before returning to practice on his drums.

"Hey Evan, how is isolation going," Keith said. "| see you growing your beard. Tsk. Tsk. Careful now, Shanty might find

another man."

"She won't! She loves my beard!" Evan declared before shaking his head. He then asked, "Keith, can you please check

on the Lockwood Children's Hospital? My hands are tied.” Of course, man. Send me the details, and I'll be on it. Do you want me to check on the financial service office too?" Keith

replied.

Evan nodded, saying, "Yeah, that would be great. Thanks, Keith."

After calling Keith, Evan informed his CFO that he would hire an external accountant to look into the finances. Mister

Hernan was tongue-tied and followed Evan's orders, for the man’s directive was definite. Then, he called his other best

friend, Sean. He asked, "Sean, | need you. Please look into my company's accounts. Coordinate with my CFO." "Gladly, Evan. Any other weight | can take off your shoulder?" Sean asked.

Evan smiled and answered, 'Nah. I'm just glad you are all there for us.

Thanks, Sean. And I'm sorry, | won’t be able to attend your wedding. | don't think Shanty will be, either. We have the cord

blood transplant scheduled on the day of your wedding." "Evan, it's a shame, but | understand. Lucas first,” Sean said.

Running a company by merely monitoring it virtually was tough, but Evan had no choice. His son needed him more, and

he would not have it any other way. He was simply glad, he had people to rely on, from James to his friends.

The day Evan, Shantelle, and Lucas had been waiting for finally arrived. It was the day of the transplant.

While Sean was getting married to Brooklyn, Lucas' doctor and nurses were preparing for the transfusion. Shantelle used

two of her visitation rights, requesting the hospital she could stay overnight. Doctor Patel agreed, provided that Shantelle

thoroughly disinfect.

The twins momentarily had to be left in the care of their grandparents, to make it even, both the Scotts and the Thompson

had one baby each under their supervision.

"This is it, Lucas," Doctor Patel said. "Your life-saving transplant. Are you excited?"

Lucas nodded, saying, "| am excited. I'm going to get better soon."

"Do you know how many stem cells are in here?" Doctor Patel asked while shaking the bags of blood.

"No, how many?" Lucas sought excitedly.

"Two hundred fifty billion cells," Doctor Patel replied. "And the best way to care for them is to keep smiling, being strong,

and eating healthy."

"| definitely will, Doctor!" Lucas claimed and smiled brighter for the doctor.

Doctor Patel stayed in the isolation unit for some time, observing how Lucas was taking in the blood. Like him, Evan and

Shantelle watched as every drop of blood flowed into Lucas’ veins.

The transplant was given via transfusion, where the cells would eventually find their way to the bone and begin making

new ones.

"No reactions so far." Doctor Patel said. "In the next few weeks, we will monitor if the transplant is working and if the cells

are growing. Lucas will have a regular blood test for that. While we have passed through this stage of Lucas’ treatment, |

cannot express enough the importance of strictly following the isolation procedure and keeping Lucas away from potential

infection."

"Lucas will still stay in the hospital while he is growing more and more cells. After the transplant, he is still susceptible to

getting an infection since he technically has no immune system," the doctor reminded.

"We understand, Doctor Patel. Thank you," Shantelle confirmed.

In the days that followed, Shantelle and Evan did everything. Every day, Evan personally cleaned the areas Lucas often

touched. He didn't even risk letting nurse aids to help with the cleaning.

Whenever Shantelle came to visit, she would bathe from the unit's doffing area and wear ironed clothes Evan had prepared for her. She would thoroughly wash her hands, rub herself with alcohol, and wear two layers of masks.

At every meal, Evan would clean off his son's utensils, strictly watch as Lucas avoids touching his face, and repeatedly

urge his son to wash his hands.

They did not care if they were close to paranoia, but they did what they had to do to protect their son.

Soon another effect of continuous chemotherapy came. Lucas began losing his hair.

One day, Lucas woke Evan showing him how his hair was falling off. He said, "Look, Daddy. I'm going to be bald." Bald but still handsome," Evan replied while sitting on Lucas’ hospital bed and observing how his son's hair was falling off.

Then, he sucked in a deep breath, saying, "lI have a great idea. Let's surprise your mom."

On Shantelle's next visitation, she first saw Lucas completely bald. She said, "Awww. You're still looking handsome, Lucas."

She hugged her son and rubbed his head. She smiled and said, "Don't worry, it's going to grow back."

"Where is Daddy?" Shantelle asked.

"In the bathroom, Mommy," Lucas replied.

Soon, Evan stepped out. He had a wide grin as he showed off his new hairstyle.

"Oh, my god!" Shantelle laughed. Her eyes watered in amusement. Her husband just shaved his hair off! 1

Lucas laughed hard with his Mommy. He said, "Daddy and | are the same, Mommy!"

"How do | look, Wifey? Hot or hotter?" Evan teased. Shantelle could not help but cry, but they were tears of joy this time because Evan made Lucas feel nothing was wrong

with losing his hair.

She hugged Evan. Pulling down her mask, she kissed him and his head too.

She responded, "I think you are the hottest today." She cupped his face, saying, "I love you so much."

Embracing Shantelle back, Evan responded, "Il love you too."

In the next few minutes, Shantelle took pictures of Evan and Lucas. She sent them to the boys, and they each called

Lucas after an hour. Wendell was the first to initiate a video call, and they were shocked to see how he had also shaved

his head!

"This is a new style," Wendell said, flaunting his head on camera. Behind him, Milan was laughing her heart out. i Next, Keith called, joining the video call. Like Wendell, he also shaved his head. He said, "The hell, how did Wendell get

the same idea as me?" 3

"| am faster. Accept it, Keith," Wendell said, winking at Lucas.

Lucas, Evan, and Shantelle were laughing in their seats. Lucas was wildly entertained at how his uncles had shaved their

heads for him.

"Do you think Sean will shave his head?" Keith asked. "He is on his honeymoon! He probably didn't notice!" Wendell said.

To their shock, however, after half an hour of checking with Lucas, Sean called, and like the others, he had his head shaved too! 2

"Damn! I'm late for the party!" Sean exclaimed, seeing how he was the last to join the conference call and that his friends

had also shaved their heads.

At the end of that entertaining video call, the friends took snapshots of each frame, showing how they all sacrificed their

hair for Lucas. It was a very touching moment, one that Evan and Shantelle swore they would cherish for life. 2 When Evan's friends were done chatting, Shantelle asked, "Should | shave my head too?"

No!" Both Lucas and Evan said at the same time.

Chapter 155: Road To Getting Better

Everyone was holding their breath.

Nearly two months into isolation, Doctor Patel came in to report the recent blood work done on Lucas. In anticipation of

the news, there was complete silence.

Doctor Patel announced, '‘Based on the recent blood test, the new cells are growing! We are on the road to getting better!"

3

Immediately, Shantelle broke down in tears. Even Lucas cried because he knew it meant good news. Evan could not also

hold it in. Tears also welled in the corners of his eyes as he turned to embrace his wife.

"Is it something to celebrate? Yes! It means Lucas' body is not rejecting his sibling's blood, and the same transplanted cells did not react

defensively either. That is the best part about cord blood cells. They are naive and do not fight being introduced to foreign

bone marrow," Doctor Patel added.

Shantelle knew this to be true. If they had searched for bone marrow from an older donor, the same donor blood could

potentially create abnormal antibodies. This was a common problem when introduced to a foreign host. It was the same

story for transplant patients - one could reject a new organ.

"Are the worst days over? In my experience, itis. | am confident with our chosen path, from going with cord blood to

growing them before the transplant."

"However," Doctor Patel raised his hand. "We must remain observant. The observation stage will continue until his first

a year after his transplant. For now, isolation is still required. Let's let those cells grow in bigger numbers so that Lucas will

have his protection - those white blood cells that will serve as his immune system."

"When everything goes smoothly, and his numbers continue to grow in two weeks, we can start allowing him to tour the

same hospital floor. He can play with other kids on the isolation floor and use the small playroom. We will slowly introduce

him to the outside world so he can build new antibodies," Lucas’ doctor added.

Doctor Patel smiled, looking at the family. Tears also stung his eyes, seeing their happiness. He said, "l am happy for your

family, Doctor Shant, Mister Thompson. May Lucas continue to show more progress."

He turned to Lucas and added, "And to Lucas, thank you for being brave and following what | tell you and what your parents tell you. | know it was boring here, but you did not complain, and | love that about you."

"Thank you, Doctor Patel. Thank you so much." Shantelle could not help but offer a hug to Lucas' oncologist. He may have been strict in Lucas' isolation, but it proved effective because Lucas did not acquire any infection within the isolation

unit.

After Doctor Patel left, Evan and Shantelle hugged Lucas. The three cried with joy in the next few minutes, howling in tears from the news. As they called their friends and family, they continued to weep.

Clara was overjoyed. Eleanor cried. Erick could not be more proud of his son's sacrifices for Lucas, while William said,

"We chose the best doctor and, Shanty, thanks to your husband for having the means to get Lucas through this." As usual, they called Lucas’ grandparents through an online conference call. On the screen, they could see William wiping

the corners of his eyes from his office. He said, "Evan, thank you for being a provider for Lucas."

Evan smiled proudly at his father-in-law. He said, "I would give the world to my children.”

To celebrate the good news, Evan ordered a special lunch for Lucas. She and Shantelle were having a sumptuous meal

when Sean called his mobile. Evan was still putting food into his mouth, and seeing his friend call, he dismissed it, saying,

"Later, Sean."

He meant to call Sean after their meal but forgot about it as they resumed their intimate feast.

In the afternoon, the couple spent an hour talking about their plans when Lucas would be out of the hospital. They also

had the chance to be on a video call with Kaleb Wright and his family. Lily was especially thrilled to know that Lucas’ new

cells were growing.

At three in the afternoon, Shantelle's work phone rang. Evan was the first to notice. He said, "Tell them you can't. Let's

enjoy this moment with our son."

Shantelle paused and thought about it. Then she agreed. She did not want to disappoint her son now that there was progress in his health. She answered the call and was immediately informed of an emergency surgery. On the phone, the

The ER nurse said, "It's a trauma patient from a car crash accident. We suspect internal bleeding and damage to the lungs -"

"Please get in touch with Doctor Hale or Doctor Chen. | can't make it," Shantelle informed.

"Oh, but Doctor Hale is here, Doctor Shant. He said you'd want to take this patient," the nurse reported. "He is in terrible

shape."

Shantelle frowned. Her skin formed goosebumps as she asked, "Who is the patient?"

"Mister Sean Ross," the nurse replied. 2

Shantelle's mouth fell on the floor. She was quick to say, "I'll be there." She called Miguel and instructed, "Miguel prepare

the car. | am heading to the heart and lung center!" "Wifey? What's going on? | thought we agreed you'd stay for Lucas?" Evan sought.

Shantelle had to be very careful not to worry her son. Thus, she approached Evan and whispered in his ear, "Sean was

admitted to the heart and lung center. He was involved in a car crash and is bleeding. They want me in because he is not

in good condition."

Evan stilled, but Shantelle still moved her feet. She bid goodbye to Lucas, saying there was an emergency.

When Evan returned to his senses, he chased after his wife in the doffing area, saying, "Whatever happens, save him,

Shanty! Save him."

"I will. | have to go, Evan," Shantelle said.

At Saint Dominique Heart and Lung Center operating room one, Sean had an open chest surgery. Shantelle and a group

surgeons performed an exploration operation, finding damages to his chest cavity and organs. He was losing so much

blood that they did not have the time to use the robotic surgery on him or perform a CT scan, i

"His blood pressure is dropping,” the anesthesiologist reported before giving Sean another medication.

"Sean, just a little bit more. I'm almost done," Shantelle said as she navigated through his chest wall, right above his lung,

where most of the bleeding was happening. It was a major vein closer to the heart which was punctured due to the shattered window glass of his car.

Shantelle was sewing the origin of the bleeding while Doctor Hale put pressure on the veins.

"Clear the blood," Shantelle instructed her assistant surgeon. After suctioning the blood that pooled on Sean's chest walls,

they noticed more blood coming out. They realized there was another source of the bleeding.

"His blood pressure is still dropping,” the anesthesiologist announced.

Shantelle was already panicking, but knowing that wouldn't help, she and Doctor Hale worked hand in hand, trying to find

the other source. As they did, Shantelle kept speaking to Sean, "Please, don't give up on me, Sean. Just a little bit more."

While that was happening, Sean's blood pressure continued to decline despite being given added medication and a blood

transfusion. By the time Shantelle found the last source of the bleeding, the worst thing had happened. Sean's heart slowed down. 2

Shantelle massaged Sean's heart, but that did not work. They had to shock his heart, and only then did it return to a

normal rhythm. More blood transfusions followed.

The operation turned out to be a success. Shantelle and her team stopped the bleeding, repaired his damaged organs,

and revived Sean's heart, but due to so much blood loss, he went into a coma.

A day after Sean's surgery, Evan and Shantelle finally switched places at the Children's Hospital. Evan came to see Sean

as soon as he left Lucas’ side.

Sean was in the ICU, fully intubated and hooked to various machines. Evan met Sean's wife at the hospital, and she gave

him a moment. Before leaving, Brooklyn said, "Evan, | just thought you should know that he was very adamant about speaking to you the other day. Sean was at your office to look at some documents. We were supposed to meet, but he

insisted on staying at the office longer for you to call him back. Whatever it was, it must have been really important.” [

When Evan sat next to his unconscious friend, he felt guilty altogether for missing his call. That was the only time Evan

checked his voicemail and realized Sean had left him two messages. He played both voicemails.

Voicemail one from Sean: "Evan, | need to talk to you. It's important. Call me when you are not busy."

Voicemail two from Sean: "| just left your office building, man. | could not stand how your CFO was glaring at me. If looks

could kill, I could have died. Evan, | thought you should know someone is stealing money from your company. | brought

the folder with me - what the -" i

The next thing Evan heard was the sound of Sean's car crashing, Evan's skin crawled. His jaws clenched.

Chapter 156: Evan's Guilt

The first thing that Ever did was go to the police station. Wendell met him there, and with their family's influence, they got

approval from the chief of police to secure documents within Sean's car.

Although Sean's BMW was severely hit in the front, most of his belongings in the trunk and back were still intact. The

Police were waiting for Sean's family to get them, but instead, Evan and Wendell came for his things.

The two friends were walking down from the second floor of the police station when they saw Evan's CFO speaking with a

police officer in the receiving area.

"Mister Ross has taken essential documents from the company since we hired him as our external accountant. We need

the documents are bad. | was wondering if maybe he left it in his car," Evan's CFO, Griffin Hernan, said to the police. Somehow, Evan had an inkling. He raised his voice as he answered on behalf of the police officer, "I have it!"

When Griffin turned to Evan, his face paled, and his mouth fell open. He said, "Evan, | -1 thought you were still in isolation

with your son -"

"| left isolation because | wanted to know what happened to Sean!" Evan spat. He glowered at Griffin, saying, "You know,

Sean had called me before the accident. He said something about you being upset about how he was looking into the

books. Why?"

"Oh, Evan, please. You know that | have this obsession with the order of things. | do not want any important documents

misplaced," Griffin reasoned.

Despite Mister Hernan's words, Evan doubted him now. At the back of Evan's head, he feared he was trying to find someone to blame for Sean's situation. However, his CFO's actions utterly raised his suspicion.

"I'll keep these documents,” Evan coldly replied. "And don't call me Evan. You may be older than me, and an apprentice of

my father, but | am still your boss."

"Y - yes, Mister Thompson," Griffin Hernan said before reluctantly leaving the police station.

Evan could not let it go. Because of the heaviness in his heart, he urged Wendell to help him get the surveillance videos

from the traffic lights where Sean met an accident.

They were immediately assigned an investigator to look into Sean's case. In the meantime, the two friends looked into the

book of accounts of Evan's company, specifically his financial business.

"Coffee?" Milan entered Evan's study and placed two cups down at the table. One for him and one for Wendell. "Thanks, Milan," Evan said.

Wendell winked at her, saying, "Enjoy a night's rest without me. Evan and | will be busy the entire night."

Milan chuckled and replied, "I'll check on the twins. Mrs. Shaw could use a break."

For that night, Evan requested Wendell and Milan to stay overnight at the mansion, and they were happy to do so since

they missed the babies. Although, Wendell would do more reading than caring for the twins.

Evan and Wendell went through the documents one by one, and at two in the morning, they found an entry that shouldn't

be there.

"For the past year, your financial entity has been moving ten thousand dollars to TriCopy monthly," Wendell pointed out.

"It's not a big amount and could easily fall in your miscellaneous expenses, but this is the missing piece of the puzzle."

"That's a local company in Lockwood that invested in us for the stock market," Evan revealed. He returned to the latest

money transfers and said with a frown, "but last month, there was a transfer of two hundred thousand?" i "Exactly when you were out in isolation," Wendell remarked.

After going through several files stored on their company's online drive, Evan discovered that the contract for TriCopy had

ended over a year ago and that they had pulled out their investment. So why were they still sending capital gains to TriCopy? Sadly, Evan could not cover all the money transfers. He had to distribute the financial responsibility, and that

was the job of his Chief Financial Officer. Evan usually approved all transfers beyond fifty thousand dollars. Griffin Hernan

did anything below that.

"Guess who approved the transfer?” Wendell said.

"The only one who could approve transfers while | am away," Evan said, groaning. "Fuck."

The man compared previous years' transfers and realized, "The account number is different. It's fucking different!” "Hey, don't blame yourself," Wendell said. "It's a big company to manage, especially since you handle a group of

companies. After this, you must consider breaking down your companies rather than putting it all on your shoulder." Evan felt his chest congestion. He remarked, "That would have been something Sean would say."

Wendell nodded, replying, "Il agree."

- oR %

The next day, everything came to light.

The authorities returned with the traffic surveillance, and it was clear how a truck had purposely crashed into Sean's car.

After hitting the car's hood, the same truck retreated and slammed it again into Sean's vehicle. It created more damage to

Sean's car. 1

The traffic enforcers reported how the pickup truck driver claimed to have lost control of his breaks, but how could he still

reverse, pause, and gas up again? Then came another guestion, what urged the unknown driver to crash his truck into

Sean's vehicle?

A background check on the driver later revealed how he was related to Griffin Hernan. It did not take a genius to put two

and two together.

Wendell and Evan were at the police station, finding out how everything was pointing to the CFO. Evan was fuming inside

in front of the table and repeatedly ran his hands over his head. He looked at his friend and asked," Can your father still

Help me with the warrant of arrest? | want it now - now, now, now!"

With a nod, Wendell answered, "I'll give him a call.”

*k%k

Somehow, Griffin Hernan must have gotten a hint. He did not report for work that day, and his mobile was unreachable.

When the police searched his home, Mister Hernan and his wife were missing.

Connecting with the town's mayor, Evan ordered checkpoints at every exit. He called the local TV network and alerted

them of his CFO's embezzlement and how he was fleeing the city. At the same time, Griffin's face was aired on TV. Airlines were also warned against taking Griffin and his wife as their passengers.

At twelve midnight, when Evan still had no word where his CFO had gone, he announced to the entire city how he was

giving a one-million-dollar reward to whoever could point out where Griffin was hiding. Everything was shared with the

local TV network and the company's social media page. With how Evan went all out for Griffin's search, the CFO was eventually found at dawn. A motel staff reported Mister

Hernan and his wife checked in on one of their rooms using fake IDs.

Griffin Hernan and his wife were locked up the next day, and their assets were frozen.

At eight in the morning, Evan went to see Griffin in jail. He said, "If you had money problems - if you needed money, | would have given it to you in a heartbeat. All you needed to do was ask. Did you know | had a two-million- dollar plan for

your retirement, Griffin?"

Evan was gritting his teeth and clenching his hands. His lips trembled as he added, "Never mind the embezzlement, but

you tried to kill my friend! And for that, you will suffer! You have not only lost your pension but also incriminated your wife!

The driver - your distant relative? He will grow old in jail!" "No, please, Evan. Please forgive me. | got greedy. | thought it was just a little money, and you would not even notice,"

Griffin said, begging. "And the car accident? I'm sorry. | was afraid I'd lose it all!"

"Again, it's not about the money, but the life you had tried to take away!" Evan shot back. "Suffer the consequences of

your actions because | will never forgive you!"

Evan no longer dwelled inside the police station. He went straight to see Sean next.

Inside the ICU, Evan could not help but feel emotional. He blamed himself for Sean's predicament. Oh, how he wished

Now he did not ask Sean to check on the company's finances while he was in isolation with Lucas.

How would Lucas feel then if his son ever found out too? He held Sean's hand and gripped it tightly. He said, "Man, I'm sorry. Had | known this would happen, | would just let you

enjoy your new married life. Fuck. | feel so responsible." "Please wake up, Sean. Because if you don't, | might hate myself

for a long time," Evan said.

Chapter 157: Brooklyn's Decision

"That's it, Lucas. Lift the ball like that," a physical therapist said. ‘Bend your knee. Good job! Now let's have the other knee."

The therapist guided Lucas into position and instructed, "Now lift the ball."

It was common for post-chemotherapy patients to feel fatigued in the months following their treatment. Lucas’ young heart

wasn't an exception. To help him regain his energy, Doctor Patel recommended that Lucas have regular sessions with a

physical therapist.

Lucas was already performing stretching exercises when the therapist said to Shantelle, "Doctor Shant. You may opt to

bring in a camcorder next to master Lucas’ routine, plus the massages. This will be helpful when you get home. You or a

caregiver for Lucas can resume his therapy."

"Oh, that's a great idea. Although, we wouldn't mind hiring you instead," Shantelle replied.

The therapist laughed. She said, "Yeah, that's an option. | have been meaning to take a break from doing oncology therapy."

"You know, I've always thought you look familiar," Shantelle said. "Have we met before?"

"We have." The therapist seemed shy before admitting. "My family used to work for Ross'. Sean Ross and | were good

friends. | met you twice when you were married to Mister Thompson."

"Oh, wait. Let me remember. | think your name was a candy," Shantelle said while fishing through her brain. "| knew you

looked so familiar."

The therapist laughed in between, but Shantelle eventually recalled,” Reese! That's it!"

"Yes, Reese Kennedy," the therapist replied. "Anyway, | better go. I'm running late for the next patient

"Do you know about Sean, though?" Shantelle asked. She wasn't sure if Reese and Sean were still in touch. Since she

returned to Rose Hills, Sean was already with Brooklyn and had not been mentioning any other female friends. 1 "Ah, no. Actually, | was out of town for several years. | just returned and have been so busy since. | didn't get a chance to

reconnect with the Ross family," Reese replied.

"Mommy, are you talking about Uncle Sean? Why hasn't he called me? It's been six days, | think," Lucas complained. "Let

i call him."

Shantelle tried to hold Lucas back from calling Sean, but failed. She didn't know how to break the bad news to her son.

Evan had insisted it would not be good for Lucas. Fortunately, Sean's messenger kept ringing.

"Maybe your Uncle Sean is busy, Lucas," Shantelle explained. "Let's give him some time to call you, okay?" After Lucas agreed, Shantelle guided the therapist out of the isolation room and into the anti-room. It was from there that

She told Reese about Sean's condition.

At the heart and lung center ICU, Keith and Evan were outside waiting for feedback from the doctors.

"How long have you been here?" Evan asked.

"An hour ago. When Doctor Hale and two other surgeons walked in, give or take, around twenty minutes, they hadn't allowed anyone inside Sean's unit, " Keith said while peeking through the ICU doors.

"Did Brooklyn come?" Evan asked.

"| think she got occupied at the company with Sean gone," Keith said. "Only

Sean's parents are here."

Keith pointed to the waiting area of the ICU, where both of Sean's parents were sitting down.

Sean and Brooklyn were both accountants. Together they ran their own accounting firm, The Balance Point Accounting

Firm. It was their joint venture as a couple and now as husband and wife.

"| feel bad," Evan admitted. "Now Brooklyn is under a lot of stress t00."

The man leaned into Keith, revealing, "Brooklyn has been giving me the silent treatment since she found out it was my

CFO who did this to Sean."

Keith rubbed Evan's back. He said, "She will get over it. In time. What's important now to help Sean -"

"Mister and Misses Ross?" A nurse suddenly interrupted their exchange. She said, "You are needed inside your son's

room."

Because Evan and Keith were not direct family members, they lingered outside the ICU for another half an hour. Minutes

Later, Doctor Hale came out with the other doctors. They were smiling at each other, and when Evan and Doctor Hale

locked eyes, the same doctor smiled brightly at Evan. He said, "Sean is awake."

Relief washed over Evan, and he gave Keith a manly hug. Then he turned to Doctor Hale. The doctor reported, "We had

sedated him for now because he woke up in the middle of our assessment and was probably shocked by everything

attached to him. He was choking on his breathing tube, and his heartbeat went up. He is breathing on his own, thank god.

We plan to remove his ventilator tomorrow morning. If everything goes well, he should be moved to a regular room in the

afternoon the next day."

"But Evan, Sean still has a long way to go. We did not operate on his knee injury yet, because our priority was to stop his

internal bleeding. At this stage, he still needs a lot of support,” Doctor Hale said, and the man nodded, i

After that chat with Doctor Hale, Keith and Evan visited Sean while still sleeping. Evan, for one, hugged Sean tightly

before leaving his friend to rest.

It wasn't until the next day that Evan and his friends finally got together with Sean in his private room.

Sean was still weak. He could barely move his body and constantly groaned in pain each time he attempted to move. All

three walked in, catching Brooklyn and helping Sean drink some water.

Faintly, Sean asked, "Who the fuck are you guys? You look like monks who decided to grow hair - oh, wait. | am also

semi-bald?"

Wendell, Evan, and Keith laughed thoroughly. They worked around Sean's bed and found a part of him to embrace.

"Ouch. It's fucking painful! Keith, my chest might open up!” Sean complained, but his friends remained laughing anyway.

"Okay, guys. Give me some space. | can't breathe," Sean complained, and eventually, all three grown men gave him some distance. "| just want to know one thing, did you guys cry for me?"

"He did!" Wendell said, pointing to Keith. Evan said the same, but he pointed to Wendell. Whereas Keith pointed to Evan.

No one admitted to crying, but the truth was, they had a share of weeping out of worry for Sean.

Understanding what happened, Sean laughed. Despite struggling to move, he said, "I'm glad you all cried for me. | guess

you really are true friends."

They all chatted about the things Sean had missed, including a regular chat with Lucas. Sean had decided to give the little

boy a call, but not through a video call. At least Lucas knew he was fine.

When evening came, Evan had to leave. He said, "My mother-in-law should be going home anytime now. | best get home

and see the twins. By the way, about your knee, Keith and | are looking for the best orthopedic surgeon to take a look at it

"Yes, | mean, the one looking at you right now is good, but we want you to have the best," Keith remarked. "I'll cover the

insurance!"

"And I'll take care of the expenses," Evan said.

"| think you should take care of the expenses, Evan,” Brooklyn said. "Wasn't this your company's fault to begin with?" 1

Because of that remark, Evan asked for time alone with Brooklyn. Outside Sean's hospital room, Evan said to her, "So |

take it you are mad at me. You know it's not my fault, right? But | get it. My company is somewhat responsible, but I'm

trying to compensate for it. I'll pay the hospital fees and find the best doctor to operate on Sean's right knee."

It was because Sean's knees were dislocated due to the accident. Apart from his chest surgery, he still needed knee

surgery.

Brooklyn nodded and replied, "Do that. Pay for the bills, but as for his subsequent treatment, we can take it from here."

Looking away, Brooklyn said, "I think, Evan, it’s high time Sean stays away from you, Keith, and Wendell. Look at how it

only got him in trouble?" i

"Brooklyn, what has gotten into you

"What has gotten into me? Evan, you will never understand because you weren't the one who cried all night long while

under pressure with the company, Sean and | were both supposed to run,” Brooklyn described. "For a long time, | was

patient with your -"

Quoting with her fingers, she said, "Boys club. But now, | seriously think you, Wendell, and Keith have to grow up and

start living with your families instead of involving one another, especially you, Evan! What? Wendell is helping care for

your kids? Sean has to call Lucas every day? And don't you

forget about how he shaved his head?!" i

"What's going to be next, Evan? How long will Sean live under your supreme command?" Sucking in a deep breath. She

added, "I'm sorry, but now, | will have to insist that your bond be tamed. Your involvement in his life is preventing him from

spreading his wings."

Chapter 158: May Go Home

Text from Sean: [The ghost is clear. My mom is on her way and would love to have breakfast with you guys.] 2

Text from Andy: [I just saw your friend's wife get in the car, Mister Thompson.]

Those were Evan's cues. He and Wendell were in his car, parked beneath the heart and lung center, waiting for Brooklyn

to leave for work. Keith was in his car, also waiting. Knowing that Brooklyn had already left, the three proceeded to Sean's private room.

Sean's hospital stay was extended for another week. He had several tests done to ensure there were no other injuries

they needed to worry about it. When everything else was cleared, Sean underwent a knee surgery, but he went with the

the doctor is already treating him instead of looking for someone new.

Brooklyn thought she had made Sean follow her request to avoid Evan and his other friends. In truth, however, Sean's

best friends only waited to ride it out until Brooklyn cooled down. On that day, they visited Sean early in the morning without Brooklyn's knowledge.

As soon as the three friends entered Sean's room, they shared a brotherly hug. They even called Lucas from the room,

admitting that Sean was in the hospital.

"Hey, what's that long face, buddy? Your uncle Sean is fine. Now that the doctors fixed my knee, | just need to exercise

my muscles and legs so | can walk again," Sean said on the phone to Lucas. 1

"Now, enough about me. How about you, huh? | heard that your blood counts went up!" Sean asked.

Lucas nodded and said, "Yes, Doctor Patel said | am doing great. And that's because | have my siblings’ blood. They

helped me a lot."

"Wow!" Sean remarked. "I think you are getting close, Lucas."

"Yes, I've been eating lots of vegetables," Lucas added. "You should have more vegetables too, uncle."

"I sure will," Sean replied.

"Anyway, Uncle. If you need help with your exercise, my therapist is a big help," Lucas said. "I'll tell her later to teach you

a few exercises."

After a short pause, Lucas said, "I have to go, Uncle. Breakfast is here."

"Bye, Sean and Wendell. Hubby, take care at work. Love you!" Shantelle said, sitting next to Lucas.

It was after the video call that Evan remembered Lucas’ physical therapist. He was about to tell Sean when Mrs. Ross

walked in the door, saying," Boys, let's have breakfast together."

Instead of telling Sean about Reese, Evan's mind shifted to helping Mrs. Ross prepare the dining area. Wendell, Keith,

and Evan returned to Sean's side since he still could not walk. They ate breakfast together, throwing jokes on the side.

"How does a frog feel with a broken foot?" Sean asked with a smirk.

"What?" Keith asked.

"Unhappy. Bahahaha!" Sean burst into a set of laughter. Evan himself felt his stomach in pain from laughing again. Keith was the same.

"Now, that's funny!” Wendell said to Sean.

"You boys haven't changed one bit," Sean’s mother said. "You have grown old, but you can still crack jokes." She winked

at them and said, "That's great because more than just the laughter, it's how together you can be in times like these that

make a difference."

"Let me get your plates so you can have your last-minute chitchat," Mrs. Ross offered.

It was precisely what Sean's mother had said. Evan, Keith, and Wendell relished the time together with Sean that early

morning. When the clock turned eight, they bid their goodbyes, saying they needed to get to work. However, before

leaving, Sean called, "Hey, guys!"

Sean moved to the bedside table and pulled out a pack of opened Reese's chocolates. He asked, "By the way, thanks for

the peanut butter cup treat. Who sent these? This came two days ago with a note telling me to get well soon." 1

The three friends looked at each other. Evan said, "I didn't send you those."

"| didn't either,” Keith said.

"Honestly, | had forgotten how you used to be addicted to Reese's chocolates,” Wendell proposed.

"Then, who sent these?" Sean asked, utterly puzzled. The three friends shrugged. Sean was left to wonder but relished his treat otherwise. 1

Days went by fast. Sean was discharged from the heart and lung center three days after the knee surgery. He continued

to recuperate in his new home with Brooklyn. He still could not walk and required the assistance of a caregiver. It would

take at least six weeks for him to recover from the surgery itself, with a few exercises required.

As for Lucas, he passed his isolation with flying colors, and his blood count continued to go up. He finally experienced

interaction with other children on the isolation floor. He still wore a mask and often practiced health protocols like washing

hands and often disinfecting.

On the fourth month of being admitted to the Children's Hospital, Doctor Patel relaxed Lucas's isolation, slowly exposing

Lucas to the outside world. While occupying the isolation unit, he was eventually allowed weekly controlled visitors. Aside

From that, two parents were now permitted to stay overnight to watch Lucas.

Eleanor and William came to see Lucas in the first week of the fourth month. The second the young boy saw his grandparents, his eyes watered.

"Grandma! Grandpa! | miss you so much!" He was already free of all IV medications, and thus, he rushed to embrace his

grandparents.

"Oh, my boy! | miss my baby Lucas," Eleanor said. Her eyes were swollen because she had been crying from the car ride

up to that point. She kissed Lucas on his forehead, saying, "I miss you so much! | love you so much."

"| love you too, Grandma," Lucas said. He turned to reach for William, who had also been crying. He held his hand and

said, "Grandpa, | miss you."

William joined in the embrace, hugging Lucas. Behind them, Shantelle's eyes were watering while Evan took deep

breaths, trying to hold back his tears. Their howls were unending as William and Eleanor shared a good two hours with

Lucas, eating snacks, chatting, and taking pictures.

The scene was the same in the second week. It was Clara and Erick's turn to visit Lucas. Like the last, everyone was in

tears with their reunion, and Lucas felt loved all over again.

In the third week, Keith and Karise visited Lucas. Wendell and Milan took their turn in the fourth week. They were trying

to schedule Sean and Brooklyn to visit next, but before they could even bring it up, Sean declined, saying he wasn’t in

good shape. They were unsure if it was Brooklyn or Sean, but Evan also knew how his friend had been complaining about

the swelling on his knee.

After exactly four months of staying in the Children's Hospital, Doctor Patel came in one morning with a big grin on his

face. Only Shantelle was around since Evan was at work. "Good morning, Doctor Shant," Doctor Patel said. "I have good news."

"What is it, Doctor?" Shantelle asked, her smile reaching her ears. The truth was she had become so close with the

nurses and doctors in the hospital that she already had a clue about Lucas’ blood count.

"Oh, what's the thrill in this? | think you already know!" Doctor Patel said.

Tears stung Shantelle's eyes. She said, "Yes, | know." "Lucas' blood count is at normal range. Tomorrow, Lucas may go home. I'll give you a long list of discharge instructions for

you to follow." Doctor Patel pointed to Lucas and declared, "And you may.... already kiss your son on the cheek." 1 Shantelle broke down in tears. She was crying so much that her tears stained her blouse. She hugged Lucas outright,

kissing his cheek and saying, "Thank you, Lucas, for being brave. We are finally going home." 1

Like his mommy, Lucas was also crying. He hugged Shantelle tight and said, "Mommy, I'm a strong boy." "Yes, you are," Shantelle said. "And | love you for that." Inside the CEQ's office of The Thompson Group of Companies, Evan had just sent an email to a client. His phone

suddenly rang, and he picked it up, seeing it was his wife calling.

"Wifey?" Evan asked.

"Doctor Patel gave Lucas his discharge order. He's going home tomorrow!"

Shantelle said on the other line. 1

At the news, Evan gasped. He was filled with emotions that needed to be let out. He was relieved, but he felt like crying.

He needed someone to share the moment. 1

He marched outside the office, and the first person he saw was James. Evan did not think twice. Despite James being surrounded by other secretaries, he embraced his assistant. He said, "Thank you, James, for being someone | can rely on

during our difficult times. Lucas is finally being discharged from the hospital. For your loyalty, | will give you a hundred grand bonus for this year!"

When Evan pulled away, he was still smiling, but he saw James' forehead formed beads of sweat. He said, "What a relief,

Sir. For a moment there, | thought you had changed preferences. Hahaha." 5

The man frowned. He answered, "I'll take back the hundred grand.”

Chapter 159: Lucas' Surprise

Lucas was hopping in his seat the second he saw the twins carried by his grandmothers. He said, "l wanna go outside! |

i wanna go outside!"

"Relax, Lucas. I'm pulling over!" Miguel said while driving the car.

Evan, Shantelle, and Lucas drove to their home first. A moving truck followed, carrying Lucas's entertainment set, the

same one he had at the hospital; his drum set and guitar. Lucas donated his colossal TV for the children's entertainment room on the isolation floor of Rose Hills Children's

Hospital. Evan willingly agreed, knowing Lucas felt connected to the children on the same floor. It was Lucas’ way of

giving back.

When Miguel pulled over, Evan opened the door for Lucas, and the boy ran in tears to hug his siblings. "Amelia. | miss

you so much! | love you, baby!"

Turning to Shantelle, Lucas remarked, "She is so big now, Mommy!"

"You should check out Marcus," Evan remarked.

"Wow! Marcus is so chubby!" Lucas exclaimed, making everyone laugh.

"Marcus drinks a lot of milk, Lucas," Eleanor said. "Welcome home, my boy," William said, offering his arms to Lucas. "I miss you every day."

To his grandpa William, Lucas embraced and kissed his cheeks. He said, "I miss you too, grandpa."

Erick was already teary-eyed, seeing Lucas. He requested the next hug, saying, "I'm so glad you have had your treatment

Lucas, and finally, we can have our regular gathering." Now that Lucas’ blood counts were normal, he received kisses on the cheeks from all his grandparents. Mrs. Shaw was

the same, embracing Lucas tightly and pecking his cheek. Everyone at home missed him terribly.

For the rest of the afternoon, Lucas spent time with his siblings, playing with them at the nursery. On the other hand, Evan

and Shantelle prepared for their evening gathering.

At seven o'clock sharp, visitors arrived. Keith and Karise were the first, and yet again, Lucas was showered with love,

from gifts to kisses and words of praise.

Milan and Wendell soon arrived, carrying a huge present. When Lucas received the box, he read the card, "To the bravest

kid on the block, Lucas Thompson! Yay!"

Their group had assembled at a long table by the patio, serving as their evening dining area. Lucas chatted about his

adventures at the hospital, including other children, but soon he recognized someone missing.

He looked around, his neck stretching to the driveway, and asked, "Where is Uncle Sean?"

"Ah, he is still having pain from his knee injury." Shantelle looked at Evan as if asking for permission. She resumed, "We

are not sure if he could make it."

Changing the topic, Shantelle revealed, "But we have a great surprise for you!"

"What is it?" Lucas asked.

Evan checked his watch and said, "Well, your Uncle James should be bringing his next gift. He should be here any minute

now."

Lucas's gaze extended as the food was served on the long table. He often got up to peek through the driveway. It made

The adults laughed, but soon, a limo entered the gates and parked at the driveway. Lucas became extra excited, but as much

as he wanted to see his surprise from the patio, Evan warned, "Lucas, take your seat and wait. Your gift surprise will be

coming through the living room area."

"Okay, Daddy," Lucas said before pouting her lips. 1

The entire time Lucas waited, Shantelle studied her son. She smiled and anticipated her son's joyful reaction. Eventually,

They heard footsteps coming from the living room and little feet running.

"Lucas!" It was Lily. Scarlett Wright flew all the way from Braeton and brought her daughter to see Lucas. It was her way

of bringing a smile to Lucas' face and also to Lily's. Scarlett also had an important matter to discuss with Shantelle. 2

"Lily!" Lucas screamed with bright eyes. 2

The two ran to each other, and Shantelle swore; it played in slow motion in her head. It was as though Lily and Lucas

never chatted with each other online. They hugged each other tightly, both hopping in their stance and teary-eyed. 1 "| miss you, Lucas!" Lily exclaimed.

"I miss you too, Lily. Thanks for coming!" Lucas said.

"I'm going to teach you how to play the drums!" Lucas offered.

"I'd love that!" Lily said.

The two continued to chat right in front of the adults, entertaining everyone.

"Those two are just so cute," Milan remarked.

"They are, aren't they?" Shantelle also commented. Suddenly, Lucas and Lily were ready to leave and work on their itinerary. Scarlett held them back and said, "Before you

learn to play drums and play with Lucas’ siblings, you need to eat dinner."

The kids groaned, encouraging giggles around them. Their party began to indulge in mouthwatering food. James, who had dropped off Scarlett and Lily, also joined the special

welcome celebration. Everyone relished their meal and failed to notice a car had arrived.

Moments later, a familiar voice came through, "Having fun without me? That's not good." 1

Everyone's head snapped in the direction of the voice. They were all shocked to find Sean!

"Uncle Sean!" Lucas exclaimed, his eyes rounded in delight. 1

"I'm so glad you can make it, Sean!" Evan said. He stood up and approached Sean.

A male caregiver was pushing Sean. He was still in a wheelchair, unable to walk properly. When Evan stood before his

friend, he leaned down and hugged Sean. He said, "Damn, since you left the heart and lung center, | haven't seen you."

Keith and Wendell also approached to offer Sean a hug. Lucas was the next to embrace Sean. He said, "Uncle, Sean. |

i really miss you! You have forgotten our daily calls."

A hiss left Sean's lips. He caressed Lucas’ head and said, "Uncle Sean is still not well. I'm sorry, Lucas, but we can spend

more time together when | get better."

Shantelle also got up to embrace Sean. Milan did the same, but Karise only blew him a kiss. She said, "Sean, | love you,

but I'm getting too heavy to keep getting up."

A laugh escaped Sean's lips as his caregiver found him a vacant space in front of the table. He said, "That's fine. I'l be

glad to sit in front of you, Karise."

"Where is Brooklyn?" Karise asked.

There was a short pause coming from Evan, Keith, and Wendell. Their eyes looked elsewhere as if evading the topic.

Soon, however, Sean replied, "Ah, Brooklyn is still at the firm. She has a lot of work to do."

Sean cleared his throat to defend his wife, "I could barely help her out at the firm, so she is taking a lot of work."

"Oh," Karise said. "Isn't that why you guys hire more people?"

At that point, Shantelle glared at Karise, but she did not see anything wrong with her question.

"Haha." Sean groaned. He replied, "My wife is an accountant. Do you know that most accountants are thrifty? Brooklyn is

very good with holding money, maybe... a little too good?" "And here comes the monster cake!" Evan purposely shifted everyone's attention as the cook brought a giant, moist

chocolate cake covered in chocolate ganache.

"Woah!" Lucas and Lily said at the same time.

As the cook served the cake on the table, he described, "The cake can be paired with vanilla ice cream."

"Yay!" Lucas and Lily exclaimed together.

The children's delight and excitement brought happiness to everyone's eyes that they had all forgotten about Sean's situation. While the rest started with their dessert, Sean and his caregiver ate their meals.

Later in the evening, after Evan and Shantelle's parents had left, the men gathered to catch up. Milan, Shantelle, Karise,

and Scarlett formed a group of their own. Lily and Lucas went straight to the nursery to play with the twins.

The men went to the pool area to enjoy some drinks. It was from there that Sean suddenly broke down in tears. 1 It shocked Evan, Wendell, and Keith. Sean was the most playful in their group, the funniest, and the one with the happiest

disposition. They had never seen their friend break down in such a way.

When Sean leaned back, he revealed, "Two days ago, the doctor told me that | should be able to start walking by now,

even in small steps."

"He fucking said that he did everything he could, and now it was up to me to strengthen my muscles," Sean said. "But until

Now, my knee is still feeling like shit."

"What makes things worse is that Brooklyn and | have been fighting so much since we lived together," Sean gasped and

revealed, "Then, after realizing how | wasn't getting any better, she said -"

Sean swallowed air down his throat before revealing, "She said she wants a fucking divorce. She said this was not the

marriage | promised her."

Chapter 160: Brooklyn's Request

HHE FLASHBACK: TWO DAYS BACK

The drive home from the hospital was completely silent. Brooklyn was behind the wheel, often sighing in dismay and tears

welling in her eyes. It was clear to Sean that the doctor's assessment of his progress disappointed her.

Sean's day shift caregiver, Pete, was giving him a worried look. He immediately said, "Mister Ross. I'm sorry, but | have

things to do tonight. | can't do overtime."

It no longer surprised Sean. When he hired the caregiver, the young man was eager to render overtime, but when Pete

often caught him and

Brooklyn fighting in the past few days, he started to decline to stay longer.

With Pete heading home early, there would be a three hour gap for the next caregiver. Worse, Pete was off the next day.

This meant that Brooklyn would have to sacrifice more of her time to attend to Sean, and lately, that had been the source

of their quarrels. If that wasn't enough, they sometimes argued about his old friends too.

Brooklyn felt utterly stressed about their situation. Because Sean had to go to the hospital for daily therapy, and his body

was still recuperating from two surgeries, he could only offer a few hours of his time for work.

His wife especially disliked it if Sean could not clean himself in the bathroom, and this was especially true during the first

week since his discharge. 3

Aside from that, there was so much maintenance that Sean had to do, like cleaning his wound regularly, applying the

medication, and monitoring his vitals.

Sean had suggested they hire a new senior accountant to help cover for his absence, but at the same time, Brooklyn was

keeping the expenses tight. She didn't think it was necessary. She also had the same opinion about hiring a third

caregiver for Sean.

There was a moment when Brooklyn suggested that Sean stay with his parents, but he disagreed. They were husband

and wife, and they should live together. In fact, they were supposed to be in their honeymoon stage, but they were far

from it. Moreover, what will his parents think of his wife? That she was returning him to them? Sean was worried about

what his parents might think of Brooklyn. That was how much he loved her.

When they arrived at their villa, Pete helped Sean to his room. He prepared Sean's medication and assisted him into his

shower wheelchair. Then the caregiver left. Sean could tell Pete was afraid of the upcoming confrontation between Brooklyn and him.

The newly married couple did not have maids staying with them overnight. It wasn't necessary yet for them since they did

not have kids. Thus, they were alone. Brooklyn was mainly on her own to help Sean.

Sean started to undress. He tried to put on his knee shower cast cover, but it proved difficult. When he asked for

With Brooklyn's help, she did it in silence. Then she suggested, "Maybe you are not trying enough to get better, Sean. You

i need to tolerate the pain, you know."

"It is painful,” Sean said. "I'm thinking of seeing another doctor -"

"And get another operation? Take another what? Two or maybe three months to get better? How long will | be taking care

do you like this?" Brooklyn asked.

Brooklyn, | did not want this to happen to me," Sean said. She fell silent again, and after covering Sean's knee, she said, "Take a shower by yourself. | have things to do." Brooklyn was in front of her laptop again, working inside their room.

Sean was left with no choice but to shower on his own. Thankfully, with a waterproofed wheelchair, and a telephone

shower, he managed on his own. However, getting into a new set of clothes was another story. He asked for Brooklyn's

help again, and she did, but not before rolling her eyes. Because Sean's medication made him nauseous, he rested for an hour.

Hours passed. Sean awoke to Brooklyn screaming on the phone.

"What do you mean you can't come? Did Pete put you up to this? Fine! You are fired!" Brooklyn said to the night shift caretaker. She turned to Sean and said, "Pete probably said something to Jake, and now he is not coming too! I'm going

to fire Pete." 1

When Sean realized who his wife was talking to, he said, "You fired Jake, and now you want to fire Pete. You don't even

want to take care of me -"

"| am your wife and business partner, Sean, not your maid! This is not what | imagined when | married you! | wasn't supposed to clean your shit or assist you in the shower. Did you forget how my father treated me like a princess? You

promised to do the same like you have been doing for years!

| was your pampered girlfriend, and | loved it!" Brooklyn said. "It was fine to take care of you during the first few days, but

It's been weeks! And you forget about the company too? I'm doing everything! Don't you think | have suffered enough? |

barely sleep because | am running the company now 1 "Because you refuse to hire another accountant!" Sean pointed out.

"That's an additional expense!" Brooklyn shot back. "We need to maximize our profit!"

"At the expense of our time? Our happiness? My happiness?" Sean asked.

"We need it. | need it because | fucking need you, Brooklyn. | need you to help me. My chest wound still hurts. Remember

how did | have chest surgery? My knee is still in pain.” Sean's eyes watered, pleaded. "Baby, | could use your love - a hug from

my wife. | really miss you, Brooklyn. What happened

to you? What happened to us?"

"Didn't we just give our vows? What happened through thick and thin, in sickness and health, huh?" Sean sought. "How can we make love when you can't even get it up, thanks to your medication!" Brooklyn pointed out. 1 "Honestly, | did not think we would be in this situation after our honeymoon!" Brooklyn said as she cried, "| love you, Sean, but I'm not strong enough to withstand this. You heard what the doctor said. What if - what if you can never walk

normally again? Am | supposed to push you in a wheelchair all my life?"

"It's only been five weeks. | need more time, maybe another operation," Sean proposed. "Besides, once my chest is fully

healed, my other leg is still fine. Worst-case scenario, I'd still be able to walk with crutches. | don't think it's that bad."

"Crutches? Really? | married Sean Ross, one of the hottest men in the city, and just when | became his wife, he will be

walking with me in crutches?" It was as if Brooklyn calculated in her head how much more she needed to endure. After

thinking about it, she said. "lI don't know, Sean. Maybe I'm not cut out for this. Life has always been easy for me." "What are you saying?" Sean asked.

"I'm saying | want a divorce," Brooklyn replied. 2

H END OF FLASHBACK

Back at the boy's circle, Sean had his head down and elbows on his knees.

"Give Brooklyn what she wants," Keith suggested. "She is only making you unwell. You aren't getting any better because

you are emotionally drained too!" i

"| thought Brooklyn was nice, but | guess things can change when you get married,” Wendell remarked. "Thank god Milan

didn't change."

"Or she didn't expect for better or worse to really happen,” Keith said." And she couldn't handle it."

"I don't know if | can do it," Sean responded. "l love her so much. She was my dream girl."

Evan studied his friend and recognized his words. Sean was madly in love with Brooklyn to the point that he spoiled her

with everything. Sean loved his wife so much that Evan didn't bother to look out for signs of how much Brooklyn truly felt

about Sean.

She always said she loved him all the time, but now, with how things unfolded, it made Even think back, "When did Brooklyn ever sacrificed for Sean? How did she prove her love to him?"

Other than buying Sean gifts, Evan could not recall a specific scenario.

Evan sighed and proposed, "Go back to your parents’ house and think about it properly. | agree with Keith. You need to be

emotionally stable to get better. You can't be motivated to get better if your wife doesn't fully support you. Let's find you a

new doctor. Get a home therapist for your exercises, rather than traveling to the hospital daily. Since this was my former

It's the CFO's fault, I'll hire a physical therapist for you." "A home therapist?" Sean asked.

"Yes, your old friend, Reese Kennedy," Evan revealed. "She is back in town." 4 ***

Meanwhile, at the girl's group, Scarlett asked Shantelle, "So what are you planning to do now that Lucas is getting better?"

Shantelle took a deep breath. She said, "First and foremost, | want to have sex! Lots of it!" 2 "Go, girl!" Karise supported.

Milan laughed her heart out.

Chapter 161: Inferno 02

"How is he?" Evan asked Keith on the phone.

"He is pretty upset. He couldn't accept it," Keith replied. "I took him out of there and drove him to his parent's house. His

parents had no clue Sean and Brooklyn were having problems."

Two days had passed since Sean revealed what had happened between him and Brooklyn. At first, Sean wanted to give

their relationship one last try. However, Brooklyn had not been in their matrimonial home since Sean returned from Lucas’

welcome home party.

That day Keith shared how Pete, the caregiver, called him because he found Sean in the bathroom, stuck in his chair because his knee was rather painful and he could not reach his shampoo. Sean was in the bathroom for two hours until

Pete finally arrived. Sean no longer had a night shift caregiver since Brooklyn fired him. 2

"Fuck, | wish | was there," Evan groaned.

"Hey, I'll take care of Sean. Your family needs this vacation. You all deserve it," Keith replied. "I'll talk to him. | hate that he

is so in love with that bitch, but eventually, he will realize he deserves better."

"Send my love to Lucas," Keith said.

The man took a deep breath and replied, "I will."

Evan's family was already on a private plane headed to the Caribbean, where they would go on a one-week vacation.

Hendrick Grant, Evan's recent business partner for the Caribbean Sales, arranged an island vacation home for their

holiday.

It was a two-island property, where the main island had a family house with a huge pool, built right in front of the beach

and could accommodate twelve people.

On the connected island, it was a couple's retreat. It was meant for Evan and Shantelle to stay in whenever they wanted

privacy.

Both sides of the family were on the trip; Shantelle's parents and Evan's. Of course, the caregivers were with them,

Miguel, and so were the twins.

After a four-hour-long flight, they arrived at the airport, where they, yet again, took a private luxury speedboat ride to the

remote island.

Everyone rested in their respective rooms during the first two hours of docking, including Evan and Shantelle. Upon getting up, they all enjoyed a happy meal together. Only then did Evan and Shantelle leave for the couple's retreat. Their accommodation was a massive villa with an infinity pool. It was a tinted glass house with only curtains and blinds

covering their ocean view. It had a fireplace, an enormous bathroom with a jacuzzi, and a huge bed. Mirrors were all around them, all life-size.

Once they made it into the master bedroom, Evan said mischievously, "So wifey, bath together, or you go first?" "You go first. | have a surprise for you," Shantelle replied before chuckling." Go!"

The couple took turns taking a bath. Evan went in first, and then Shantelle. When Shantelle came out of the bathroom,

She wore a robe over her body and held a purple bottle in her hand.

"Whatever that is, | like it already,” Evan said. He was lying in bed, butt naked, already making himself hard.

Shantelle struck a pose. She held the bottle and said, "It's a reward for helping Lucas get through the most difficult time in

his life."

Evan was already hissing, utterly stirred by the imagination, but when Shantelle dropped her robe on the floor, the man

groaned. He remarked," Fuck. | want that. | wanna fucking hold you now."

A chuckle left Shantelle's lips before she took a complete turn and showed her husband everything. She wore bandage

underwear that formed straps around her ass and breasts but did not cover her private parts. Instead, the straps made

Shantelle's breasts are bigger and firmer. The same could be said of her two-round flesh. The best part was how Shantelle

was utterly smooth down there, almost without a trace of her golden pubic curls.

When Shantelle approached Evan, the man quickly reached for her core. He played it with his fingers and said, "I'm going

to do so hard, you won't be able to walk in the morning."

Shantelle was spreading oil to Evan's chest when she challenged, "Walk the talk, Mister Thompson. Walk the talk."

"Oh, I'll do more than that," Evan assured her. "I'm going to run the talk." i

A laughter escaped Shantelle's lips as she sat on him. She said, "First, let me tease you."

Shantelle lowered herself. While they were skin to skin, she kissed him, and as she lay on top of him, the man gripped her

ass. Then, she began to rub herself against him.

"Fuck," Evan gasped. He sensed his wife's soft skin, creating friction. Her full breast was against his chest, her legs

intertwined with his, and her abdomen pressed against his manhood. He also appreciated the oil's scent, a lavender and

almond mix.

"I love it," Evan admitted. He held her face, parted her mouth wider, and then crashed his lips to hers, encouraging a

sloppier kiss.

Their heads quickly moved from side to side. Their eyes closed as they indulge in that open, tongue-involved kiss. The

the man loved how the oil around his body lubricated Shantelle's movement. She was gliding up and down, and she rubbed

him in the right places with his guidance.

When Shantelle sat up, she buried his manhood between her bottom lips. She didn't allow penetration, merely massaging

his rod with her peach and putting her weight on it.

The man cursed again. His eyes narrowed at how his mushroom tip peaked between him and his wife. He especially

relished the view of Shantelle rocking her lips and adding glow to his shaft.

"I'm going crazy. | love you so much. Shanty," Evan remarked before his arm extended to play with her clit. Soon, Evan flipped her sideways and kneaded her breast. His hands were so unforgiving that her breast milk squeezed

out.

"Evan!" Shantelle complained, but the man leaned down and instead sucked the milk into his mouth.

The twins will have to learn to share with their daddy," Evan proposed before fully latching onto her breast, i From then on, it was Shantelle's turn to cry in pleasure, "Aaah! Evan. | miss this so much.”

She shut her eyes as Evan alternately sucked on her breasts and littered kisses on her neck. He left kiss marks, and his

hands constantly gripped her every fold.

It did not take long for Evan to massage her clit. Following a loud moan, Shantelle's eyes widened, and her gaze became

fixed above. She was shocked to find a mirror mounted on the ceiling!

"There is a mirror above us," Shantelle faintly said.

The man replied, "I know."

Shantelle's mouth fell open. As she watched her husband spread her legs and lower himself, she became further aroused.

She eyed herself in that bondage underwear and thought she looked incredibly hot. However, what was even more compelling was how Evan ate her fully down there.

Next, Shantelle studied Evan's back. She realized how her husband had gained more muscles than the last. Recalling how he had more time to work out during isolation, she was even more impressed with Evan.

His back looked incredibly sexy. His ass was firm, and Shantelle imagined it hallowing as he would thrust into her next.

The idea excited her that she thought Evan's tongue was doing a far better job in the next few seconds.

Shantelle was raising her hips, trying to point Evan in the right direction.” There, that's it, Hubby - Aaaah!"

She grabbed her breasts as Evan continued to flicker his tongue against her clit, sometimes sucking her rose thoroughly.

"Aaaah! Evan!" Shantelle eventually came, her insides pulsating.

Evan promptly crawled up to her. He held down her knees as he lined up his erected member. Just before he entered her,

he declared, "Get ready for a long night, Wifey - Aaaah! Fuck! You are so wet!"

Shantelle also moaned with her husband. His member filled her thoroughly and reached her ends. She couldn't help but

close her eyes again. When she fluttered them open, Evan was ready to pounce on her hard, judging by the fire in his eyes.

In the succeeding minutes, moans filled the air as Evan pumped in and out of Shantelle. He didn't hold back. He went at it

as hard as possible, leaving Shantelle wailing in desire. The slapping sound of their flesh was so apparent that it became the only music to their ears. Everything around them

was hushed compared to that wet, erotic smacking melody.

Shantelle's gaze landed on the mirror above. She watched as Evan persistently thrust back and forth. When Evan would

sit up a few times, she could see his length penetrating her. It was how she imagined it earlier, only better. Her legs were

wide open, and Evan was doing her good.

Evan was kissing her neck as she observed herself getting fornicated by the love of her life. She wanted it to last longer,

but she knew Evan was nearly done. She felt it in the way his skin formed bumps and the way he panted.

Thus, she relished the moment and concentrated. "Aaaah!" Shantelle came with Evan.

Evan pushed and pushed, biting her neck as he warmed her inner walls with his semen.

Shantelle was still drowned in a sea of pleasure when she felt Evan pull out of her. He gently rolled her to lie on her chest

and said, "Round one of six."

She bit her lip. Her body was still shaking from climaxing, and Evan was already lifting her ass. The next thing she felt was

Evan's hard rod enters her from behind. "Mmmmm."

Over four hours passed, and the couple was still at it. This time, Evan brought Shantelle to the bathroom, where full-size

mirrors could be found.

Shantelle was facing the mirror, her left leg on a chair as Evan thrust behind her. They were already in their sixth round. 1

"Watch me fuck you," Evan said.

The way it sounded dirty added excitement in Shantelle's core that more love juice gushed out of her. Shantelle was creaming Evan's rod. She was so close to the mirror that she could see her bottom lips beautifully wrapped around Evan's

member, thrusting in and out.

Evan encouraged her to cum some more, and she did, right in time, as

Evan pushed hard and came inside her again.

"Aaaah! Evan!"

"Aaaah! Shanty, | love you!"

The couple kissed before Evan pulled out. They delighted at the view of Shantelle's rose, dripping with Evan's cum. Shantelle leaned on Evan's back. She said, "| want more. "Not now, though. | mean later," she added.

Chapter 162: Stuck Together

That same day when Evan's family was away on vacation, Wendell was invited into the CEO office of G&F Manpower International Service.

"Drink up," Mister Gray said to Wendell. "It's Asian ginseng brewed into tea. It's perfect for your health."

Wendell finished the tea right away. It was just the right temperature. After putting his cup down, Mister Gray smiled. His

eyes narrowed at the teapot on the right side of his table, and he said, "Drink some more."

He poured another cup to Wendell and urged, "Drink up.” Seeing Wendell's doubt, Mister Gray said, "| am not planning to kill you. You are my daughter's husband.”

"Of course not, father," Wendell said before consuming the tea again. Between drinking, Mister Gray asked for progress

about their new client, and Wendell delivered.

Wendell spent about an hour in his father-in-law's office, reporting about work and finishing the tea. He felt so full at that

point. When he was done, Wendell excused himself to go to the restroom and relieve his bladder. Then he resumed working.

Minutes later, Wendell felt hot. His body was inflamed, and his manhood kept getting an erection! It did not help that Milan

kept entering his office, delivering documents and whatnot, in her mini-skirt and a blouse that he could easily rip off. 1 After work, he and Milan drove to their penthouse in a rush. He was moving so fast that Milan feared there was something

wrong.

"Why are you driving so fast?" Milan asked. "Calm down, will you?"

"Milan, | don't know what's wrong with me, but all | could think of is getting stuck between your legs and buried inside

you!" Wendell announced. "We need to get home now!" "Oh," Milan said, biting her lip. "We didn't have to get home for that! Haha!"

When Wendell arrived at the Rose Hills Diamond Hotel driveway, he let the valet park his car. He grabbed Milan's wrist

and hurriedly walked with her to the lift.

The second they entered the elevators, Wendell crashed his lips to Milan's. He hungrily ate her lips and thrust his tongue

inside her mouth. They indulged in a senseless kiss, despite having cameras on the lift. The two only let go when the

elevators dinged.

Their hair was in a mess. They were panting like they had just come from a marathon. The other hotel guests strangely

eyed them. Milan and Wendell were left to giggle.

When they finally reached the penthouse floor, Milan entered the password to their home. Wendell kept hurrying her up,

"Faster, gorgeous, or I'll do you right here."

"Are you out of your mind?" She laughed. "While | like the enthusiasm, | never imagined being an exhibitionist!"

The second they entered the penthouse, Wendell slammed Milan into the hallway wall. He crashed his lips to hers and

tore off her blouse! He pulled up her mini skirt, and with one pull, he ripped her thong apart!

He kneeled and spread her legs and began pleasuring Milan.

"Oh, god, Wendell! Whatever happened to you, | hope it happens again!" Milan declared. Her husband was not only

sucking her thoroughly, but he was also pushing his tongue inside her entrance. It utterly sent her to a galaxy of pleasure

that she came in no time.

"You taste so good," Wendell remarked. He kept drinking her as his hands moved up to cup her breasts.

Milan was still trembling from having orgasmed, yet her husband was still not done yet. He ate her heartily until another

the climax came, and from then on, he suddenly carried her to the living room. He pulled down his pants and sat on the

couch. Wendell let his wife take control.

She held his rod and sucked on him with the same enthusiasm as he did with her, her cheeks hollowing as she went up

and down against his length. She let go, saying, "I think you are kinda bigger."

"What are you talking about, Milan? I'm the same person,” Wendell suggested.

Milan shrugged and returned to pleasing Wendell. After seconds of tasting him, Wendell said, "| want you on top." She happily agreed. Milan climbed up on top of him and slowly glided his manhood into her. As soon as his full size entered her, she closed her eyes, saying, "You feel so big."

"No, you are tighter," Wendell said.

Shortly Milan started going up and down, his manhood occupying every space inside her. She swore Wendell was bigger,

or could her organ condition have forced her to tighten a little? Milan was unsure, but she was so wet; it didn't matter.

They were still able to make love and enjoy the moment. "I'm coming. I'm coming," Wendell had to announce. This was because every time they made love, he constantly struggled to pull out. That was how good it felt to be inside his wife and how tight she was.

"Gorgeous, get up!" Wendell warned.

"Okay," Milan said, relishing the feeling. "One more. One more -" She tried to get up but realized she couldn't. They were in a panic. Wendell tried to push his wife up, but it seemed he was stuck!

"Aaaaahh!" It couldn't be helped. Wendell came inside Milan, and while he was in dreamland after having come inside of

her for the first time, he worried that she wasn't ready to have a child.

"Oh." Milan clamped her legs, her hips still swaying back and forth. She said, "Oh, that feels so good - so warm." She was chasing her breath when she locked eyes with Wendell. She tried to get up, but her inner walls tightened around

Wendell. She bit her lip and said, "lI guess it's meant to be?" i

Wendell cupped her face. He said, "| mean, we are married, and we are officially having a ceremony in less than two

months."

Milan nodded. She felt Wendell's manhood pulsating inside her and swore she would faint from all the excitement. She

leaned in to kiss his lips and said, "Yeah, why not have children? Besides, we are way old enough." 4

Wendell smiled. He sealed her lips with a kiss, and they made out for an undetermined time. While getting stuck together,

They cuddled and talked about their plans and hopes. "| want two kids," Wendell said. "A girl and a boy." i

"| think that's great," Milan remarked. "The penthouse is nice, but we should get a real house with a playground and a

pool.”

Wendell smiled and kissed her lips. He said, "Soon. When you get pregnant, let's hunt for a house together."

It took a while, but soon Wendell's size finally shrunk. They showered together, and Wendell got horny again. They made

love, got stuck, and Wendell came inside her again. 1

*k%k

Back at the CEO's office of the G&F Manpower International Service,

Mister Gray was smiling as he gazed at the empty teapot. After a month of researching and inquiring about traditional

Chinese and Korean herbal medicine, he finally found a suitable solution to having grandkids fast.

"Screw g-0-0-g-I-e. A Chinese monk knows better!" Mister Gray swore.

His solution? It was a mix of several Asian ginseng and herbal plant that helped improve sexual performance, increase

sperm count, and increase male organ size. One part of the ingredient had an instantaneous effect of getting arousal.

Wendell and Milan had been married for months, but his daughter was still not pregnant. He was resolved to make it

happened, so he took matters into his own hands!

He muttered, "Sorry, Milan and Wendell, but sometimes, a grandpa has to do what he must to meet his grandkids faster.”

The next day, Mister Gray invited Wendell over for another tea time.

Chapter 163: Reese

At thirty-eight weeks, Karise decided to take her maternity leave. She urged her husband to do the same because she

was ready to pop anytime. She thought it would have been an excellent opportunity to spend with her best friend, Shantelle, but she was still away for a holiday.

Lying on the bed, she caught her husband, Keith, walking out of the bathroom, flaunting his sexy frame. He only had a

towel wrapped around his waist and was headed to the closet.

"Babe?" She bit her lip and suggested, "How about my morning delight?" 1

Keith chuckled and said, "I have to get Reese and drive her to Sean’s place, but why not? Sean can wait." 1

He climbed to the bed and captured her lips, his hand automatically searching for her underwear. He pulled it down and

tossed it on the floor, saying, "I can't wait until you get rid of these crazy large panties."

Karise laughed and said, "We'll need it for the second baby."

"Nah," Kieth said. "We will just buy a new set." 1

After taking off Karise's clothes, he removed his towel and urged his wife to give him some love. Karise quickly grabbed

his manhood and ate him, her eyes looking at Keith's expression.

"Fuck, Babe. | think you are getting better at this every day," Keith remarked while caressing her face. He hissed as Karise

slurped her tongue around his member from inside her mouth.

Karise's eyes gleamed, seeing how his mouth parted and how often his brows met. She could tell he loved the way she

suckled on him. She let go of his manhood with a pop. She licked him from the base of his length, going up to his mushroom tip.

Her actions made Keith say, "Hmmm. | love it, Babe." Next, Karise was at it, bobbing in between his legs with eagerness. That wet, slurping melody became deafening in her

ears. She noticed how Keith repeatedly moaned and called Karise's name until he grabbed her hair and urged her to eat

him deeper.

It was Karise's cue that her husband was nearing orgasm. She picked up the pace and let his tip touch the back of her

throat, her hand holding his length up and palming him too.

"Aaaah! Fuck!" Keith moaned. He threw his head back and closed his eyes.

When Keith gazed back at her, Karise swallowed all his cum. She licked her lips and said, "My turn."

"Give me your ass," Keith instructed.

Karise seductively turned. She supported herself with all of her fours and lifted her ass. She warned, "Gentle now. The last

| nearly fell off the bed."

"It's fucking hard, but you know | try," Keith responded. First, Keith leaned down and pleasured her core. He returned the favor and used his expert tongue, and flickered it on her

clit.

Karise loved it when Keith stimulated her with his tongue. She loved that wet yet warm sensation, with just that proper

pressure against her clit. It allowed her to be on the edge, waiting until the final moment would come.

"Aaah! Babe!" Minutes into Keith's work, Karise trembled in excitement. She came rather sooner than she hoped to

prolong her bliss. But what can she do? Her husband was so good at eating her?

She turned around and found Keith palming himself, hissing at the view of her ass. He grabbed one bottom cheek and

used his mushroom tip to test her wetness. He glided his member from her clit, going up to her entrance.

"Aaaaah! Babe, you are killing me!" Karise complained. At that point, she wanted his extra large size inside her. "Put it in,

now - Aahhhh!"

Behind Karise, Keith had pushed his member all the way in, and from then on, he didn't stop. Back and forth, he thrust his

rod into her core, her love juice graciously milking around his girth.

"Yes, Babe, you are milking all over me," Keith remarked. His eyes were fixed on his length, appreciating it's glow from

Karise's love juice.

That wet smacking sound of their flesh resonated across the room, along with how Keith sometimes spanked Karise's

ass. Soon, Keith felt the near conclusion. He warned his wife, "Babe, get ready.”

He noticed how Karise strengthened her hold on the side of the bed and the sheets, and she spread her knees more apart

so she wouldn't fall.

Seeing that, Keith sped his pumping. He held on to her hips and finally gave one and two hard pushes, his head leaning

back as he wailed in

satisfaction. "Oh, fuck that was so good, Babe -"

Suddenly, Keith realized that his wife had more than the usual orgasm. His legs were wet, and so were the sheets! While

Karise turned to see what was going on, Keith said, "Was the sex that good for you to cum that much? m

For a second, Karise paused and studied the bed with Keith. Soon, the realization hit her. She said, "Babe, | think that's

not cum -1 mean, | came, but that's not cum!"

It took another second for both of them to act on what was happening. They rushed out of bed, bathed, and prepared for

their trip to the hospital. While heading out of the penthouse, Keith rang Reese, and she quickly picked up. He said,

"Reese, my wife is about to give birth. Do you mind going to Ross' estate on your own?" i

- oR %

While Karise was preparing for labor, at the Ross’ estate, Sean's eyes flinched, sensing how the sunlight had hit his eyes.

When he sat up, he realized the curtains were already open.

For the past two days since Keith had brought him home, he had been sulking in his room, sleeping off the pang in his

chest. Despite his friends’ constant encouragement, he barely ate and wasn't interested in doing anything. Yesterday, when Evan called him to report how Reese agreed to help with his treatment, he put up a face and pretended

He was fine. He didn't ruin Evan's vacation, for they deserved a good rest. Deep inside, he was still miserable because

Brooklyn left him when he needed her the most, i

Turning to his bedside table, he saw two packs of Reese's Chocolates. He thought it was odd that one of his favorite childhood chocolate appeared out of nowhere when Reese was back.

Still, it made him smile. He reached for one and opened it. He ate it and felt the fleeting pleasure of the sweet treat. Suddenly, the door to his room opened. Reese walked in, shocking Sean.

He leaned back, saying, "Reese?"

"Who else would it be? Didn't Even tell you that he hired me to help you? Your mom let me in. It feels strange since it's

been a while, but she just... let me in like old times," Reese said. She smiled and said, "Surprise, I'm back!" With a sigh, she suggested, "You need to shower because we are going to see the Orthopedic Surgeon from Braeton. He

is the best in his field, and I've worked with some of his patients in the past. Evan arranged for him to visit Rose Hills for

your convenience. So you will be his VIP patient while he is here. | know he will find a solution for your knee problem, and

after that, I'll be here to help you recover." i

Sean was still settled, sitting on his bed. Despite hearing what Reese said, he replied, "You look different?”

It was because the Reese he knew always tied her hair behind her back. She was a bit of a tomboy, the Reese in front of

he had her golden hair down, and the tips were slightly permed. There wasn't a difference in how Reese dressed, except

Now the colors of her overalls were lighter and matched her skin perfectly. To him, the oddest difference was how she

formed her brows and wore light makeup.

"Um, yeah, one day, | realized | was a pretty girl," Reese replied before a chuckle escaped her lips. "Why are we talking

about me?"

Changing the topic, Reese leaned forward to level with Sean and said," First, I'm sorry about Brooklyn."

Reese held his hand and suggested, "| know how much you love her and will do anything for her, but can you try to forget

her and focus on you - to get better."

"Thank you, Reese," Sean said. "I'll try harder."

"You are welcome," Reese replied with a smile.

Sean looked at his side table and asked, "You gave the chocolates?"

She nodded.

"That means you gave the pack of Reese's chocolates at the hospital?" Sean sought.

Reese gasped. Then she explained, "Yes, | went to see you at night, but | saw Brooklyn. | wasn't sure how she would

react to me being there, so | asked the nurse to deliver them to you. | happen to know one of the round nurses there."

Sean faked a smile. He said, "Thanks for the chocolates, Reese." After a pause, he remarked, "lI never really understood

why you and Brooklyn didn't get along." His words seemed to have affected Reese, for he saw her stilled, her mouth parted, but no words left her lips.

Chapter 164: Reese's Revelation

"Hurry up, Sean! Look at my girl!" Keith proudly called, seeing Sean and Reese go to the nursery area of the hospital.

Sean had just come from his evaluation by the new doctor. When he learned that Karise had given birth, he went to see

his friend. Fortunately, Karise delivered at the same hospital where Sean had his re-evaluation.

He was in his wheelchair while Reese pushed him. Since Reese was around, Sean requested Pete take a later shift. He

needed more help with bathing and changing into his clothes.

"| can barely see the viewing area," Sean complained. "Oh, let me help you," Reese quickly offered assistance. "You can put your arm around me."

Sean looked at Keith because he was taller and more prominent. His male best friend should have offered help, but Keith

merely gave a smug look.

Thus, Sean accepted Reese's help. 2

"Woah, you are strong," he remarked, surprised at how Reese carried his weight.

Reese chuckled while putting her arm around Sean. She answered, "Most adult patients need support during therapy, so |

got used to it. You know, same with my dad."

Sean recalled Reese’s father had Parkinson's disease. They spent so much on therapy that Reese decided to study

physical therapy as a second course. He then realized how she was right. From her father to her subsequent patients, she

had gained all that strength by helping others.

For a moment, he smiled at Reese, but since she wasn't looking at him, instead peering at Keith's daughter, he also glanced at the new baby.

"Aww, cute little girl," Sean remarked. His heart became so joyful that he momentarily forgot the pain caused by Brooklyn.

"She looks so much like Karise. Black hair, really pointed nose.”

"I'm so happy for you, man," Sean remarked. "Do you already have a name for her?"

"We went for Kamila," Keith revealed. "It was her choice." "| like the name," Sean declared. He took his phone out and took a picture, saying, "Hey, baby Kamila. It's your uncle

Sean."

While Sean observed baby Kamila, he noticed how Reese looked intensely at him. Next, he heard her say, "This is a different side of you that | don't know. You love kids?" "Well, my cousin started to have kids, Evan's son and his twins. That's how | started liking kids," Sean said before realizing something. "It was... something Brooklyn, and | couldn't agree on. | wanted to have kids right away, but she

didn't."

"Well, I'm glad you didn't," Keith said.

Sean returned his attention to Reese and noticed how she was in deep thought. She was looking at baby Kamila, but she

appeared distant. 1

In Karise's private room, Sean shared the doctor's findings. Wendell and Milan had arrived, so Sean thought it was the

perfect plan to update his friends. He said, "Doctor Phil said the surgery was done properly. So, | got several labs done

earlier. They took an aspirate from my joints, had some blood tests, etc. It's either | have a low-grade infection that causes

the pain, or | have an allergy to my knee implant. Once tests are back, the doctor will decide what to do next."

But how are you finding the new doctor?" Wendell asked. "Oh, he is good. He has no reluctance in his words and is very reassuring," Sean replied.

Behind him, Reese defended the doctor. She said, "Before moving back here, my mom and | lived in Braeton for a year. |

i worked at the best hospital there; half of my patients were from Doctor Phil. They all had

faster recovery periods and had many good things to say about him. That was why | told Evan about Doctor Phil. He is the

best orthopedic surgeon in the country.” 1

"Well, | am so glad you are back,” Wendell said to Reese. "| think Reese came just in time to help an old friend," Karise remarked. From her hospital bed, she said to Reese, "It's

Nice meeting you."

"It's nice to meet you too, Karise. Doctor Shant has spoken a lot about you, " Reese replied. She turned to Milan and said,

"It's nice to meet you too, Milan."

"I'm happy to know you too, Reese," Milan replied.

Their party continued to chat for minutes longer until it was almost five in the afternoon. Karise was tired, so everyone went home to rest.

When Sean and Reese arrived at the Ross’ estate, rain poured down heavily, and there was barely any road visibility.

Pete couldn't leave his apartment yet, and Reese couldn't leave the mansion either.

So instead, the two old friends chatted like old times. While Sean was in the living room, Reese went to the kitchen and

fetched two pieces of

Sean's favorite treat. Upon her return, she gave everything to Sean. She wasn't a Reese's chocolate lover. Only Sean was

i'm addicted to it.

They were reclining in their respective sofas when Sean said, "You know it's funny how I like Reese's chocolates, and you

turned out to be my friend. m

"Well, we became friends because my dad was your family driver, and my mom became your mother's personal assistant.

My name had nothing to do with it. In fact, you were happy that | was the Reese who didn't steal your Reese!" She pointed out, and Sean wound up chuckling.

"By the way, Mrs. Chandler, our neighbor still thinks you killed her cat," Sean remarked. "She asked me about it every

fucking day when | drive out of the house."

Reese laughed. Mrs. Chandler, from across the street, saw her with a blouse that had a cat print on it, and it looked so

similar to the woman's pet. One day Mrs. Chandler accused her of killing her old cat. Later, Reese learned that the old

the lady had a mental illness. Since then, Reese no longer bothered to argue with her. She even tried to buy Mrs. Chandler a

new cat, but she only wanted the old one, which had long died.

"I'm glad her children are taking care of her. | should go and see her one of these days," Reese replied.

"You are crazy," Sean remarked, shaking his head.

"No. We shouldn't think that. It's bad enough that she has a mental condition. Instead, we should show her kindness,"

Reese suggested.

Just then, Reese's phone rang. She took the call privately, walking to the entrance hallway. Despite her being there, Sean

could hear some of her words.

"It's raining - tell her I'll be home soon," Reese said.

When Reese sat back down, she settled her phone on the coffee table and drank her hot beverage.

From there, Sean asked. "Your mom must be worried." "No, not really," Reese replied. "lI am a full fledged adult in my early thirties."

"Right," Sean acknowledged. "So tell me, why aren't you married yet?"

As soon as Sean asked those questions, Reese's phone rang again. The caller ID suggested it was her mother, but the

the image showed a picture of a little girl with azure eyes. Sean quickly saw Reese panicking. She picked up her phone and took the call in private again. This time, Sean noticed

how she was more discrete with her words. He could hear nothing from the entrance hallway.

When Reese returned. She appeared tense.

Seeing her that way, he asked, "Who is the girl?"

No one," Reese replied.

"Really?" Sean asked. "Why are you acting strange?" Reese froze. She sucked in a deep breath and leaned back. Sean didn't know how many times Reese heaved, clearly

thinking.

After almost a minute of giving him varied expressions, she revealed," Sean, | have a daughter."

"You have a daughter?" Sean repeated.

"Yes, | have a daughter,” Reese replied. "That girl you saw on the phone earlier is my daughter.”

"So, you have a husband? Boyfriend? Ex?" Sean asked, utterly shocked.

Reese shook her head and replied, "No. My daughter was in an accident. | can’t introduce her to her father, at least not now,

because her father didn't know that we did it, you know."

"Who the hell is your daughter's father? And why wouldn't he remember having sex!" Sean was utterly angry that his voice

echoed across the living room space. "Tell me, and | will hunt him down." 2

Reese wound up teary-eyed. She laughed and cried, but mostly weeping at Sean's reaction. It took a moment, but eventually, she faintly replied, "It's funny of you to say that because -"

"I'm sorry | am late, Mister Ross! The rain was pretty bad, but it's all good now. | managed to drive my way here." Pete,

Sean's caregiver finally arrived, interrupting their conversation.

Sean turned to Reese and saw her wiping her tears. She said, "l should go.

I'll see you in two days when the results are out."

Chapter 165: Brooklyn's Reasons

Before Sean and Reese could have that talk again, Brooklyn’s lawyer arrived with divorce papers. It should have bothered

Sean, but his mind was elsewhere, thanks to Reese’s revelation. Sean was earnestly worried for his friend. He was very protective of Reese in the past, especially after her father passed away. Sean made it a point to make her

smile and distract her from grieving. He often invited her to parties and events. Sean even dragged Reese along to some

of his nights out with Brooklyn.

Back then, he was still wooing Brooklyn. Sean had clearly explained to Brooklyn Reese’s situation and how she needed a

friend. The way Sean saw it, Brooklyn didn't mind, or at least, he thought she didn't.

Now, Sean realized everything had changed after bringing Reese along the third time. Then, when Sean and Brooklyn got

together, Reese evaded Brooklyn altogether. Two months later, her family left town. 1

Sean scoffed at the divorce agreement draft, seeing how Brooklyn wanted all rights to Balance Point Accounting Firm.

She wanted the villa too!

"Really, Brooklyn?" Sean said. "I paid for the villa!”

Sean leaned back in his seat, shaking his head, wondering, "What happened to you, Brooklyn? What happened to us?" 3

*k%k

Another day passed. Sean and Reese were on their way to see Doctor Phil at the hospital. In the car, Sean said, "We

i need to finish that talk."

"What talk?" Reese asked.

"About your daughter? | swear I'm going to find your daughter's father and strangle him with my bare hands,” Sean said.

Reese chuckled and replied, "I don’t think that's possible." Sean kept pestering Reese, but all the same, she found ways to change the topic. When they finally arrived at the hospital Reese gave up and suggested, "Tell you what, | will talk to you about it once we sort out your knee problems."

"What? We don't even know how long it will be," Sean protested.

Silence fell upon Reese. As she pushed Sean's wheelchair, she belatedly answered, "Just give me time. It's not easy for me to talk about it."

When they arrived at Doctor Phil's shared clinic, the doctor wasted no time explaining, "You are sensitive to metal. So the

solution? We need to

replace your implants with

Oxinium. Oxinium does not cause any metal allergy. It is highly durable and resistant to wear

and tear. | take it you are an active person, Mister Ross. Thus, this is the best solution for you."

"Shall we go with this option?" Doctor Phil said.

Sean had many other questions and concerns, but Reese was familiar with them and found confidence in the procedure.

Ultimately, he agreed.

The doctor said, "Very well. I'll order the implant, and while we do that, let's get you ready for the operation. You need to

take antibiotics before we have the surgery. Is next week okay?"

"Next week is perfect,” Sean replied.

Sean was feeling optimistic now. Finally, there was a solution to his knee pains. He was just about to propose a celebration with Reese when his phone rang. It was from the office, specifically from his assistant.

Brookyn and Sean shared the same assistant, Drew. Drew didn't bother him for work whenever Brooklyn was in the office,

for the assistant knew he was still recovering from his operations. So why was he calling now?

"Drew?" Sean asked. "Is Brooklyn not there?"

"Oh, Sir. She is here alright." Drew paused before blurting out like a machine gun, "Sir, | can't take it anymore. If you are

not coming back, I'm going to quit! | heard about Miss Brooklyn asking for the divorce and the rights to the accounting

firm, and | am losing my mind. | thought you

should know this."

Drew ended the call. Next, the assistant sent Sean a link. He said through text: [Forgive me for spying on your wife, but |

couldn't take it anymore. The entire company might turn a blind eye, but | won't! Boss, you should know this has been

going on for almost a month now.]

It puzzled him at first, but knowing Drew had always had good intentions, he clicked the URL. It led to a shared file where

a video was saved.

Sean played the video and was shocked to see Brooklyn and his Finance Director making out inside his office! The video

went on, lasting for minutes longer. It did not take a genius where it might lead, but Sean bore it.

Behind him, Reese was watching the exact same thing. She was holding her breath, her hand over her mouth. "Oh, my

god. Stop watching now! Stop! m

"No! | want to fucking see!" Sean objected.

They were at the hospital parking area when it all happened. A few eyes were on them, curious at what they were

seemingly arguing about, but

Sean did not bat an eye for them. His attention was focused on the video.

The recording continued, capturing Brooklyn having sex with his Finance Director, Aaron.

Aaron was Brooklyn's friend whom she had employed in their accounting firm. Sean knew they were close, but he never

imagined they could be intimate! Many questions rang in his head. He silently asked, "When this all started? Had they

been cheating behind his back all along? Why?!

Sean could not accept it. He was far better looking than Aaron, and he was more affluent. Why would Brooklyn cheat on

him with Aaron?

Next, in the video, Brooklyn and Aaron came. Aaron spanked her ass, saying, "You miss a good fuck, right?" "So much. Sean couldn't get it up, thanks to his medications," Brooklyn said while putting on her bra. "You know we used to fuck around before you dated Sean. We didn't have to stop,” Aaron suggested.

"Yeah, well, Sean was a better fuck than you, so | didn't need you. Besides, he is richer, and his mother is a little conventional. If he finds out we were fucking, he might not have dated me at all," Brooklyn said before turning to Aaron.

"But now everything is different."

"| hate to say this, but I'm glad Sean met an accident," Aaron teased.

"Oh, whatever. Just help me transfer company funds to my account, okay? | feel he won't let go of the company that easily," Brooklyn said. "We should at least transfer funds and make him believe that he didn't lose anything should he

decide to keep his shares or sell them."

In the video, a knock on the door interrupted the conversation between Brooklyn and Aaron, and the recording ended

there.

Drew sent another text, saying: [This video was taken last week. | only had the courage to send this to you today. Now,

they are at it again, locking the doors.]

Sean was so enraged that he ordered the driver to take him to the accounting firm!

"Keith, you need to go to the accounting firm? Sean is losing it? What is he going to do? Start a fight with Aaron? He has

an injured knee and is healing

from a chest operation - No!" Sean was trying to take Reese's phone, but she refused. "Keith, just please go there!"

They were now inside the car, arguing. Reese could not convince the driver to return home. The poor driver was puzzled

about whose order to follow, but since Sean was the boss, he drove in the firm's direction.

Because Reese was against the confrontation, the driver was the one who took Sean to the lobby and into the lift. Reese

painfully followed behind Sean.

When Sean reached his office floor, he went straight to locate Brooklyn. Drew quickly found Sean and followed behind

him. Sean tried to unlock his office door with his fingerprint, but it did not open! They were not yet divorced, and Brooklyn

dared to change the locks!

Turning to Drew, he ordered, "Kick the door open. Now." "That's the boss' orders!" Drew announced before gladly kicking the door down!

There it was. Sean found Brooklyn in an awkward state. She and Aaron may have noticed the commotion outside the

door that they stopped whatever they were doing, but it was clear they were fooling around.

Aaron's pants were still unzipped.

Brooklyn was caught lifting up her underwear.

Sean forced himself up, and he miraculously did. He was moving towards Aaron, hopping with only one leg, until Reese

came up behind him and held him back.

Aaron was about to leave, but Keith appeared out of nowhere and punched him in the face!

"You bastard! Sean gave you a job, and this is how you repay him?" Keith barked as he continued to ruin Aaron’s face.

Meanwhile, Brooklyn tried to escape when Sean asked, "So you cheated on me. That's why you wanted a divorce?"

Sean kept pestering her for an answer that finally Brooklyn spat, "No! When will you ever get it into your head? It started

when | thought you might die! | hated Evan because he was the root of all this, and | could not help hating your other

friends too! Because of what happened to you, | started working my ass off and getting all the pressure. Aaron was the

only one | could turn to, and he took care of my needs." "Then, when you got out of the hospital, you were confined in a wheelchair, and we couldn't even have sex! Worse, you

hardly let me sleep because you wanted help with the pain or aid to go to the bathroom! | hated it!" Brooklyn reasoned.

"Yes, | had an affair with Aaron, but that was far from it. | overheard your doctor chatting with a resident after your last

check-up. The resident said you might be one of those cases to get his leg amputated! That was the main reason! | could

never survive having a husband | would have to take care of for the rest of my life!" Brooklyn added.

She turned to find Reese. Brooklyn scoffed, saying, "Wow, Reese, you are back? Well, since you liked Sean so much, you

can have him! You don't have to hide your feelings anymore because | won't care! | mean, who wants a disabled

husband?" 2

Later at the Ross’ residence, Keith narrated everything to Claudia Ross while Sean sat in the living room with Reese.

Sean’s gaze lingered on Reese for a long time, but she was silent, her arms folded against her chest, sitting across from

him. Despite what happened earlier, Sean took the opportunity to ask, "You used to like me?"

Chapter 166: When It All Started

Sean saw Reese's face turn red. She stiffened. Her hand was on the armrest. Her feet appeared to be preparing to flee.

Thankfully, she changed her mind about avoiding this discussion. Reese cleared her throat and said, "Um. Well. It's a long

story.”

He raised a brow and suggested, "Il love long stories." Reese chuckled and faintly replied, "God, | supposed this has to come out anyway." She sucked in a deep breath before

admitting, "Yes. | used to like you, but don't worry. That was years ago, and | got over it. It won't affect the way | work with

you, being your therapist."

"I'm not concerned about that," Sean said.

"Why - why didn't you tell me? And how come Brooklyn knew but not me?" Sean asked.

"Oh. You don't tell your friend that you love them, Sean. There is always a risk of losing the friendship," Reese suggested.

"Besides, | didn't tell her either. | guess she figured it out.” "Wait, you loved me?" Sean asked, making Reese flush deeper.

The next few seconds were the most awkward. Sean struggled to react to her confession. One thing was clear. He didn't

hate it. In fact, it flattered him fully.

After falling silent, Reese ultimately said, "I -1 tried telling you. But at the same time, | did not have that confidence." Looking down, she admitted, "Yes, | fell in love with you. | started to have feelings for you the day you stayed with me at

my father's grave. Rain or shine, you were there to comfort me, and | wondered what if there were more than just friendship between us."

"But my realization came too late because you were already taking an interest in Brooklyn," Reese admitted. "You wonder

why we did not get along? Well, it's because she shoved the truth in my face.”

HHIFLASHBACK: YEARS BACK #i

It was a night out with the boys and Brooklyn, as Sean called it. Reese came with him, wearing a jacket over her tank top,

and as usual, she was in jeans. Reese didn't care. She was just uncomfortable wearing dresses.

He brought her to the private club where he met Wendell and Keith, but mostly, he spent time with Brooklyn.

Reese said hello to the boys. She thought they were always nice, especially Wendell. Sean had another friend named

Evan, but he missed many gatherings after he and his wife broke up.

"Look, Brooklyn and her friends are here too. Let's go and join them," Sean said, dragging Reese by the hand. "| know

you feel guilty, but your dad wouldn't want you to be so sad.”

Eventually, they made their way to Brooklyn's table. She would have a special seat reserved for Sean whenever they met.

Sean and Brooklyn had known each other after working as external accountants for a top law firm in the city. Reese knew

Sean had developed a crush on Brooklyn, and she could not blame her friend.

Brooklyn was a perfect doll, cute, and knew how to dress up. She came from a good family, but they were not as affluent

as the Rosses or any of Sean's friends.

Reese could not deny how Brooklyn was also very sweet. So far, after knowing her for a few months, she only had good

vibes about Sean's potential girlfriend.

"Sean, stay here with me," Brook urged, tapping on the seat next to her. She directed her gaze to Reese and displayed a

concerned look. She stood up and hugged Reese, stating, "God, Reese, you look like you haven't slept at all.”

"Poor darling." Brooklyn encouraged Reese to take the seat on the other side of her, saying, "Stay close to me. I'll keep

you company, just like the last time."

Brooklyn turned to Sean, and Reese saw how he smiled at the way she treated her. Reese was also smiling, appreciating

her welcome. 1

"Thanks for bringing her over, Sean," Brooklyn said. "She sure needs a lot of cheering up."

Brooklyn often went out with three friends, Aaron, Curtis, and Anna. As the night progressed, they kept talking to Reese,

encouraging her to enjoy the time.

Aaron said, "People have different ways of coping. You don't need to feel bad about being out. No one can judge you

when you are in pain.”

"Yes, absolutely,” Anna added.

They had always been so kind to Reese since she met all three of them on another occasion, and because of that welcoming experience, she willingly came with Sean to these gatherings where Brooklyn and her friends were present.

Half an hour into their chat and a little drink here and there, Aaron and Curtis went dancing with the girls on the dance

floor. Sean was called back into Wendell's group. He asked Reese to come with her, but Brooklyn said," She can stay. We

will take care of her, isn't that right, Anna?"

"Absolutely," Anna assured Sean.

Sean turned to Reese and asked, "Do you want something to eat? I'll tell the servers to get you some nachos, okay? Your

favorite kind."

He winked at Reese, and it made her giggle. She said, "Fine. Nachos."

Sean called one server and ordered Reese's nachos before going to Wendell. He said, "I'll be back, Reese!"

Reese's eyes gleamed, and she couldn't help but smile from ear to ear, noticing Sean's efforts to make her forget the pain

of losing her dad.

Soon, her nachos arrived, and Reese was about to dig in when suddenly, Brooklyn said, "I know the kind of person you

are, Reese. You are trying to get Sean's sympathy to win his love."

"| can tell you like him. You probably are in love with him, aren't you?" Brooklyn added. "What? Can't talk? It's obvious

how you look at him with adoration. That isn't a look you give to a friend. It disgusts me that someone like you, a driver's

daughter, would have such high ambitions! Don't you know your place? You wouldn't be able to afford a ticket to this club

without Sean."

Brooklyn and Anna laughed. Brooklyn eyed Reese and described, "Look at you! Look at your clothes! | bet you bought

them at Walmart!"

"Eighty percent off!" Anna added before laughing hysterically at Reese. "So cheap.”

At that point, Reese cried because she did buy her clothes at Walmart. She felt so little in front of them and wondered how

someone so sweet could turn evil in just a snap of a finger. Reese's chest felt heavy as she faintly replied to Brooklyn, "|

wasn't going to interfere. Anyone has a right to admire a person.” i

"Awww, look. She is in tears now," Anna said before laughing.

"Look. Let's be honest. You will never be someone that will meet Sean's standards. Let's cut this crap and stop coming to

our dates!" Brooklyn said. "I don't want a third wheel, okay, especially someone who has a big crush on Sean!"

"Is this even a date? Sean didn't tell me it was," Reese reasoned while sniffing her tears away.

"Well, the plan had changed all thanks to you. When Sean told me you were coming, | invited my other friends because |

didn't want to ruin my night with you yapping about the memories of your dad!" Brooklyn explained. 1

"So, now that things are clear. | hope | won't see you again the next time Sean and | are supposed to go out because when that happens again, you will regret it!" Brooklyn warned. "And don't you even think of telling Sean because, between

the two of us, he will choose me over you - a hundred fucking percent!"

"If that's not reason enough for you to shut your mouth, you should know that my dad has connections to the Department

of Labor. I'll make sure your mother struggles to get your dad's pension," Brooklyn closed. "So, are we good?" 2 #HHE END OF FLASHBACK #5

"So, that's when it all started," Reese revealed, her face red and her hand repeatedly massaging the back of her neck. "l

didn't say anything because | feared you seriously liked her. | wasn't going to be that friend that ruined your happiness,

Sean."

Reese didn't think Brooklyn's words would still hurt her at present, but they did. A tear fell down her cheek, and she quickly wiped it. She added, "And | wasn't sure how cunning she was. She could easily turn the tables around, and we'd

end up struggling to get my dad's pension when we had so many bills to pay."

"| decided to keep it to myself and just try to avoid her, you know," Reese continued. "But then, one day, on Keith's birthday, you insisted that | come along. You practically dragged me out of my house, carried me over your

shoulders, and brought me to the party where everything went wrong."

"At Keith's party? What - what do you mean, Reese?" Sean asked.

"Well, Brooklyn went all out on me," Reese answered. Sean gasped. He clenched his jaws while looking at Reese. His tone became stern as he asked, "WHAT. DID. SHE. DO?"

Chapter 167: A Blur

Sean was angry beyond words. Behind Brooklyn's sweet facade was a monster!

Reese was his friend. He wasn't bothered that she wasn't rich and didn't wear branded clothes. What gave Brooklyn the

right to look down on her?

In the past, When Reese started to reject the idea of hanging out with him and Brooklyn, she said she didn't want to

bother their dates. When that wasn't enough to convince him, Reese said she didn't feel comfortable going out with him

because she didn't have luxury clothes and did not fit in. When he bought her clothes, Reese suggested that she felt

awkward around Brooklyn, yet, she denied being hurt or bullied.

Whenever he would ask Brooklyn why Reese wasn't comfortable with her, she'd cry and throw back the question. Back

when Brooklyn would say, "I don't know. You have seen me with her. | have been so nice to Reese. Why wouldn't she be

comfortable with me? Please bring her over next. I'll show you. She'll have a great time with me."

Guilt washed over him thoroughly. He married a two-faced woman who was rather good at hiding her true colors, i At this point, there was no need to question Reese's words. He believed her, especially seeing Brooklyn in her true nature.

At the end of her story, Reese revealed how it all turned worst during Keith's birthday party. She described, "Brooklyn went

all out on me."

"Went all out on her?' Many things went through his mind, and he could not help but be angered. His jaws clenched as he

asked, "WHAT. DID. SHE. DO? n

"She." Reese gasped. After she looked down at the floor, she said, "Sean, I'm not sure if | am ready to tell you this because what | will tell you will shock you."

"It will change everything that you had believed in the past five years since | left," Reese said.

"| don't have any reason to doubt you," Sean said. "| would believe your word against Brooklyn a hundred percent. Please, tell me."

Sucking in a deep breath, Reese said, "Sean, she and Aaron. They - they spiked my drink."

HHE FLASHBACK: YEARS BACK, DURING KEITH'S BIRTHDAY PARTY

Keith's party was held at one of his private homes, outside of town, right in front of the beach. All guests would have to

drive another two hours to the event location and back. The VIP guests, however, had accommodations prepared by Keith

at the same house.

Since Sean had fetched Reese from her house, she rode with him, sitting at the back of Sean's sports car while Brooklyn

sat in front with Sean.

As usual, Brooklyn was extra friendly during the drive, but Reese noticed how she was texting on her phone constantly.

"Is it okay if | invite Aaron and Anna? They could drive themselves," Brooklyn asked Sean.

"That's no problem, but all rooms have already been assigned. There won’t be any extra room for them," Sean proposed.

"There are hotels nearby, though."

"That's fine," Brooklyn said. She smiled at Sean, saying, "So that means | will stay with you?"

"Um. You and Reese will each have your room," Sean replied. "Usually, the boys and | get drunk on Keith's birthday in the

same room. Haha. | would take Reese with me, but she doesn't hold her drink well."

"Oh," Brooklyn said.

Only Reese saw through Brooklyn's dismay.

How Sean suggested he would take her instead of Brooklyn to the boys' special get-together probably irked her more,

making Reese worry. Of course, the truth was, it was a closed-door session with the boys. Reese knew this well. Sean

was only making up an excuse not to bring Brooklyn with him.

When they arrived, they were first guided to their designated rooms. After which, they went to the beach area where the

party was.

The celebration went well. Instead of hanging out with Brooklyn and her friends, Reese stayed with the boys. Same as

usual, Wendell was there and Keith. Evan said hi and hello, then he left to sulk.

Every girl was jealous of her that night, but she would rather have that than be in the snake's lair, Brooklyn's side.

Then came a time when Sean walked with Brooklyn to the beach. Keith was busy talking to all his guests. Wendell was

there for her for the most part. He prepared light drinks for Reese, knowing she couldn't take hard beverages. She was

already getting a little into the mood, swaying in her seat as the music started.

Eventually, Wendell invited her to dance, but she didn't want to. Reese let Wendell go on his own while she watched

everything happen. Aaron approached her, bringing a bottle of Sola juice out of nowhere. He said, "It's my peace offering

on behalf of Brooklyn and Anna. I'm sorry about what they did. | wish | was there to defend you. Please forgive Brooklyn.

She loves Sean and wants to spend more time with him." He opened the bottle and offered, "Here, let me pour you a drink."

"So, a Sola juice will solve everything," Reese sarcastically said.

Aaron laughed and replied, "No, but | was hoping my kind gesture would."

He sat in front of her, and even when Keith returned, he remained to greet the celebrant and exchange a few words

before leaving the table. Reese drank nearly half of the Sola juice since it did not have alcohol. She figured it was okay.

Later on, she felt like dancing. Keith danced with her briefly, but when Aaron came up behind Keith, Reese agreed to

dance with him.

Aaron was already holding half of Reese's Sola juice. He said, "Hey, finish your juice! Then, I'll get you another one."

Reese didn't know why, but she felt more energetic yet warm inside. She looked at the juice and concluded she could use

a cold drink. She grabbed the bottle and was about to finish it when Sean seized it and drank it all himself. After which, he

said, "It's just juice? | was worried Aaron was getting you drunk!" 2

He turned to Reese, asking, "How come you look tipsy and drunk?"

"Me?" Reese said, feeling her face burn. "l don't know." She turned to the table and realized that Wendell had given her

punches. She said, "Wendell gave me a mixed drink."

"Ah, that's probably why. Damn, Wendell. | told him to give you only a few," Sean muttered. "Anyway, come here. If you

are going to dance, you must do it right!"

As Sean pulled her away, she saw Aaron's jaw drop on the ground and Brooklyn scolding him. However, Sean merely focused on her.

Reese and Sean were dancing on one side of the party for the next few minutes, near the boy's table. They were drinking

a little while at it. Reese did not hold back since Sean passed her the drinks, and she trusted him. However, as time

passed, she was feeling stranger by the minute.

She was getting more aggressive, holding Sean and even putting her arms around his neck. They were grinding and had

their faces inches apart, both

flushed from getting alcohol in their system.

"Hey, you two! Get a room!" Behind them, Wendell called out.

"| swear, this is the fucking new love team," Keith remarked.

"Shut up, man! Brooklyn is glaring at us," Wendell said.

Because of the remarks behind them, Sean decided to call it a night. He carried Reese into the house. As he did, Reese

was only focused on Sean. She kept saying, "Il love you. | love you."

Reese still recalled voices trying to sway Sean against bringing her into the house.

"| can carry her, man!" A familiar voice said.

"Get the fucking away from her. She is my guest!" Sean answered.

"Sean, let Aaron carry her. Why don't you spend the night with me?" A woman's voice proposed.

"Sean, where did you go?!"

"| think he took a right turn!”

"Let's go find him!"

The next thing Reese heard were Sean's footsteps, navigating through the hallways and a door slamming. Still, in that state, Reese kept saying, "I love you."

Soon, she fell on the sheets, with the weight of a man on top of her. In the following minutes, she felt warm lips against

hers, her hands getting restless, and moans filling the air. The rest was a complete blur.

In the morning, Reese woke up with a bad headache. She groaned and turned to her surroundings but realized she was

in someone's room. This was a different one assigned to her.

Moments later, she realized she was completely naked and sleeping with a man!

She abruptly turned to find out who it was and saw it was Sean. "Oh, damn.

Oh, my god, what happened?" 1

She fished inside her brain and tried to remember everything. She only drank a few alcoholic drinks, so it shouldn't have

made her forget what had transpired last night. However, no matter how she tried to think about it, she could only remember Sean taking her into the house. She saw flashes of her admitting her feelings, and could account for moments

of her aggressively holding Sean.

'But how in the world did Sean and | wound up in bed like this?' She asked herself. 'Did we have sex?"

Clearly, something happened to them. Reese looked under the sheets; sure enough, he was completely naked too! Sure,

she had often imagined being in bed with Sean, but not in this way.

At that point, she panicked. She searched for her clothes and put them on.

Just as she was thinking of what to do, there was a knock on the door. She hurriedly opened it, and as soon as she did, a

slap went across her face.

"How dare you! How dare you do it with my boyfriend?!" Brooklyn spat.

"l -1 don't know what happened!" Reese tried to explain. "You know what happened? Sean was so drunk last night, and you used it to your advantage! Do you know what he would do if he found out you took advantage of his drunken state?" Brooklyn said. "He will hate you. You were never the

girl he wanted in the first place!”

Brooklyn Glowered at Reese, saying, "But I'll help you! Leave! | won't tell Sean a word -"

"But he'll remember," Reese said.

"He won't! All he will remember is waking up next to me!" Brooklyn said." This is my last warning, Reese. Stay away from

Sean!" 1

Hours later, Reese met Sean for an early dinner at the same house. Reese was so embarrassed that she did not know

how to face him. Fear crept into her heart that maybe she had truly taken advantage of Sean, and he would hate her.

When Sean approached her, however, he asked, "Um. Hey, last night, | remember you were too drunk. | think | was darn

drunk too. | remember carrying you - you were taking crazy-"

"Yes, Sean. She was spouting nonsense, but all drunk people do," Brooklyn interrupted, saying, "You brought her to her

and then came back to the party. Then you invited me to your room, and we had the night of our lives!" 1

Brooklyn turned to Reese, declaring, "Guess what, Reese? Sean and | are officially together! | mean, he should because

he has to take responsibility for taking my V!"

She chuckled and added, "Isn't that right, Baby?"

"Um." Sean scratched his head. His face turned red as he said, "Yeah, Reese. We - we decided to date exclusively." Come on, let's have dinner, Sean," Brooklyn said, pulling him by the hand.

Sean, however, asked for a minute. He turned to Reese and questioned again, "Are you sure there is nothing you should

tell me, though?"

Tears welled in Reese's eyes, but she faked her response, saying, "No! | am so happy for you guys that I'm in tears." #HHE END OF FLASHBACK #5

Chapter 168: How Old Is Your Daughter?

HHE FLASHBACK: SEAN'S POV

Sean woke up, completely tired, and with a pang in his head. He groaned, turned to the other side, and saw Brooklyn

smiling.

"Hey, Baby. Great night last night," Brooklyn remarked. ‘Great night last night?' Sean asked in silence. His brows met, thinking back to what had happened.

Sean recalled dancing with Reese, grinding, and hitting on her. He thought that was very strange of him. Sean had high

respect for Reese. He cared about her and loved her company, but why was he acting that way last night?

Next, Sean wondered why he was with Brooklyn. His last recollection was taking Reese into the house since she was

drunk. He saw flashes of him kissing Reese, but he wasn't sure if it was real. The next was all a blur to him.

He remembered drinking, but he had a high tolerance for alcohol. The number of drinks he consumed should not have

made him forget what happened.

The flashes in his head made more sense if he was with Reese. However, Brooklyn convinced him entirely. She said,

"Sean, Reese got so drunk that she called you Aaron. | think she has a thing for Aaron and confessed her love to you by

mistake! Haha! It was so funny! Anyway, you brought her to her room and returned to the party to get me."

She gave him a flirtatious smile, saying, "And then you took my virginity. | didn't want to give my first to anyone, but | think

you are someone special, so that's okay."

Brooklyn kissed Sean and said, "I love you, Sean."

Sean paused, still shocked by everything. He only reacted when Brooklyn said, "Aren't you going to ask me to be your

girlfriend officially? We already did it, and everyone knows we are casually seeing each other."

Clearing his throat, Sean said, "Um. Yeah. | guess. | mean, | like you a lot, Brooklyn."

Brooklyn smiled and concluded, "Then, it's official. You and | are together."

H END OF FLASHBACK: SEAN'S POV

Hearing it all from Reese's side, Sean was silent, his mouth hanging open in shock, his hand repeatedly massaging his

temples.

As he was taking it all in, Reese asked, "Sean, do you believe me? Please tell me you believe me."

Her words made Sean look at her. He replied, "Reese, of course, | believe you. I'm sorry. | admit | did not remember, but |

felt it was strange. And while | thought about asking you in the coming days after Keith's party, but n

"Brooklyn kept seeing you in the next few days," Reese interrupted. "Il saw you were enjoying her company, and then one

evening, | was invited for a special dinner at your house where you had introduced Brooklyn to your parents as your

girlfriend."

"That night, | wanted to tell you everything. | was convinced | should, but | saw you smiling and laughing - your parents

liking Brooklyn." Reese said as tears welled in her eyes. "I -1 couldn't be that person to ruin everything for you, Sean. couldn't. Moreover, you don't remember a thing, either. The person who you woke up next to was Brooklyn and not me.

Honestly, | was afraid of looking desperate too."

"The day after that dinner, Brooklyn secretly went to my house, threatening me about my dad’s pension. So when my

mother received dad's pension in the later days, we paid the bills and left town." Reese described. "My mom wanted a

new life without having to remember the pain of losing dad so much, and | needed to be away."

"| did not know how my drink was spiked until | met Anna again when working in Washington a year ago. My patient was

her grandmother," Reese revealed. "She must have felt guilty that she told me everything."

"She said that Aaron had spiked my juice. | drank nearly half of the juice, so | got hit. Plus, | was drinking a little, but you,

Sean. You drank more than half of the Sola juice," Reese revealed.

"When | learned about this from Anna, | was devastated again. | thought about coming back and telling you. Then, it was

as if life was bringing me home. Anna's grandmother referred me to another client here in Rose Hills. The pay was

excellent, and so | took it. Mom was also okay to return. When the patient got better and no longer needed my service

daily, | took part- time jobs at Rose Hills. That's how | met Doctor Shant," Reese added. "And now, | am, in front of you,

telling you about Brooklyn."

Sean was so overwhelmed by the truth that he only focused on the fact that something had happened between him and

Reese. He did not think beyond it.

Repeatedly, he asked for forgiveness. Sean wanted to talk more about the past when his father arrived at the house. It

distracted Sean from his conversation with Reese.

"| heard what happened at the accounting firm! Sean, take out all our investments. | don't want a partnership with Brooklyn's family!" Sean's father, Sherwin Ross, declared.

"Dad, | want to deal with this later. Reese and | are still talking," Sean reasoned.

"Is it more important than the firm? Sean, that's our investment, and Wendell is in it too! We need to address this ASAP!"

Sherwin turned to Reeese, saying, "You don't mind, do you, Reese? It's imperative." i

Reese stood up, still with a flushed face. She answered, "Of course, Uncle Sherwin." She bashfully turned to Sean, saying, "I'll see you tomorrow or the next day whenever you are ready for pre-surgery therapy."

Sean's mind was a mess. He turned to Reese, thinking he was missing something, but couldn't put a finger on it. He said,

"But

"I'll take her home, Sean. | already called Wendell, and he is coming over. Since he is one of your investors, it's best to

discuss your decisions with him. He will be bringing his lawyer to help with the plans,” Keith said.

Glancing at Reese one last time, Sean felt unresolved, but because his father was adamant about having a meeting, he

allowed her to leave.

*k%k

"I'm okay with this," Wendell said, seeing the final draft of their demand letter to Brooklyn and her family. He turned to

Sean, who appeared absentminded, and said, "Sean, I'm okay to lose the accounting firm. We can put our money

elsewhere. | don't want anything to do with Brooklyn. Let her take the firm, but we are taking all our money."

Sean nodded and said, "I'm sorry, Wendell."

"Nothing to be sorry about," Wendell said, i

Their party finalized their course of action at midnight. After that meeting, Sean had the chance to speak to Wendell about

Brooklyn and what happened five years ago.

They were at the driveway, exchanging words, when Wendell said, "Fuck, | knew it was off. When you said you wound up

having sex with Brooklyn, | was like, really? Because, all the while, we all thought you had sex with

Reese! And spiking the drinks? That all made sense! It also made sense you brought her to your room since it was closer

to the back entrance.”

"It's one shocking news to another!" Wendell said. "What will be the next surprise, huh? Maybe you have a child with

Reese? Haha!"

Wendell said it as a joke, but it gave Sean a realization. Sean immediately felt his chest heavy. He knew he was missing something, and that was it; Reese's daughter! He cursed,

"Damn! Of course! Fuck me!"

"| wouldn't dare!" Wendell said. 2

Sean turned to Wendell and ordered, "Take me to Reese's house! Now!"

The two friends were on the road in the next hour. While Wendell was driving, Sean filled him in.

"Reese has a daughter?!" Wendell said. "You must be the father!"

"I don't know, but I'd like to know for sure," Sean said. "How old is she? If she is four, that means she is yours!" Wendell suggested. 1

"I'm going to ask!" It took a while to go from one street to another and find Reese's house. Reese and her mother rented a

bungalow in a humble community further from where Sean lived.

Wendell helped Sean at the door, pushing his wheelchair. Without caring about the time, Sean knocked on it again and

again. Soon, Reese opened the door. She narrowed her eyes at Sean, asking, "Sean? What are you doing here?"

2

Finding Wendell, she asked, "Wendell?"

"I'll give you guys a moment," Wendell said, retreating to the car.

Reese returned her attention to Sean. She asked, "Sean, what time is it? You should be resting?"

"| want to know... How old is your daughter?" Sean asked while taking deep breaths.

Reese ended up chuckling, but tears stung her eyes as she did. She challenged him, "Oh, come on, Sean. You can do

better than that."

"Okay," Sean said. He cleared his throat and asked, "Am | your daughter's father?"

Reese was in her pajamas. Against the cold wind, she hugged herself and leaned against the door. She sucked in a deep

breath before crying. Faintly, she admitted, "Yes, Sean. She is your daughter.”

Chapter 169: Are You My Daddy?

"Yes, Sean. She is your daughter.”

Sean gasped. He threw his head back with his eyes closed, thinking how hard it must have been for Reese to raise a child

since she left Rose Hills. He recalled how she had mentioned she struggled to get regular jobs, which was how she went

into private practice instead. The pay was good, according to her, but the benefits weren't. She had to cover her insurance

and other government-mandated contributions.

He forced himself up, pushing with his arms and one leg. "What are you doing? Be careful," Reese had to support his weight, offering her arm.

As soon as Sean managed to get up, he embraced Reese tightly, saying," I'm very sorry, Reese. I'm very sorry for everything." i

He further tightened his hold around her, and with that, he noticed how she sniffed. Sean said, "Let me make it up to you,

please. To you and... our daughter." 1

Sean held her for over a minute. When he pulled away, he asked, "What's - what's her name?"

There was very little light at the doorstep of Reese's humble home, but Sean could see how her face turned a shade

darker as she shyly revealed their daughter's name. She said, "Shauna. Her name is Shauna." 1

"Ah!" He couldn't help but have that smug look on his face. It was evident that his daughter was named after him. That granted him a punch in the stomach from Reese, and he wound up chuckling. He grabbed Reese's arm and said, "Sorry, |

could not help but feel proud of having my daughter named after me."

"Can | see her?" He immediately asked.

Reese hesitated for a moment, saying, "She is sleeping." "| can still see her in her sleep,” Sean suggested.

It took a second before Reese answered, "Okay." 1

Sean first signaled Wendell to wait for him before joining Reese in the house. They walked into the bedroom hallways and

entered a small room that belonged to his daughter.

The second he saw her, Sean smiled. Reese had blonde hair, and so did he, but the shade of his hair was more sandy.

Shauna definitely had sandy blonde hair like him.

She was holding a stuffed toy tightly against her chest as she lay on her left side. Sean thought; Shauna looked so pretty

in her sleep.

Reese pushed Sean's wheelchair closer to Shauna's bed while she took the other side. From that moment on, Sean silently studied the little girl.

"So, she's four," Sean said.

Reese nodded.

"Where does she go to school here?" Sean asked.

"At the public school," Reese replied.

Sean acknowledged, saying, "It's fine, but next year, can we move her?"

"| don't know, Sean. She is used to that simple life," Reese reported, but not before blushing.

"She's still young. She can adjust,” Sean said. "Besides, Kindergarten is still pretty simple."

Reese sighed and replied, "l guess. I'm sorry. | did not want to impose -"

"There is no imposing," Sean assured her. "She is my responsibility too, being my daughter.”

"If you want a paternity test, we could go tomorrow," Reese suggested. "| think it's best, especially in telling your parents

about Shauna. Besides, during that time, at Keith's birthday party, | woke up next to you but did not remember the act.”

With a short pause, she added, "Though she takes a lot from you. You almost have the same eyes, except her's is more

sky blue."

Sean kept staring at Shauna and smiled. He was looking at her long lashes, cute nose, thin lips, and little hands. Just the

sight of her warmed his heart.

A part of him felt he would be greatly disappointed if this cute little girl wasn't his, but he also recognized that Reese was

right. Clarity was necessary at that point. He gulped and replied, "Okay. Let's go first thing in the morning."

Sean spent another fifteen minutes simply watching Shauna, but knowing that Wendell was waiting for him, he bid

goodbye.

At the door, he gave Reese one last hug, saying, "Thank you, Reese, for telling me this. | promise things will be different

from now on."

Sean made a few phone calls in the morning, and he only had to focus on the paternity test for the rest of his time. The

lawyers were still going to communicate with Brooklyn's party, and they were sure it would take a few days before they

would respond.

For now, though, Sean had ordered all accounts to be frozen. He was the primary signatory for all the firm’s bank accounts, so the financial institutions readily complied. Brooklyn would not be able to take any money out.

With the family driver, he fetched Reese and Shauna at the house. He met Reese's mother, who cried at first sight of him.

Misses Kenedy hugged him tightly, saying she was thankful that he would take the paternity test.

Next, he saw Shauna walking out of her room in leggings and a pink top. She had a double ponytail and two pink bows on

each side. Her azurecolored eyes gazed into his blue orbs, and Sean swore his heart skipped a beat.

It was far different, with her fully awake and looking straight at him. She smiled at him before tears welled in her eyes. She

asked, "Are you, my daddy?”

Sean could not also help but feel emotional. Who wouldn’t? His daughter was looking for a father. After briefly glancing at

Reese, he nodded and said, "Yes, | am."

Shauna ran to him. Sean was still in his wheelchair but leaned down to embrace the little girl. He carried her and settled

her on his lap, and from there, Shauna cried more. Her breathing became labored as she asked, "| knew | had a daddy! |

knew it!"

Sean looked at Reese, asking for an explanation, but she only mouthed,’ Later.

He understood. For now, getting the paternity test done was more important.

The Heart and Lung Center was accredited to perform a paternity test, and their laboratory was the safest place in Sean's

view. It was there where Sean and his daughter had their samples taken side by side. Since Evan and Shantelle half owned the center, he could request an express test. The results would be out in the evening of that same day instead of

waiting twenty-four hours.

They were in and out of the facility in half an hour. In the afternoon, Sean took their daughter to school with Reese. While

waiting, he stayed with the Kennedys, catching up with their lives.

Sean had a one-on-one talk with Reese's mother as they had coffee in the dining area of their home. She said, "Reese

did not know she was pregnant until we moved to Buffalo. She was already three months pregnant when her symptoms

became apparent.”

Reese's mother said, "At first, she wouldn't tell me who the father was, but when Shauna came out and how Reese named her, immediately | knew. | knew. That was the only time Reese told me about everything, including Brooklyn's threats."

Shaking her head, she added, "lI thought Brooklyn was only jealous of Reese's closeness to you, but apparently, there

was more to it. Still, we decided to live a peaceful life by staying away from you." i

"| hated what happened to my daughter, Sean, and at some point, | also hated you for not knowing what you both had

done. Although, Reese repeatedly told me that you seemed to have no recollection at all." After drinking her coffee, she

later revealed, "It was only last year when we found out the truth. Reese must have told you."

Sean nodded.

"Our lives went on with the idea of reaching out to you at the back of our heads, but we never really had the courage,”

Misses Kenedy said. "While | believed you are a good person, Sean, we didn't know how safe it was to go against

Brooklyn."

Letting out a loud sigh, she added, "I thank the heavens that Brooklyn is now out of the picture, and finally, Reese was

able to tell you the truth.”

She reached for Sean's hand and requested, "Please, do right by Shauna. She is an adorable girl. She deserves to have

a father."

"l will, Aunt," Sean swore. He reached for Misses Kenedy's hand and held it tightly. "I swear, | will."

After the chat with Misses Kenedy, Sean and Reese left to fetch their daughter from school. Afterward, he treated them to

an early dinner at a nearby restaurant. Only then did they proceed to The Heart and Lung Center for the paternity results.

With Evan's orders, Sean and Reese were guided to Shantelle's office, where they could open the results. Holding the envelope in his hand, Sean asked Reese, "Do you want to open it first?"

Reese shook her head, inhaling. She said, "I'd rather you open it and read it for both of us."

Sean was feeling his heart race. He cleared his throat while slowly opening the envelope. He lazily unfolded the paper

and skipped the various jargon, focusing only on the results.

His skin crawled. A tear fell on his cheek as he read, "The alleged father cannot be excluded as the biological father of the

tested child. Based on the analysis above, the probability of paternity is 99.99999999%."

Chapter 170: Meeting The Grandparents & Uncles

The next day, Sherwin and Claudia Ross sat in the living room, waiting for their special guests, as their son, Sean, had

suggested.

The suspense was killing them, but eventually, they saw Reese walk in with her mother. Smiles formed on Sean's parents’

faces, seeing an old friend.

"Audrey," Claudia called, teary-eyed. She stood up, eager to embrace Reese's mother, but her steps were halted, seeing

Sean enter with a little girl riding on his lap.

"Oh, hello, baby. You look lovely," Claudia said to Shauna. Shauna chuckled. She turned to her father. When Sean winked at Shauna, she shifted to Claudia, responding, "Hi, grandma.”

"Oh, grandma? Very respectful little girl," Sean's mother remarked. Then her eyes landed on Reese, and the latter flushed

utterly.

Claudia glanced at her husband, and seeing his puzzled expression, they peered in Sean's direction, asking simultaneously, "What's going on?"

"First, Reese has something to tell you," Sean reported. In the next few minutes, they all settle in their seats, talking about the past, specifically the night when Shauna was made.

At the end of Reese's tale, Sean gave the DNA test to his parents, saying, "Shauna is my daughter, Mom, Dad. She is

your granddaughter. I'm sorry | did not tell you sooner. We wanted the paternity test out of the way first."

It could not be helped. Mouths fell on the floor. Claudia kept staring back and forth at Shauna and Sean, unable to control

her emotions. She was shocked and happy simultaneously because Sean was already in his midthirties, and they weren't

getting any younger, yet they still had no grandkids. They were hoping to have grandkids from Brooklyn, but she turned out to be a total fake!

Next, they observed how Shauna held onto Sean tightly. She hugged his arm and rested her head on his shoulder. As a

response, Sean pecked Shauna's head, and that sight alone tickled Claudia's heart.

"Go on, sweetie. Say hello to your grandma and grandpa," Sean urged his daughter.

Sean's father was still silent the entire time. He was massaging his chest from all the revelation. Shauna smiled genuinely,

saying, "Grandpa, it's nice to meet you. | always wanted a grandpa.”

Of course, how could Sherwin forget that Shauna's maternal grandfather had died? Reese's father was not only his driver

but a good friend, a listener who stuck with him until health prevented him from working.

Memories of his old friendship flashed in Sherwin's head, how he cried at his driver's wake. After struggling to speak,

eventually, he said, "Oh, poor little girl. If your other grandpa met you, he would be over the moon."

Sherwin called Shauna, saying, "Come here and hug your grandpa. | will gladly play the role of two grandfathers." "This is real, right? This is real?" Sean's mother clarified.

Reese nodded eagerly. Audrey also expressed, "It's very real, Claudia. | have helped raise her for four years. | know how

much she took a lot from Sean."

On the other hand, Sean said, "It's real, mom. More than just the paternity test. | could feel it within my bones." Claudia embraced Shauna next. She relished the moment, feeling the little girl in her arms, and wound up pecking her cheek. As she savored her scent, Claudia claimed, "Me too. | feel it. She belongs to our family." She briefly let go to cup

Shauna's face, asking, "Call me grandma again, baby." "Grandma Claudia," Shauna happily followed. "I have two grandmas! Yay!"

"Oh, what beautiful eyes!" Sean's mother complimented. If anything, bluecolored eyes ran in her side of the family. Her

husband had green-colored eyes.

After that initial revelation, they all found time to talk about what went on in their lives, how Shauna grew up, how the Kenedys moved from one city to another, and their struggles to meet ends.

As they continued to chat, they let Shauna draw and paint. Reese had purposely brought art materials, knowing it would

be a long talk with the Ross family.

Occasionally, Shauna would come up to her father and show her artwork." Daddy, look. This is me, you, and mommy!"

"Oh, beautiful, Sweetie, you are a natural," Sean praised. "Why don't you draw grandma and grandpa too."

"I'd love to!" Shauna cheerfully said.

There were moments when Reese felt awkward. Still, everyone knew that Shauna was innocent - unaware of the actual

relationship between her parents. What Claudia and Sherwin clearly saw, however, were Sean's smiles and Shauna

affecting him positively.

After hours of talking it all out, Sean's father said, "Reese, we are sorry that this has happened to you. We completely believe you."

"Thank you, Uncle," Reese said.

"We are glad you listened to our side," Reese's mother added.

"Yes, of course. After all that happened with Sean and Brooklyn, | have been convinced that my son married a devil!"

Claudia remarked. "It no longer surprised me that she did all that in the past!"

"Brooklyn was really something. She had us all convinced that she was a good person," Sherwin described. "Now that her

true colors are out, her parents won't talk to us. All they wanted was to get alimony!" 2

"Son, now that this is all out, are you prepared to face Brooklyn and truly let her go?" Sherwin asked.

"Of course, Dad." Sean turned to Reese, and from a distance, he glanced at Shauna. He firmly said, "| have every reason

to move on. Brooklyn is not going to get any mercy from me." 2

"But before that," Reese gently reminded. "Sean needs to prepare for surgery.”

Sean's father nodded approvingly. Claudia turned to her husband with a smile and said, "I think Reese's return came at

the right moment. We are surprised with a granddaughter, and Reese will be here to help Sean recover."

"We thank you, Reese, for returning and giving Sean something to look forward to. You have no idea how broken he was

when Keith brought him home," Sean's mother revealed. Sherwin nodded, saying, "This just proves that not all storms come to disrupt your life but to clear your path." "| could not agree more, Dad," Sean echoed, smiling at the end of his words.

*k%k

In the evening, Sean strangely had more energy.

After discovering his allergic reaction to his metal knee implant, Sean had added medications. It usually made him more

tired in the afternoon. However, that night, he was game to have a gathering with his friends.

Evan and Shantelle had finally arrived from their vacation. After learning that Sean had a daughter, they urged him to visit

their mansion.

Sean brought Reese and Shauna with him. Before dinner started, they were all rounding up at Shauna, making a comparison.

"Nice to meet you, Shauna," Lucas said, greeting his new friend.

"Definitely, Sean's hair and eyes," Karise remarked.

"Her lips are more of Reese's," Shantelle gave her two cents.

"I'd say eighty percent, Sean," Keith concluded. "lI know Sean best."

"Couldn't agree more," Wendell said.

"Shauna, who do you think you look like?" Milan asked. The little girl turned from side to side, studying both her parents. After seconds of thinking about it, she declared, "Daddy!"

2

"Ouch," Reese said, wincing. "l raised her for four years. What a traitor."

Everyone laughed. Shantelle also shared, "| know how you feel, Reese because when Evan and | met again, my son was

all daddy, daddy, daddy! At some point, | felt jealous but seeing them together just melted my heart. Our children know

their fathers, and their longing grows their bonds."

"Wait. Wait. Is this a deja vu of Evan and Shanty?" Keith said. "So maybe Reese and Sean will end up together like | had

predicted on my birthday five years ago!"

Dead air fell upon them. Reese turned tomato red. Karise spanked her husband's arm.

Sean did not react. He simply studied Reese's reaction. Evan broke the silence, walking in with gifts in his hands. He declared, "And here are my gifts to my goddaughters!" Karise was quick to pass on her baby to Keith. She clapped and shrieked excitedly as Evan gave her a massive paper

bag of baby gifts.

Evan also presented Shauna with two paper bags, and the little girl's eyes lit up. She happily opened her gifts. The first

bag had accessories that she instantly liked. The second paper bag had a beautiful unicorn backpack with rainbow colors

and glitter.

As Shauna studied the bag, she tilted her head from side to side. Then, she said, "This is the same bag, Mommy! It's the

same bag from the store!"

Shauna was still clinging to her father. She jumped on Sean's lap, saying, "Il love it! | wanted this because Jeana has this!"

Reese explained that Jeana was Shauna's classmate and how she had seen the bag at the mall and had been asking

about it since.

Shauna kept at it, crying her excitement when suddenly, she stopped. She pouted her lips and returned the unicorn backpack to the paper bag. She raised it in Evan's direction, explaining, "lI can't have this. Mommy said we can't afford

expensive things. Can we have food instead, Uncle?" 6 Silence fell upon them. Shantelle nearly cried at the little girl's worry.

"Shauna, you don't have to worry because your daddy will buy your groceries. Uncle Evan will buy you all the expensive

things you want! For | -" Evan raised his arms, declaring, "| am the wealthiest man in the city!" 5

He pointed to Shauna and said, "Ask anything from Uncle Evan, and you shall receive."

"Don't go shy on my Daddy," Lucas encouraged, giggling at his father's claims.

"Go ahead, ask for anything," Shantelle said.

"Do you want roller shoes? Every kid loves them," Karise encouraged.

"What about a barbie house," Shantelle added.

"Or a playhouse," Wendell proposed.

Their group gave Shauna more and more ideas until Evan offered, "You want a car? I'll give you a car!"

Shauna gasped, her mouth rounding. She said, "I can't drive!" 1

"I'll give you a driver!" Evan announced, and at that point, everyone started laughing. 2

Shauna hugged her unicorn backpack and said, "I'm happy with this. Thank you, Uncle. A car is too much for me."

It was already passed ten in the evening when Sean drove Reese and Shauna back to their home. Before Reese got off

the car, Sean held her wrist. He declared, "Tomorrow, | am moving you and Shauna to the Diamond Hotel. There is a three-bedroom unit readily available for you to move into. A shopping agent will buy all your groceries. A hotel driver will

take you and Shauna wherever you need to go until | find a permanent one for you." 2

"Accept my offer because it's not only what Shauna deserves and what you deserve for caring for her all these years. |

want to do it for you both," Sean said.

Reese gulped. She repeatedly took deep breaths, contemplating. After looking at her daughter, she answered, "Okay,

Sean. Thank you. | appreciate it."

Chapter 171: Condoms

Brooklyn gritted her teeth, watching the video of her and Aaron, fooling around in Sean's office. She thought the incident

when Sean caught them red-handed was the only time he had found out, but no, apparently, he had a recording! She angrily turned to Sean and his lawyers. Evan, Wendell, and Keith were with him too. They were in full force in facing

her with the divorce settlement and in canceling the business partnership between the Ross family and one of the firm's shareholders, Wendell Franco.

The meeting happened in one of the accounting firm’s conference rooms. They had been in a heated discussion for half

an hour before Sean's party presented the video of Brooklyn's infidelity.

"Stop it! Stop it, | said!" She warned, her voice raised, and her nose flared as she pointed to the monitor. "How dare you

take a private video of me

"You were fucking in my office. | have every right to have a surveillance camera in there," Sean reasoned with a shrug.

Brooklyn's father, Bernard, also attended the settlement meeting. He questioned the video, saying, "That video is probably

fake."

"We are willing to have the video evaluated for authenticity. However, you should know that several witnesses from the

firm had come forward with Brooklyn and Aaron's affair," Sean proposed.

"| was witness to that. | was there when it happened,” Keith said.

"If you disagree with our terms, we will gladly expose Brooklyn for her cheating ways to the public and how she tried to

steal from the company. The firm will lose clients, and its trust rating will go down," Wendell added. "Il will lose my money,

sure, but that also means you will lose your money too! | can still live with the loss, but can you?"

"If you continue to claim alimony for the divorce, | will sue for adultery,” Sean added. "Not only has Aaron lost his job, but

he will also be locked up along with you, Brooklyn."

But we are already divorcing," Brooklyn argued.

"We haven't now, have we? Because you wanted more money, you would not settle the divorce without getting my house

and at least ten percent of my company shares. That is how hungry you are for money," Sean pointed out.

"If you continue to pursue this, Bernard, you are also going against me. Do you want me to announce a business ban against you and your family?" Evan threatened, referring to Brooklyn's father. "Tell your daughter to stop dreaming. She

was the one who asked for the divorce in the first place. She shouldn't be brave enough to ask for alimony or any of

Sean's properties!"

Following Evan's warning, Brooklyn's lawyers privately pulled her and her father out to discuss thoroughly.

After some time, they returned with a definitive agreement.

"My client has agreed to an uncontested divorce. She has also agreed not to get any alimony and the withdrawal of investments from the Rosses and Mister Franco, provided the following," the lawyers began to list their demands, saying,

"That there will be no leak about the affair of our client, within the firm and outside, and that the Thompson Group of

Companies will not impose a business ban against the firm, or any businesses belonging to our client's family." Sean looked at his friends, and with all of them nodding, he agreed. The divorce agreement had ultimately been signed.

The investments belonging to Sean and his family had been returned as a check, including that of Wendell's. Sean then

gave all rights of the firm to Brooklyn without hesitation. Two days before Sean's surgery, he was free of Brooklyn in the paper. Still, it will be official once the court has finalized

the divorce.

*k%k

"When will the divorce be granted?" Sean asked Wendell. "My dad said he had talked to the judge. It would take about a month at the very least," Wendell responded. "Most divorce

proceedings last up to a year, but for an

uncontested one, a month is the fastest. Don't worry. I'll be on top of it."

"| swear after the divorce has been approved, she is going to go down," Sean suggested.

The friends discussed the rest of their plans in Evan's office. It appeared as though Brooklyn was easily off the hook, but it

was only phase one of their plans. Brooklyn first needed to agree to an uncontested divorce with no alimony to avoid delaying the process. However, once the judge had granted the divorce, they would go all out on her.

They all had refreshments in the sitting area of the man's office when Evan asked his friend, "Has Anna agreed to cooperate?"

Sean nodded, saying, "Yes, she has."

"And the Department of Labor? Have they gotten back to us about our request?” Sean sought.

Sean had seen in the books how Brooklyn had named him as the approver of an audit for the Department of Labor. However, that was impossible because he was in a coma back then. He thought it was utterly fishy that he requested an

investigation.

Evan nodded and replied, "They will get back to us in a week. H

"Let's worry about that later. What's important is your surgery," Keith proposed. Turning to Sean, he inquired, "Are you

ready for it?"

Sean nodded. He replied, "Yes, Reese has been preparing me for the operation so | can get back in shape faster. If it all

turns right, | can finally walk normally again in a week." 1 "Again, I'm really sorry about this, Sean," Evan said. "You would not have needed the surgery if not for my CFO." "Yes, well, if not for what happened to me, Brooklyn would not have shown her true self," Sean replied. "I think it would

have been more devastating if we were married for a year or two and | learned about her schemes. Then, it would be tougher to leave the marriage."

All heads were nodding at that point.

Suddenly, Evan went to his desk. He pulled a document from his drawer, saying, "lI know that meeting your daughter is

motivation enough for you to get better, but perhaps this will encourage you further."

Out of nowhere, Evan kneeled in front of Sean. He shook his head, saying, "| swear this was Shanty's idea, but she thought it was fun and would cheer you up, so here it goes." i

"What the hell are you doing, man?" Sean asked, utterly puzzled.

"Are you divorcing Shanty for Sean?" Wendell asked before throwing into a set of laughter. i

"| swear since Evan got back with Shanty, he has turned comedic,” Keith said.

"| don't know, man. You had comedic episodes too? Remember your milkshake proposal?" Wendell reminded Keith.

Evan was still down on his knee, handing the document to Sean. As his friends were speculating his actions, he said,"

Mister Sean Ross

"Fuck, Evan has gone mad!" Sean declared.

Wendell covered his eyes, saying, "| don't know what he is doing, man."

"My good friend, Mister Sean Ross, will you make me the happiest CEO on earth by accepting to be my CFO, for better or

for worst, till death do us part?" Evan ultimately said, and that was when his friends broke into a set of a boisterous laughs. 1

"Fuck! | thought Evan had really lost it!" Sean exclaimed. i "Invest your family's money in me, and let's take care of it together," Evan said, referring to the investment Sean withdrew from his firm. "So, will you, Sean, accept my offer?"

"Take it, man!" Keith said, laughing his heart out. "It's a business and job marriage." i

"Reminds me of the grandparent vows," Wendell remarked. i

Evan's tone of voice turned serious. He revealed, "The truth is, | need you more. | need someone | can trust to help me

run my group of companies, Sean. If only | could invite Keith and Wendell in, but they have their own companies. Now

that you are free, | thought this was the perfect time to invite you."

Sean's laughter changed into a smile as he held the document. He read it briefly, and after flipping from one page to

another, he replied, "Yes, Evan. I'll be your CFO."”’

"And he said, Yes!" Evan said, getting up and clapping his hands loudly. "I am now the happiest CEO on earth!" 2 Laughter once again filled the air of Evan's office, but soon it hushed as Sean said, "Thank you, Evan." He turned to his

friends and said, "You guys are like condoms."

"What? What the hell, Sean?" Wendell sought.

"Friends are like condoms. We protect each other when things get hard," Sean said before laughing. 1

"Now that's the Sean | know," Keith said before chuckling." That was a good one."

"Sean is back," Evan declared.

"Sean is back," Wendell echoed.

"Welcome back, Sean," Evan said, extending his hand to him, "My new CFO.

Chapter 172: Daddy's Kiss

Outside the operating room of the Heart and Lung Center, Sean's parents awaited the news of his surgery. Reese was

also present, showing her support. Wendell, Evan, and Keith had visited earlier but left to care for their families. After two hours, Doctor Phil stepped out with a smile. He reported, "The operation is a success. We have replaced his

implants successfully with no complications." i

A sigh of relief left Claudia's lips; the same could be said for Sean's father. Everyone thanked the good doctor. Sean's operation was supposed to be scheduled early in the day, but Doctor Phil's flight got delayed from Braeton. The

surgery was moved to five in the afternoon, leaving the Rosses' exhausted. Seeing Claudia yawn, Reese offered, "| can

stay overnight with Sean, Aunt. Please, don't tire yourself." [

Claudia and Sherwin looked at each other before agreeing. Sherwin suggested, "I think Sean would like that. Thank you,

Reese. We are glad you are back." i

Reese lingered outside the recovery room for an hour. After discovering Sean was stable, she went to the private room to

wait. It was already ten in the evening when Sean was brought to his room. He was still half asleep but managed to send

a smile in Reese’s way before dozing off thoroughly.

*k%k

When morning came, Sean awoke to find Reese sleeping on the couch beside the hospital bed. Last night, when he was

moved to the private room, he thought Reese was only staying for a while, and his parents would return, but as it turned

out, she watched him overnight.

Reese had declined Evan's payment to help him with his therapy. Thus, he knew Reese was not there for work, and he

was happy about it. Sean called, "Hey, you stayed overnight."

Reese woke up and smiled at him. She said, "Good morning."

"How am 1? Can | sit up?" He asked.

"Yes, you can," Reese replied. She sat next to Sean and pulled him up with her hand.

As soon as he sat up, Sean embraced Reese tightly. He said, "Thank you for being here for me." i

He held her firmly, savoring her scent. Reese must have felt uncomfortable about it since she had to gently push him

away, saying, "Of course, that’s what friends are for." "R-I-G-H-T," Sean replied, his eyes hooded as he let her go.

"I'll get you some water. You are already allowed fluids," Reese offered. "You must be thirsty."

After Reese gave him a glass of water, she checked the time, saying, "Oh, it's already eight. Shauna should be up. She

had been calling me nonstop since last night. She was very worried since | did not come home."

"Let's call her," Sean proposed.

It had been five days since Reese and Shauna had moved into the Diamond Hotel Rose Hills with Misses Kenedy. Sean had instead been visiting them at the condo daily. It was from the unit where he had his therapy with Reese. Being at the condo most days allowed Sean to get to know his daughter further. He learned about her favorite food, toys,

hobbies, and mannerisms. At the same time, he witnessed how Reese cared for and disciplined their daughter. Shauna often begged him to stay overnight, but he did not want to trouble Reese with his condition. He preferred to bathe

and change, with Pete helping him at home.

Before Sean was admitted to the hospital, Shauna expressed how she would miss him dearly, which further warmed his

heart. Sean loved the fact that he had a daughter who was so sweet and loving. He was incredibly thankful that Shauna

had a good mother that raised her well.

"Hi, Shauna. Look, Daddy is awake!" Reese said on the video call. She was holding her phone up, finding Sean. "Daddy! Daddy! Did the doctor fix your knee?" Shauna asked. "Can you walk now, Daddy?"

Sean took the phone and said, "Sweetie, we are still waiting for the doctor to give us the go signal. I'll stay in bed for now,

and your mommy will help exercise my legs."

"When will you be home, Daddy? Will you live with us when you are all better?" Shauna eagerly asked. "Ummm." Sean massaged his chin, his eyes panning to Reese. He caught her, averting her gaze as he replied, "I'll visit

often."

Shauna pouted her lips. She said, "Visit? Don't daddies, mommies, and babies live together?”

That wasn't the first time Shauna asked. Sean has previously reasoned his knee condition for requiring the caregiver's

help at the mansion as an excuse, which was valid at the same time.

There was a very long stretch of silence which both Reese nor Sean could not reply to. Eventually, Sean answered," Soon, baby. Soon."

Reese gave him a puzzled look, but Sean dismissed it and merely focused on Shauna. However, because of that promise, the little girl began identifying things she and Sean would do.

"Then, Daddy will play tea time with my friends and me at school, watch me sing in school, and talk to teacher in school.

Daddy will take me to the playground and push me on the swing," Shauna went on and on.

Sean was game on to the plan. He recalled Evan's enthusiasm and finally understood how it felt. It didn’t seem

troublesome at all. In fact, the idea of making it up to his daughter excited him.

"I'll be there, Sweetie. Daddy will be there for all of that," Sean promised.

"Yay!" Shauna exclaimed.

"Even the tea party?" Reese asked while chuckling. 2

"As long as | don't dress up," Sean said. "l will join the little girls'tea party." 2

The chat seemed endless between the father and daughter, but soon, Shauna had to bathe and eat breakfast. She asked,

"Daddy, will Mommy be back to bring me to school?" Sean turned to Reese and saw a nod. Reese explained,” Aunt Claudia said she would be here before eleven."

"Yes, sweetie, Mommy will be home by lunchtime, just in time to take you to your class," Sean replied.

"Then, can Mommy bring Daddy's kiss for me?" Shauna asked. 2

Sean was confused. He glanced at Reese, who was bright red. Reese said, "Mommy will kiss you for Daddy."

"No! | want Mommy to bring Daddy's kiss for me!" Shauna insisted. Then she described, "The same when grandma got

sick, remember? Grandma sent me a kiss through you, Mommy."

Shauna explained it adequately to her father, "Daddy, you have to kiss Mommy, and Mommy will give me your kiss." "Ohhhh!" Sean audibly said. His mouth perfectly rounding, his brows lifted in amusement at the idea. "Okay, I'll send a

kiss through Mommy."

Sean immediately turned to Reese. He was shrugging simultaneously, his eyes turning to their daughter, saying," I'm just

sending Shauna a kiss."

He saw how she hesitated but eventually obliged, seeing how Shauna was waiting for the kiss to be passed on. When

Reese leaned down, Sean pecked her cheek. He smiled, pulling away, saying to his daughter, "Daddy's kiss is coming to

you after lunch, sweetie."

"Yay! Okay, Daddy! I'm going to eat now!” Shauna said, waving her hand goodbye on the video call.

As soon as the call ended, Doctor Phil walked in on cue. He greeted Sean and checked on his leg. He described," Looking good so far. Very good."

He looked straight into Sean's eye and said, Now, let's get you up."

"What?” Sean was shocked, and so was Reese.

"Let's get you up! | promised to make you walk, and | will," Doctor Phil repeated.

Reese and the resident doctor helped Sean off the bed. Sean supported himself first with his other foot, lifting his other

knee.

"You still have your morphine so that you won't have that much discomfort, but at least we can test your new knee," The

doctor said.

Sean still had a knee brace on. It was automatically put on him after the surgery. He slowly stepped on his other foot, and

to his shock, he could tolerate it!

It was as if time had stopped for Sean. His heart raced in delight.

There was still discomfort, but it wasn’t the same as before the surgery. Sean certainly wasn't expecting to be able to put a

little weight on his leg that early!

"Oh, my god!" Reese exclaimed, utterly surprised. Her eyes watered with joy! "This is amazing!"

"Wow!" Sean remarked. After two months of being unable to get up properly, he was more confident that walking would

happen soon.

"Am | amazing or what?" The doctor said.

Sean did not know what came over him. He was so overwhelmed that he immediately hugged Reese, and she hugged

him back. He was swaying her around, utterly on cloud nine.

"| can stand!" He said.

Reese chuckled and replied, "I can see that!"

Sean was so over the moon that he cupped Reese's face with his hands and pecked her lips! "Thank you, Reese!" 2 Immediately, Reese stilled.

The doctor did not know their relationship, and nor did the resident. They simply advised on when the next visit will be and

excused themselves.

When Sean and Reese were all alone, silence fell upon them. They took deep breaths before Sean looked at Reese,

suggesting, "Um. That was another kiss for Shauna. From me to Shauna." 1

"Oh," Reese replied. "| see."

Chapter 173: Fall

"Let's get your legs straight,” Reese instructed while putting a leather pillow below Sean's heel. He was lying flat on a

yoga mat as he straightened his leg and occasionally lifted it.

Each time Sean raised his leg, he grunted. "Why do | feel like

| am lifting weights?"

Reese chuckled and said, "That's what every after-surgery patient says."

"Phase one is ensuring your knee doesn't heal in a bent position." Reese lay on her yoga mat, showing Sean the next

step. She said, "Next, you tighten the muscles on your thighs now and then, like this. And don't worry about your knee

brace because they are adjustable.”

"Got it!" Sean said. "You make it sound better. The last therapist who helped me was so grumpy."

Reese chuckled. She said, "We should be strict about the therapy. It's all about getting your strength back."

After a set of exercises, they concluded their session that afternoon.

A week had passed since Sean was discharged from the hospital, and he was building his leg strength, hoping to walk

without limping and feeling weak. Yes, he was walking, far better progress than his first surgery, where his discomfort grew stronger weekly. It wasn't perfect yet, but he could see the progress day by day.

Like before, he preferred having his exercises at the condo, where he could spend time with Shauna before and after her

class. He only worked during the night, checking on Evan's company. Sean has yet to work full-time for Evan but was

already reviewing some meaningful financial reports.

"We are done. Good job today," Reese declared.

"This weekend, mom wanted Shauna to stay with us if that's okay with you," Sean proposed. "Just one night." "Admittedly, | am not used to having my daughter away from me, but | can't be selfish. You deserve more than one night.

How about you take her on a Friday, and I'll bring her home on Sunday evening? We will have our weekend therapy at

your house instead," Reese proposed while squatting on her yoga mat.

"Really? That's great!" Sean sat up, saying, "Thanks, Reese."

"This is a great idea. | could use some time off," Misses Kenedy said, overhearing their conversation. She walked passed

them, reminding, "You better hurry. Shauna is about to get off from school.”

Reese first got up. Sean raised his arm, saying, "Help me up.”

She grabbed Sean's hand and pulled him with her might. However, Sean's pull was far stronger. Reese fell on top of him,

her head bumping on his chest. 4

"Oh, shit. I'm sorry," Sean said while keeping her frame from falling off him. "You okay?"

Reese looked up at him with a flushed face. Their eyes were locked for a second before she frantically got up and rushed

to her room.

"Reese? Reese?" Sean called, sitting up.

"| need to use the bathroom!" Reese reasoned, speaking loudly behind her door.

Weekend came. Reese arrived at the Ross' mansion for Sean's regular therapy.

Shauna stayed overnight with the Rosses and was still asleep. Claudia said to Reese upon arriving, "Shauna and Sean

did a marathon of cartoon movies last night. Sean should be taking a bath now, but he is taking longer. Why don't you

check on him."

"Um. Okay," Rese reluctantly agreed.

She made her way to Sean's room and knocked before entering. When she called for him, he answered from the bathroom, saying, "Hey, Reese. Do you mind lending me a hand?"

Reese carefully walked into the bathroom and found Sean in the bathtub. The surface of the water formed bubbles. Immediately, she shook her head, saying, "Didn't | tell you not to have these kinds of baths yet?"

"Well, | wanted to smell good during our session," Sean reasoned, making Reese laugh.

"Why do you want to smell good when we are just going to sweat?" She questioned but gave her hand, either way. "Be

careful - wait, are you naked."

"Ah, no. | bathe in my boxers," Sean swore. "l usually do."

1

"Oh, good," Reese acknowledged, utterly relieved.

As Sean got up, she tried to look away. His arm was already around her. Reese maintained to avert her gaze from him as

Sean stepped one foot on the floor from the bathtub.

Adjusting to his weight, Reese moved her feet, but she didn't realize the floor was wet that she slipped. Sean held her

from falling, but as a result, he leaned back on the bathtub, his other hand holding to the tub handrail.

They both fell back on the tub, with Reese on top of Sean.

2

"Oh, my god!" Reese exclaimed when she felt she was completely drenched. "Il am all wet now!"

In the end, Reese wore Sean’s shirt and training shorts. She only got a new pair of shorts after Claudia found one that

would fit Reese from her closet.

On the following weekend, Shauna was with the Rosses again. Like the last, Reese went to the mansion for Sean's therapy. Sean was walking better. He could bend his knee with ease, and he could extend it without pain. The only thing

he couldn't do was run, but Sean knew he was getting there.

Sean was cycling on a bike machine at the family gym with Shauna cheering him on.

"Go, daddy! Go!" Shauna said. "You can try to go faster," Reese encouraged.

Sean sped his cycles, allowing more flexibility to his knee. The more he went at it, the more he felt like he could run a mile

soon. He felt so achieved at the end of his exercise that he treated his daughter to a wheelchair ride.

It was because Shauna missed the times when she rode on Sean’s lap that they went around the house, riding the wheelchair, with Sean pushing the wheels with his hands. Later on, they tried a different trick. Shauna wanted to push her daddy and see where her strength would lead Sean.

"Daddy, I'm strong!" Shauna exclaimed while pushing Sean through the pavement path of the mansion’s backyard. As

they were at it, Reese and Claudia were chatting up ahead.

"Careful, Mommy and Grandma are in front of us," Sean warned, but unfortunately, the little girl did not hear his words.

She pushed in the same direction.

Reese was unable to avoid the unforeseen impact. She fell on Sean's lap while he was still in the wheelchair.

"Oh, god! You scared me, Sean!" Reese exclaimed. "Sorry, Mommy, that was my fault,” Shauna apologized behind them.

Because it was Shauna's doing, Reese simply laughed it out.

She turned to Sean and said unwittingly, "Why do | always fall for you?"

When Sean beamed at her words, she took it back, saying, "| mean, to you - oh, my god!" At that point, she covered her

face and said, "| have completely forgotten my prepositions!"

Sean laughed while putting an arm around Reese. He teased, "I think you remember them just fine."

The succeeding week, Sean felt more accomplished. He started working from Evan's office, walking on both feet. And

when the weekend came, he was able to brisk walk and run a few meters. Reese and Shauna ran with him around the

mansion. 1

After exercising, he changed into a white shirt and shorts, just like they all agreed. Because that day, they were going to

paint each other.

Reese had prepared a large canvas where they would paint with their hands, but it was a given that the paint could go

anywhere else, from their shirts to their shorts or faces. Under their feet was a large tarp that could protect the grass from any paint stain.

Soon, Sean, Reese, and Shauna enjoyed painting the canvas with their hands. After this, Sean teased his daughter by

painting on her shirt. Shauna happily smudged red colors on his shirt too.

Unexpectedly, Shauna challenged, "Paint fight, daddy!" "What?" Sean asked, but before he knew it, his daughter threw paint at him.

"No! | wanted Shauna's hands on my shirt - Ahh! Sean!" Reese just got splashed by paint. It went across her shirt and

some on her face. When she realized Shauna's handprint had been covered with yellow, she pointed at Sean, saying,

"You'll pay for that!"

From then on, the paint fight was official. The three were all throwing paint at each other, filling the tarp with colors. When Sean kept splashing paint at Reese, she fought back, advancing her steps as she held a small bucket of paint with

her left hand and a brush with her right hand.

While all this was happening, Sean protected his eyes by covering them with his arm. In the process of evading, he stepped on a pool of paint and slipped, falling on top of Reese. Thankfully, beneath them was soft grass. The only pain

Reese felt was the weight above her.

"Ouch, Sean!" She chuckled. "You are so heavy."

On the side, Shauna laughed hard, saying, "Does this mean Daddy won?"

With paint all over his face, Sean chuckled with his daughter and Reese. He fixed his blue-colored eyes on Reese's

lightbrown orbs and teased, "I guess, this time around; | fell for you -1 mean to you."

"Shut up!" Reese laughed, slapping his face with her bluish hand and pushing him away. "Get off me."

Sean held her tighter, saying, "I don't want to."

The next day, Sean was at his office when his lawyer called." Mister Ross, the divorce has been approved. Congratulations, you are a free man."

A smile formed on Sean's face, knowing what he was supposed to do next.

Chapter 174: A Night Of Justice

Gravity Ventures was Evan's financial company. It worked as an investment enterprise, opening opportunities for small

companies and private individuals to grow their funds with minimum risk. Gravity Ventures would invest pooled money in

assets based on specific management objectives. Most of the time, they are placed in stock markets.

Rose Hills has never been Gravity Ventures' biggest market. It bloomed in cities like Lockwood, Hamlin, and, as of

recently, Braeton. However, that year, Evan chose to widen Rose Hills' knowledge about investment companies. He

meant to do this by sponsoring a private party, inviting all wealthy families of Rose Hills, politicians, executives from different companies, and the media.

Evan purposely invited Brooklyn, the new CEO of Balance Point Accounting Firm. Her entire family had also been invited.

He did not think it would work, but fortunately for him and his friends, Brooklyn was desperate to strengthen the firm's

influence after her divorce from Sean. It was clear with how she and her father quickly mingled into the crowd, introducing

themselves and the services they offered.

The party was held at the Diamond Hotel Rose Hills grand ballroom. There were over two hundred guests dressed in luxury evening wear. Everyone was merrily drinking wine and eating canapes when the host announced that the formal

program would begin.

As Evan walked up on stage, visitors settled in their seats to welcome everybody. As always, Evan looked dashing in his

custom-made suit. His intense dark brown eyes made him appear more intimidating. He said, "Gravity Ventures, being

under the Thompson Group of Companies, wishes to invite more business partners, and that's why you are all here today,

for | consider each one of you as potential partners. To understand fully what Gravity Ventures is all about, allow me to

show you in this brief presentation."

Next, a thirty-minute video of the company's goals and achievements was presented through the LED screen. It featured

successful clients who had doubled their money since their investments, and that all the more enlightened the guests.

After the video presentation, Evan returned to the podium and announced, "Now, we are aiming for bigger and better business, starting with getting one of the best accountants on board with me as my new CFO. Yes, that's right. The Thompson Group of Companies has a new CFO. He has probably worked with some of you, auditing your business or

personal expenses." 1 "Before separating from Balance Point Accounting Firm, he was the city's most sought-after external accountant." Evan smiled. "And | am pleased to announce that he has finally joined my company."

Evan began to highlight Sean's achievements, for he was the official auditor of the city hall. He said, "Remember the missing funds from the governor's office? My friend, Sean Ross, traced it down to the former governor's wife's plastic surgery." "It was the same for me. Sean was the same person

who caught my previous CFO stealing from my company, but he isn't just about having a good eye. Recently, Sean has

opened my eyes to potential assets that were gaining fast in the stock market." Evan went on and on, praising his friend.

Then he added, "With him on board, you can be assured that your money is safe, the company is safe, and all financial

reports are identified, recorded, measured, and communicated." "It was a loss for Balance Point Accounting Firm but a big

win for me," Evan said, smiling from ear to ear.

The crowd chuckled, clapping their hands at Evan, but Brooklyn was frowning profusely at one table. She had just walked

around, introducing the firm that she now solely earned, and now, Evan was slowly discrediting her company. Brooklyn was certainly glad she was here. That way, she could sway the guests to use their service. She was confident

that the party would land her a client or two, and all she had to do was to use her so-called innocent charms. Evan's

words will have minimal effect on them.

"Please help me welcome my friend and the new CFO of the Thompson Group of Companies, Mister Sean Ross!" Evan

said on stage.

Everyone stood up to welcome Sean. Evan purposedly delayed his entrance, for everything about that night was part of

their plan.

The doors to the grand ballroom opened, and Sean walked in, standing tall with his smile reaching his ears. His eyes were

gleaming as he waved at familiar faces.

From her seat, Brooklyn's mouth fell on the floor, seeing Sean stand up. She also witnessed him take a few steps forward,

meaning Sean was walking!

Brooklyn gasped. She was about to approach Sean when Evan further added, "And tonight, Sean came with his date,

Reese Kenedy!"

Behind Sean, Reese walked in a white backless evening gown, capturing everyone's attention. Next, Brooklyn saw Sean's

eyes glistening as he stretched his arm to her. He took Reese's hand and had that look of fulfillment.

‘No, this can't be happening.’ Brooklyn muttered in her head. Although she perfectly recalled giving Sean away to Reese,

she certainly didn't expect him to walk again. Didn’t the doctor say he could lose his leg?

Brooklyn could only watch in envy as Sean walked hand in hand with Reese. She glowered at how Sean brought Reese

to the table where Keith, Wendell, and Shantelle were. Her nose flared, wondering, 'Has Reese taken my place?’ After giving it much thought, she decided against it, concluding, 'No, Sean is very in love with me." A smile formed on

Brooklyn's face, saying, 'He is probably doing this to make me jealous.’

Sean came up on stage to give his promise, an oath to look after everyone's investments, that and the Thompson Group

of Companies’ book of accounts.

Following Sean's speech, dinner was served. Some guests skipped the meal altogether to speak with an agent who could

represent them with their investments.

While all this was happening, Brooklyn found the courage to approach Sean at his table. Despite being in front of Sean's

friends, she called, "Sean! Sean! You are walking, my god! I'm so happy!"

Sean turned to Brooklyn, saying, "Yes, Reese helped me walk.

"Oh," Brooklyn reacted, her eyes briefly finding Reese. "So that's why she is your date - to repay her efforts." "Brooklyn.

What do you need?" Sean sought.

"| want to talk. | can't believe we got a divorce, but now you can walk!" Brooklyn said.

Her words made Sean angry, but he masked it, knowing what would come. He clenched his jaws and said, "lI don't have

time to talk right now, Brooklyn, but you should stay for the rest of the party, and perhaps, we will have that talk."

Brooklyn took it as a sign that Sean still loved her. She thought he must have worked hard to walk again to get back to

her. Now that he could walk, Brooklyn was considering the possibility of getting back with Sean, especially since he was

now the CFO of the biggest company in Rose Hills. Thus, she and her parents lingered until the end of the gathering. Hours later.

Half of the visitors immediately signed for an investment. Half promised to give some thought. It was good enough for

Sean and Evan, but that night was also meant for justice. While Brooklyn was waiting to have a moment with Sean, she noticed how people were suddenly staring at her, especially

her father. They were gasping and murmuring.

"Oh, my god! They stole money!" "The Balance Point Accounting Firm covered for it." "No wonder Sean Ross left the firm

and divorced her." "What's going on?" Brooklyn asked. She then realized how everyone was staring at their phones.

Brooklyn quickly checked her social media feeds and saw an article featuring her father. It read: [Director of Rose Hill's

Department of Labor embezzled five hundred thousand dollars with the help of The Balance Point Accounting Firm.]

Proof of fake receipts, check issuance, and deposits were posted along with the article, with the specific report reaching

thousands of views. The news also featured how the audit of the Department of Labor was said to be approved and performed by Sean Ross while he was in a coma. Immediately, Brooklyn's face paled. Her heart raced! She gasped, covering her mouth, realizing that Sean had found out!

When Sean was in a coma, Brooklyn pinned the audit on Sean because she honestly thought he would die!

She looked up to see eyes on her and on her father. She turned to Sean and caught him, lifting his chin at her. Brooklyn

finally recognized that Sean was out to get revenge!

"Oh, god, Dad!" Brooklyn exclaimed. "We need to leave -" "Director Bernard," A police officer had entered the ballroom.

He presented an arrest warrant, saying, "You are under arrest for misuse of government funds."

If that wasn't enough, a lawyer walked to Brooklyn, handing her a lawsuit. He said, "This is a civil case against you, filed

by Reese Kenedy and Sean Ross. My clients request damages amounting to five million dollars of compensation for

drugging them at the Henderson Beachhouse five years ago."

A loud gasp escaped Brooklyn's lips. Her eyes widened in horror as she wondered, "How did they know?"

The next scene could not be more satisfying to Sean and Reese. Not only them but everyone in the grand ballroom watched as Brooklyn and her father were escorted out by police officers.

*k%k

"Now that Brooklyn and her father have been arrested,” Shantelle said. "Evan and | have an announcement to make." "What is it?" Karise sought.

An hour had passed after the epic arrest, and Evan and his friends were back in their circle, celebrating.

"| know, you are pregnant," Sean suggested.

"What? No!" Shantelle objected.

"Not yet," Evan said with a smirk, and that granted a punch in his arm. He put his arm around Shantelle, saying, "Don't

hurt me, Wifey, unless you want to make amends tonight." "So what's the announcement?" Keith sought.

"Lucas' blood count continued to go up!" Shantelle squeaked. Tears welled in Shantelle's eyes as she claimed," This is it

for us!"

They all raised their glasses and drank to the good news. Only Milan did not drink. When Shantelle noticed this, she asked, "Milan, are you pregnant?"

Wendell proudly smiled. Next to him, Milan replied, "Yes! Imagine, just two weeks before our wedding, | found out | am

pregnant!" i "Oh, my god! What great news!" Karise exclaimed, and everyone followed. The girls especially gave Milan a

hug. Evan and his friends offered a toast to the last daddy-to-be in their circle, i "I have good news too!" Sean said,

shocking everyone.

"What? Reese is already pregnant?" Shantelle asked. "No. No," Reese corrected. She laughed at being mistaken to be pregnant. "Today was just an act. Sean and | are just

friends." "Well, all relationships start with friendship," Wendell proposed. "But what is the good news, Sean?" "| got the

judge's approval for Shauna's name change. My daughter is officially a Ross!" Sean proudly said. i

Except for Milan, they drank to another good news, happy for Sean. After that, Evan asked, "So whose name do you want

to change to a Ross next, Sean?" i

Sean laughed. He turned to Reese and caught her face burning.

Chapter 175: Third Wedding

"This is it, man. "Sure, you are already married, but this is the day when you will hold your breath and remind yourself why

you tied the knot in the first place," Evan reminded, tapping a hand on Wendell's shoulder. Being Wendell's best man, he

said, "Enjoy this day, for this, is about you and Milan." "Thanks, Evan," Wendell replied. He sucked in a deep breath and

said, "| don't know why | am nervous when we are already married, but | guess she will blow me away."

Evan chuckled and said, "I'm sure she will."

The two had already walked to the front of the Cathedral, waiting for Milan to walk through the door. They all turned to the

rest of their friends who had settled in their seats and saw smiles and several thumbs up.

Shantelle was there, sitting with Lucas. It was the first time they let Lucas out in public since his isolation, and the boy was

beyond happy to witness his uncle's wedding. i

Keith and Karise came with their baby Kamila. Sean also came with Shauna and Reese.

Wendell was the happiest, seeing everyone that mattered to him were present during his wedding day. His brother, Rowan, even attended. Recently, his brother had begun to accept his fate, and they no longer fought about Milan. The grand Cathedral of Rose Hills was filled with guests. The rows of benches were decorated with pine leaves, cones,

and twigs. The floral blooms at the center of the aisle were primarily white. It went well with the pine leaves and the small

wooden flower stand.

The Cathedral's rustic look perfectly matched Milan's and Wendell's winter wedding theme. With little touches of fake snow and greens, it gave the ideal setting for the ceremony.

Soon, the double doors to the Cathedral opened. The music shifted to a familiar tune of "Unconditionally" by Katie Perry.

Milan's frame finally came into their view. She wore a tube dress with a ballroom-cut skirt. Her gleaming veil covered her,

but Wendell could see her beautiful face and that sweet smile he had longed to see for the past three hours. Wendell's heart fluttered, and he did not know why but from that moment on, he couldn't stop himself from smiling continuously. The music seemed louder in his ears as if nothing else mattered.

Unconditional, unconditionally

| will love you unconditionally

There is no fear now

Let go and just be free

| will love you unconditionally" -

The usual upbeat music was purposely rearranged and slowed down to fit the bridal walk. It allowed everyone to be

immersed in the lyrics, especially the wedded couple.

Wendell kept staring at Milan, hoping she would see through his feelings by how he looked at her with adoration. He

couldn't wait for her to make it upfront, complete the ceremony, and let everyone know she was his.

On the other hand, Milan was utterly emotional walking down the aisle, especially after her father met her midway to send

her off.

Mister Gray was teary-eyed as soon as he locked arms with his daughter. He said, "Milan, | want you to return home."

"What?" Milan was shocked. "What are you talking about, dad? I'm already married. This is just the ceremony. Technically, you already gave me away -" "But it's lonely!" Mister Gray quickly objected. "You should give me grandkids,

but I will take you back since that is not happening. Let's stop this now while -" i "Dad!" Milan chuckled. She smacked her

father in the arm and revealed, "| am pregnant.” "What?" Mister Gray was shocked. Too surprised that he had his hand

covering his mouth. "Since when?" i "Two weeks ago. We meant to surprise you today, but since you are giving me a

drama during my wedding march, | will tell you now. | am four weeks pregnant. So you can see your grandchild in eight to

nine months." "Oh!" Mister Gray was happy, but then he realized something. "Wait, there is only one child? Why didn't you

have twins?" i "Dad, twins are rare," Milan said. She chuckled and proposed, "If you want more grandkids, wait another

two or three years." i "Come on. Dad. We are almost at the front," Milan said.

For now, Mister Gray was satisfied. One grandchild was enough to make him over the moon. Although, he wished that

Milan had twins, just like Evan and Shantelle.

The wedding ceremony began with Wendell and Milan often smiling at each other. The entire time, Wendell repeatedly

mouthed | love you to Milan, and it was captured by the videographers and flashed on the LED screens.

How they looked at each other was full of love, inspiring the guests. Nearly everyone was beaming at their reaction.

Soon, the exchange of wedding bands arrived. Milan and Wendell faced each other in front of the crowd.

"Milan, my gorgeous wife," Wendell said while holding her hand and the ring meant for her. "I give you this ring as a sign

of my love. With all that | have, | am honored to call you my wife from now until forever."

When it was time for Milan to give her husband's ring, she said, "Wendell, | give you this ring as a sign of my faithful devotion. | will always love you, cherish you, and honor the vows spoken here today."

After the officiant said a few words, he concluded the wedding, saying, "By the power vested in me, | pronounce you

husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride."

Hoots, claps, and screams followed after Wendell and Milan kissed before the gathering. Wendell then surprised Milan by

turning her to the side and dipping her frame. Giggles left their lips before Wendell kissed her again in that wedding pose.

"Congratulations!" Sean screamed. "Happy for you, man." "Another honeymoon is in order!" Karise described, and Keith

echoed the same.

"We are all happy for both of you," Evan remarked.

*k%k

Wendell's wedding party was filled with laughter, and it was all thanks to Sean. The celebration was held in the garden

areas of the Diamond Hotel, Rose Hills, where the place was converted into a winter-themed wedding venue.

At first, Sean had proposed a synchronized dance for all of them, but because of their busy schedule, there was just not

enough time to practice. Thus, on Wendell's behalf, Sean decided that each sponsor or anyone part of the entourage

would give their own t-i-k-t-0-k dance during the entrance.

Evan hated it, but everyone else loved the idea. It was fun and allowed them to rehearse their routine at their convenience.

Mister Gray was in on it with glee. After all, he had just learned that he would soon be a grandfather. He and his wife

danced to the tune of "Wellerman."

With hands in their pocket, he and his wife were merrily moving their legs, kicking their feet, and swaying their hips.

More t-i-k-t-0-k dances followed, but the notable ones were the dances of Wendell's friends. Keith and Karise danced to

the tune of "Wait A Minute."

At that point, screams of excitement echoed across the venue, seeing Keith and Karise fluidly move their bodies. The

couple was into dancing. After all, they both loved going to clubs before getting hitched.

Next to dance were Evan, Shantelle, and Lucas. The young man did not want to miss on all the fun; thus, he also danced

with his parents to the tune of "I See You Lookin' At My PIC." -"Lights, camera, action.

| see you lookin' at my PIC"-

Again, Evan hated it. He hated it so much that he barely moved. How could he enjoy it? It was the second most challenging song to dance. Only Shantelle was game on the dance, and so was Lucas. However, the great CEO's reaction was priceless and more entertaining than the dance.

Praises roared, especially for Lucas. Of course, those who knew the young man were happy for him being finally out in

public.

The group that earned the most applause, however, was Sean's. He and Reese danced with Shauna, and they were all in

synch as they swayed their hips to the music of "Ting Ting Tang Tang.”

Sean was the most playful of all. He allowed the song to play back the longest, partly to celebrate his capable legs. Reese

and Shauna happily danced along with him.

When the newly wedded couple walked in, they gave the entire routine, dancing to the song "Shut Up And Dance With

Me."

As the couple danced, they called on the others to join in. Some sang, some danced, and it helped that the band played

so loudly, yet beautifully, that everyone was in the mood. When Wendell and Milan reached the frontmost part of the venue, everyone sang with them.

- "This woman is my destiny

She said oh oh oh

Shut up and dance with me"-

Sparks erupted in the early night sky as fireworks exploded to begin Wendell and Milan's wedding party. After the explosive wedding entrance, everyone settled in their seats. Mister Gray happened to overhear a conversation

behind him.

Shantelle and her fertility doctor met at the venue.

Apparently, the same doctor was a family friend of the Francos. The fertility doctor said, "Doctor Shant. It's been a while. |

am so happy | helped you and Mister Thompson have twins." "Tsk. Tsk. If only Milan and Wendell had gone to see a

fertility doctor. | would have twin grandkids soon,’ Mister Gray said in his head. He continued to eavesdrop on their conversation until he heard something that caught his attention.

"You would never believe what happened to one of my recent patients," The Fertility doctor said. "She got pregnant again

after she was already pregnant!" "Oh, my god. | heard about this, but | know this is a rare case, " Shantelle remarked.

"It's called superfetation,” said the doctor. "And yes, it is rare because hormone changes typically prevent a female body

from continuing to ovulate once a person is pregnant. However, in my patient's case, she still ovulated, and the couple continued to have sex, and viola! Another baby was

made!" "It was hard, in a sense, that she required regular monitoring since the babies were a month apart from age, but

overall, the babies were fine after birth," the fertility doctor revealed.

Mister Gray's eyes narrowed. He had a mischievous smile as his eyes searched for his beloved son-in-law. He muttered,

"Superfetation."

Chapter 176: Draw The Line

The Wedding party was already over. While the band was still at it, playing music, everyone formed their groups and gathered at tables for the afterparty chat.

Lucas was at a table with Shauna, chatting with Lily on his tablet.

At the far end, Mister Gray was having a serious conversation with Wendell. He said, "Son, we should continue our

regular tea time even when you and Milan are on your honeymoon." 1

"Should we, Father?" Wendell asked, utterly puzzled. "Wouldn't that be complicated?"

The truth was Wendell was starting to doubt the tea. It couldn't be a coincidence that he was extra horny every after tea

time, but at the same time, he didn't see any reason for Mister Gray to do that. What kind of father-in-law would want to

make their son-in-law horny? 2

Mister Gray gave Wendell a pack of mixed herbs, saying, "These are already dried. You can ask the resort you are staying

at to lend you a tea maker."

He lifted a finger, highlighting, "During our tea time, | must see you mix it. That way, | know you are doing it right. Tea time

is critical. Not only will this make you healthier, but it will also strengthen our bond between father and son-in-law."

3

Wendell wasn't sure about the bonding part because, every after tea-time, Mister Gray often sent him off, saying, "Go to

my daughter now."

Then again, Mister Gray was so difficult to read. Wendell was just happy that his father-in-law liked him for Milan. Thus, he

agreed to tea time during his two-week-long vacation with Milan. If he gets horny, it won't make a difference. Besides,

Milan's doctor already said it was safe to continue

having sex while she was pregnant.

"Come on, let's dance some more." On the dance floor, Sean was still at it. He pulled Reese closer and said, "The song is

great.”

Reese may wear boyish clothes back in the day, but dancing was one thing she also liked. Thus, she gave in to his

request.

They were laughing and chatting. Sean asked about Reese's new patient when suddenly, two ladies walked up behind

them. They were both tall and gorgeous and came from elite families, judging by how they carried themselves and their

clothes.

"Sean, remember us? It's Tiffany and Erin from high school?" A girl with caramel hair said.

"Oh, yeah. Hi ladies," Sean replied with a smile. He had to stop dancing with Reese. "Can | help you with anything?"

"We heard about what happened to you and your wife, and we just want to say; we are so sorry to hear about it," Tiffany

said. "| had always thought you were a great person. It was shocking how your ex-wife asked for divorce just like that!"

"Exactly," Erin said. "If you ever wanna hang out, we are free."

"We spend most of our time at the Luxury Lawn Tennis Club. You should unwind and play some sports to get your mind

off things," Tiffany suggested.

"We remembered you played tennis at some point," Erin said.

"Actually, | am part of the tennis club. It's just been a while since | showed up there. | bought a lifetime membership," Sean

revealed.

"Oh." Both ladies said simultaneously, and flirtatious smiles formed on their faces.

"Excuse me, Sean. I'll check on Shauna," Reese said, trying to leave. She couldn't relate to Sean's highschool classmates

and figured to find her daughter instead.

"No, you don't have to just yet," Sean said, holding her wrist. "Let's go back to dancing."

"| can dance with you, Sean," Tiffany offered.

"We can dance together and chat about old times," Erin presented.

"| need to go to the restroom anyway, Sean. Why don’t you enjoy your time with old friends," Reese politely suggested

before walking away.

Sean watched as Reese went to see Shauna. He turned back to the ladies and said, "I'm sorry, ladies, but as you can

see, | was dancing with Reese. You shouldn't have to interrupted us -"

"Sean, let's have our pictures taken, all of us from high school," out of nowhere, Wendell proposed. Tiffany and Erin

eagerly encouraged the picture-taking since they were in the same group.

There were nearly twenty of them who posed for the picture. Only Evan did not join because five girls were in the group,

and he stood by his number one rule.

After the picture was taken, some of their high school classmates left. Sean glanced at the table where Shauna was.

When he approached his daughter, she said, "Mommy is in the restroom.”

Since Reese was in the ladies’ room, Sean sent off his parents. Claudia and Sherwin were ready to leave, but Sean’ still

wanted to spend time with Reese and Shauna.

When Sean returned to the ballroom, his daughter was gone. He walked up to his friends. It was Milan who said, "|

thought Reese was with you. She suddenly came back and left with Shauna. She said she was tired and wanted to rest."

Sean excused himself to go to the condo where his family lived. He rang the doorbell several times, and Reese only opened it after five minutes.

"Sorry, | was in the bathroom," Reese said with a smile." texted you."

"Oh, well. | was hoping you'd still stay and have fun?" Sean asked. "It's a weekend tomorrow. Come on."

Reese smiled, saying, "Sorry, I'm really tired, Sean. Are you taking Shauna home with you tomorrow? | have a patient to

see in the morning. You can fetch her while Mom is here." "Hey," Sean stepped closer, holding Reese's wrist. He asked, "Anything wrong?"

Reese simply maintained her smile. She rested her head against the doorframe, saying, "I'm sleepy. Can you tell everyone I'm sorry | left? | want to get some rest."

"Okay, I'll see you tomorrow," Sean reluctantly replied before requesting a hug. "Goodnight." "Goodnight," Reese said back with a smile.

*k%k

Earlier that night, Reese was in the restroom when she heard five distinct female voices chatting.

"Can you believe it? Sean is now single."

"Yeah, well, he got divorced just like me."

"Is he with that girl?"

"No, | don't think so. | heard about this from my dad. Sean and that girl, Reese, filed a civil case against his ex-wife. Long

story, but basically, his ex- wife had drugged them years back, and they ended up having a child together. | think the

original plan was to have the girl sleep with someone else, but it failed, and she slept with Sean. Don't ask me the details

because | don't know."

"So | think Sean is only being nice to her because of what his ex-wife put them through."

"| also heard she was his physical therapist.”

"I'm telling you, Sean is just grateful to that girl. They aren’t together. Or he is being nice to her because they have a

daughter.”

"You are just trying to convince yourself to get a shot at him."

"Why not? Sean is hot and now the only single one in their group -1 really need to pee

"I'm taking this cubicle!"

Reese next heard the girls scrambling into the cubicles where only four were in that ladies’ bathroom. One girl knocked on

Reese, asking, "Are you done there?"

She tried to wait, but the longer she lingered, the more whoever was outside speculated on what she was doing. Thus,

she opened the cubicle door and met eyes with Tiffany. "Oh, it's you," Tiffany said with a sneer.

Reese did not say a word. She merely washed her hands and left to fetch her daughter.

After five years of not seeing Sean, Reese still had feelings for him. Spending time with him only grew those feelings, but

what if Sean was trying to get close to her out of debt? 1 She couldn't help but consider their words because while Sean had been extra sweet, almost like her boyfriend when he

acted around her, they

never really talked about what they were. At the same time, she understood how Sean had just come out of a divorce and

may not want to get into a labeled relationship yet.

After their therapy sessions had lessened, they were still constantly together, having dinners at the condo and going out

with Shauna like a real family.

Sure, they were friends in the past, and hugging was something they had done to comfort each other as friends, but lately,

his hold felt rousing, and he struggled to pull away constantly. It was as if he never wanted to let go.

Aside from that, Sean was more flirtatious with her. Whenever he caught her flushing, it was as if he knew it was because

of him. Often, he would look at her intensely, like he wanted her to melt under his gaze. To Reese, Sean liked her, and

they had a mutual understanding.

She labeled it as friendship in front of Sean's pals because she did not want to assume things. Sean didn't react, either.

Considering all this, Reese decided it was time to draw the line. Besides, seeing the scene earlier, she realized that girls

were flocking over him, and they weren't just any women. These were women from the wealthiest families in the city. How

can she ever compete with them?

Chapter 177: Let's Talk

Reese pursed her lips, reading the note on the bouquet sent to her at work. The flowers came from Sean, and the message read: [| can't believe you are so busy. What about my therapy too? :-(I miss you, Reese. | hope you will come

with Shauna this weekend to the mansion. I'll have a guest room ready for you. | have something important to talk to you

about]

"What did he want to talk about?’ She wondered silently as she stood by the hospital receiving area.

Weeks had passed since Reese decided to focus on work. She avoided going with Shauna on her time with Sean and made herself busy.

Since Shauna had a driver to bring her to school and Sean practically provided for them, Reese decided to take permanent work at the children's hospital while still accepting private patients.

It was last Friday when Reese last saw Sean. He came to the condo to fetch Shauna for their weekend overnight stay. In

the days that followed, Sean had left for Lockwood with Evan, which gave her more time for herself.

Sean and Evan returned to Rose Hills the other day, where she had therapy with a new patient. So, they didn't see each

other last night either. She thought it probably triggered the flowers.

In the previous weeks, Sean waited for her at the condo every night, and they still chatted. They were still friends. That

part had not changed, but she did not want to be in a situation where her feelings for him would grow, and she would

expect more from him.

There was that safe distance between them where she had drawn the line. Often, she dodged Sean's hold and set the

time for when he would leave. On top of that, she minimized replying to Sean's texts or calls, only answering essential

guestions relevant to their daughter.

In response to the flowers he sent, Reese sent him a text, saying: [Thank you for the flowers. You didn't have to.]

For the rest of her day at work, Reese helped gather the children on the isolation floor, where a special guest gave them

an inspirational talk. To her surprise, the special guest was a famous athlete, and professional sprinter, Oscar Bennett.

The athlete had one knee amputated due to childhood cancer found on his knee. Reese remembered this because

Oscar's family lived in the same neighborhood as her when she was in high school. At that time, he was a big inspiration

to Rose Hills for getting into sports despite having a prosthetic leg.

Along with the kids at Rose Hills Children's Hospital, Reese enjoyed the moving talk the athlete gave. He also taught the

kids the basics of running sprints.

It was already six in the evening when the event ended. Then the athlete treated the kids to a specially made dinner.

Reese distributed meals to the children and the parents who attended the activity when Oscar Bennett approached her.

He said, "I don't know why, but your name sounds so familiar, and | think | have seen you before too."

The athlete's approach startled Reese. She laughed and replied, "We used to live in the same neighborhood.” "Really?" Oscar said. They exchanged pleasantries and wound up chatting more.

Oscar and Reese sat at one table together, enjoying every minute of their conversation. Suddenly, Oscar said, "| barely

get to come home since I've gone pro, so | want to be upfront with you and say this."

He scratched his head, looking shy, when he asked, "Can | ask you out for dinner this Friday? | have been observing you

for the last three hours, and | thought you were such a nice person to care for these kids. Aside from that, | think you are

gorgeous. | thought it a shame to let this moment pass me. So here | am, taking the chance."

Reese was flattered beyond words. The kids around her teased her, and so did her co-employees. They urged her to say

yes, which made her agree in the end, "Sure, a friendly date."

"That's a start," said the athlete.

- oR %

Friday came.

"Daddy!" Shauna exclaimed, seeing Sean enter the door to the condo. He carried a bouquet of flowers he meant to give

Reese, and while spinning his daughter around, his eyes searched through the home.

"Where is your mommy?" Sean asked.

"She went out, Daddy?" Shauna replied.

Sean looked down at the flowers in his hand with regret. Just when he thought it was finally the right time to have that talk

with Reese, it felt to him that she was avoiding him, and he didn't like it.

"Where is your grandma?" Sean asked. He settled Shauna on the sofa, and after learning that Misses Kenedy was in the

kitchen, he went to find her.

"Good evening, Aunt Audrey. Where is Reese?" Sean asked.

"Oh, she is out on a date." Misses Kenedy sighed, saying, "| figured it's just about the time that she find a good man for

herself, so | encouraged her to.

"<1

Hearing that, Sean's mouth fell on the floor. His heart raced, and his hands felt icy cold. He took a deep breath and asked,

"What - what about me?" "What do you mean, Sean? What about you?" Audrey, Reese's mother, reacted.

Sean coughed against his fist, saying, "Me for Reese?" "Well, | don't know, Sean. I've never really understood your relationship. You act like a couple, but maybe because you are

playing the role of being parents to Shauna. Last night, | asked Reese once and for all, and she said you are just friends. |

was going to stop her going out on a date with that famous athlete, but after hearing her out, | allowed her," Misses Kenedy revealed.

Sean took a full turn, panicking. His hair had already grown since he last shaved them for Lucas. He thoroughly raked his

fingers through them before gripping his hair tightly. He groaned and said, "Dammit, Sean!"

He turned to Reese's mother and asked, "Where? Where are they having dinner? And which famous athlete?”

"| don't remember the guy. All | know is that they were going to have dinner at the Tavolata," Misses Kenedy replied, and

in the next few minutes, Sean left with Shauna.

An hour later, the father and daughter had dinner at the famous Italian Restaurant in Rose Hills.

While Shauna was eating her pasta, Sean's eyes were narrowed at six tables away. He wondered if he had made the right

decision to give himself time. 1

Sean studied Reese's date intensely. He swore the man looked familiar but couldn't remember who he was. The guy

looked very athletic, with tan skin and well-defined muscles. He was handsome, making Sean completely guestion his

own good looks.

As he was in deep thought, his daughter asked, "Daddy? Why are we spying on Mommy? And who is that man she is

with?"

"Ah. Shhh," Sean said to his daughter. "We aren't spying on your mommy. | did not know she was having dinner here. It's

just a coincidence."

"Do you like your food, sweetie?" Sean asked. He picked up a piece of chicken fillet and placed it on Shauna's plate, saying, "Here, have some protein, baby."

"Okay, Daddy," Shauna replied. "Yeah, | like my food." Sean was bout to return, observing Reese, when his blue-colored eyes locked with hers. Reese was standing a meter

away, with her date behind her.

"Sean?" Reese asked. Her mouth was wide open in shock.

"Oh, hey, Reese," Sean said awkwardly. His heart galloped at being found out.

"Mommy!" Shauna exclaimed. She stood up and hugged Reese.

"Oh, so this is your daughter?” The man behind Reese said.

Reese turned tomato red as she admitted, "Yes, she is." She turned to Sean, clearly about to introduce him, when Shauna

did it for her.

"This is my daddy," Shauna said.

"Oh!" There was a big o, formed on the man's lips. The athlete chuckled and said, "I get it now."

The man patted Shauna's head, saying, "Il think your daddy is jealous."

Before Sean could say anything, a young boy approached Reese's date and asked for an autograph. Only then did Sean

recognize the man. It was Oscar Bennett, the athlete known to break the record for joining regular competitions despite

being disabled.

Sean's envy disappeared. He stood up and extended his hand to Oscar, saying, "I can't believe | failed to recognize you.

It's nice to meet you in the flesh, Oscar. You are doing amazing out there, a great inspiration to people. H

Instead of leaving, Oscar and Reese chatted at the same table with Sean. Sean felt Oscar may have sensed a need for

his exit later on. The athlete suggested getting ready for a flight the next day.

Sean watched as Oscar said goodbye to Reese. He said, "I don't know if I'll have another special dinner with you next

time, Reese." He turned to Sean, chuckling, "Maybe not, | guess. But either way, it was lovely to meet you."

Oscar shook Sean's hand again, saying, "Take care of Reese. She is a really great gal."

When Oscar left, Sean saw Reese flushing in her seat. He proposed, "Let's go to the mansion and talk."

Chapter 178: Sean's Reasons

"| can't, and | shouldn't be staying overnight at your place, Sean," Reese calmly said. "Have time with Shauna and bring

her back on Sunday evening. =

"| want you to come with us. | miss you so much, Reese," Sean requested.” Let's talk at home."

For minutes, they argued in front of Sean's car. Their voices were down, and they tried putting on fake facial expressions

to hide them from their daughter. However, Shauna saw through them. She asked, "Mommy? Why don't you want to come

with us? Don't you love me anymore? We are supposed to be a family. You didn't go last time and don't wanna go again?"

Shauna wept. It dawned on Reese that in her effort to avoid Sean, her little girl had begun questioning the family she had.

Reese hugged Shauna as she said, "I'm sorry, baby. I'm sorry. | love you. | love you so much.”

She pecked her cheek and swore, "I'll go, okay?"

"And we will play together just like before? You, me, and daddy?" Shauna asked.

Tears welled in Reese's eyes as she nodded. She replied, "Yes, baby. Your daddy and | will spend time with you together.

I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Forgive mommy."

Soon Shauna's emotions settled down, and they were on the road to the Rosses' estate. Sean didn't bother to drop by the

condo for Reese's

clothes. He only said, "You have clothes to wear at home." Upon arriving at the mansion, Reese helped her daughter shower and change into pajamas. She promised to be back

after bathing herself.

After entering her guest room, Reese opened the closet, and true enough, she found shorts that fit her well, but there

wasn't any top except for Sean's shirt! Reese grumbled as she put on Sean's shirt and returned to Shauna’s room. To her

surprise, Sean was already there. Her daughter shocked her by requesting, "I want to sleep with mommy and daddy."

Reese froze in her stance. She stuttered as she said, "But, Shauna, it isn't like that between your daddy and me?" "Why?" The little girl asked. Reese's words triggered Shauna to be teary- eyed once more. She asked, "Why can't we be

a normal family?"

"Mommy and | will put you to sleep, sweetie. Don't worry," Sean called Reese over, mouthing, 'Let's put her to sleep first.'

Shauna’s emotional well-being came first. Reese took the other side of the bed and kissed her daughter goodnight. As

she patted her daughter's leg the entire time, she avoided Sean's gaze.

On the other hand, the little girl held Sean's arm the entire time, but her leg made a pillow out of Reese's thigh. Reese sang Shauna's favorite bedtime song. Moments later, Shauna dozed off while Reese's eyes also fell helplessly,

surrendering to exhaustion.

'Wow,' Reese thought in her head. She had just had the best sleep in her life. Not only was she resting on an expensive

mattress, but this masculine scent engulfing her gave her a sense of comfort.

She felt fingers tracing her cheek, and she wound up clutching against a cotton fabric, feeling hard chest against her

knuckles.

'Wait -what? Is this a man's chest?!" Her eyes fluttered, and her brown orbs landed on Sean's gaze. She was so close to

him that she thought she would die of embarrassment!

Not only was she sleeping in his arm, but she was holding on to his shirt, her legs tangled with his.

"Oh my god!" Reese tried to flee, but Sean held her down. "Relax, we fell asleep. When | woke up, Shauna was gone, and you were sleeping like a rock on my arm," Sean said.

"Shauna only returned to say she was having breakfast with mom. | told her to have breakfast without us. It looked to me

like you were exhausted, and you could use a good rest. It "My arm is numbed, but | didn't want you to be disturbed, so | did not wake you," Sean said. Yet again, Sean caressed her

cheek, saying, "Stay with me. Let's talk."

Instantly, Reese felt like crying. All those times of trying to erase this man from her heart, a single night melted her walls.

She pouted her trembling lips and crashed into his chest. She voiced, "Why is it so hard to avoid you?"

She felt his hand massage her back as he asked, "Why are you avoiding me, Reese? | don't want you to avoid me."

Reese pulled away with red eyes, saying, "Because | can't keep having these feelings for you when | don't know what you

want from me!" "Ah, so this is what it's all about,” Sean softly said. He hugged her tightly and said, "I'm sorry, Reese. It's my fault

"| thought that maybe you were being so sweet out of gratitude, but Sean, | want you to know that | never ask you to repay

my help. You don't need to - " Reese's words were cut off by Sean's thumb pressing against her finger.

"Ssshhh," Sean said. In his bedroom voice, he explained, "| acknowledge how much | owe you, Reese, but I've always

known that you are the kind to expect nothing in return.” Finally, he pulled his arm out of her head. He cupped her face, and as his thumbs wiped the tears away, he reasoned, "At

first, | did not know what it was. Whether it was because | was hurt and needed company, or whether

it was gratitude or the fact that | am simply comfortable around you, | just wanted to be with you. We were friends then,

and it was easy for me to open up to you, and have fun with you. Then, there is Shauna."

"She was that connection that brought us closer. The times we spent together allowed me to see what a great mother you

are to her and what a wife you would be when the right time comes," Sean said. "Aside from

seeing how well you treat her, there was this longing in my heart to give our daughter the complete family she wished for."

"But you don't have to do that for Shauna. When she gets older, she will understand," Reese objected.

"Let me finish," Sean softly said. "Since | learned about Shauna, we have spent so much time together. That allowed me

more time to evaluate how | felt about you."

"It didn't take long for me to realize how much | like you -1 like you, Reese, more than just a friend," Sean confessed. He

closed his eyes and rested his forehead against hers, pulling her tightly against his frame. "But it was happening so fast,

at the wrong time - in a sense that | had just come from a divorce and had a lawsuit against Brooklyn's family. | didn't want

to rush my conclusion.”

"| thought the best | could do was show you how | felt. Yes, | didn't confront you with my feelings, but you and Shauna

were the apples of my eye. | didn’t care about anything but you and our daughter. The rest of my free time was with you

and with you alone. Surely, that counted for something. And as days went by, those feelings grew stronger. When you

started avoiding me, | thought | felt incomplete, feeling miserable for not seeing you," Sean explained. "When | went to

Lockwood, | thought | could use professional advice. | saw a psychologist.”

"You went to see a psychologist? Why?" Reese asked. "Because | wanted someone - a professional to help me explain why | have these strong feelings for you, despite having

come from a traumatic

divorce," Sean said.

He sighed and pointed out, "You have to admit, Brooklyn was pretty traumatic. At some point, | even wondered... what if

you and | were together, and | ended up being disabled for real from another accident. And funny how you end up dating a

man with one leg, yet, you didn't seem to be bothered about it."

"It was just a friendly date, and you should know that disabled persons have great spirits. They are better at overcoming

obstacles. If you had lost your leg, | would still help you," Reese sniffed her tears away, smacking his arm.

"I know, | know you would." Sean acknowledged. "I'm glad | went after your dinner date to destroy Oscar's hopes. Although I really like the guy, | like myself more for you - Ouch!"

Reese punched his arm with the side of her fist, making him groan.

There was an awkward silence between them, and it stretched for seconds. Reese eventually asked, "So what did the

psychologist say?"

"The psychologist said there are three main reasons someone could easily recover from a failed relationship. He

suggested that | belong to the third category which is... finding my perfect match," Sean explained.

Sean looked Reese in the eye and said, "The doctor said that sometimes the right person would come along at a very

interesting time, which can be right after a breakup. When it comes to love, there are no rules. There's no set time for when people should be fully healed or when they should be allowed to fall in love again. Everyone processes failed

relationships in their own way and fall in love in their own time. Just because someone fell in love right away doesn't mean

that they cheated, didn't love their ex, or that their last relationship wasn't meaningful to them. It solely means they found

their perfect match soon after a breakup."

"Reese, | was so relieved because | have been thinking how perfect you are

for me. I'm sorry | didn't tell you my intentions outright, but | hope you'll forgive me for wanting to think things through before clearly speaking to you about it," Sean added.

He held her hand and pecked her knuckles, saying, "Reese, | like you like crazy. | can't stop thinking about you. You are

beautiful, so kind in nature, and the mother of my child. You made me feel excited again about life. | feel like I'm in heaven

when | hold you like this. It would be a lie if | told you

| never had wet dreams of you because | did, for quite some time now." 1

Reese squinted at him, but that didn't hold him back from asking, "Reese, | want you to be mine. Will you be my Girlfriend?"

Chapter 179: Together

"Reese?" Sean asked, holding her hand tightly. "Answer me."

Reese was blinking her eyes while looking at him. She couldn't respond because his every word made her happy. Sean sought, "Did you hear me? Let me show you how | feel."

Before she knew it, his lips were on hers, and his hand rested behind her neck, pulling her closer to him.

Sean was kissing her. He repeatedly brushed his lips against her before nibbling on her bottom lip.

She unwittingly moaned into his lips, her hand rested on his chest, and she could feel his heart thumping loudly. "Reese," Sean parted her mouth and asked, "Tell me you want me the same way."

She was still out of breath, utterly overwhelmed. Her face flushed as she looked at Sean. Her hand clenched against his

shirt, and as a response, she pulled him for another kiss. From the corner of her eye, she saw Sean's lips curved upward. He kissed her again but pulled away briefly to say, "I'm

going to assume that's a yes." 3

From that point on, they indulged in a hot kiss. This time, Sean's kisses were deeper and more demanding. His frame

hovered over her, and his hand started to get restless, finding its way beneath her shirt.

To Reese, the sound of their smacking lips was deafening. His touch sent tingles down her spine that she didn't realize

how she raised her leg and tangled it with Sean's. "Aah!" Reese gasped, and Sean cursed the second his hand cupped her breast. He said, "| have to say, this is lovely."

He smiled and returned to kissing her again, his hand kneading her breast.

Reese felt the butterflies in her stomach going wild. She swore her core was having a mix of tingling sensations. Next, Reese felt Sean's hand tugging her shirt up. Her heart raced, but just before Sean could remove her top, the door to

the room opened.

Shauna walked in, saying, "Daddy, grandma said she wants to have breakfast with you and Mommy."

Sean, who was earlier eating Reese's face, had jumped off her in a panic. He was smiling from ear to ear as he crawled

up behind Reese, saying," Okay, sweetie. Mommy and | will be there."

"Okay, Daddy," Shauna ran down.

After Shauna left, Reese covered her face. Sean urged her to get up. He was chuckling at her reaction, saying, "Come on,

let's go. You are so cute when you do that.”

He uncovered her face and combed her hair with his fingers, saying," Ready?"

After seeing her nod, Sean kissed her lips and held her hand as they walked out. Later, they reached the dining area and

settled in front of Sean's mother.

"Something looks different between the two of you," Claudia said before smirking. "Anything to share?"

Reese could feel her face burning. Thank goodness it was Sean who answered, "Reese and | are together, mom." 1 "Oh?" Claudia had that big smile on her face. She was equally blushing after hearing the news. "I am so happy!" i Sean's mother screamed, saying, "lI knew you would end up together!”

"You guys may have had a rough start, but I'm glad things turned out well in the end," Claudia commented. She got

up

and hugged Reese. She pecked her cheek, saying, "Welcome to the family, Reese - well, you were always welcome then,

but this time, it's different." 1

"Thank you, Aunt," Reese bashfully said, her face still red from blushing.

Claudia also hugged Sean, saying, "I'm glad you figured things out, son. Take care of Reese and Shauna." i

"I will, mom," Sean replied. 1

When Claudia sat back, she said, "Before Sean and Brooklyn became a couple, | thought you would get together."

Glancing at Reese, she added, "Sean was constantly worried about you, and he was very protective of you. After your

father died, you were always the first person he called. It wasn't Brooklyn. It was you. You probably would have ended up

together if Brooklyn did not drug you."

"| remember when you left, Reese. Sean was so uneasy in the days that followed. He considered seeing you and Audrey,

but | don't know what happened next - Oh, | remember Brooklyn got sick. She was admitted to the hospital, and Sean

watched her," Claudia said before shrugging." Remember that, Sean?"

Sean nodded with a frown.

"| remember that, particularly because Sean wasn't home for a week. The weird part was how Brooklyn's laboratories

turned out okay, and the doctors simply concluded it was a viral infection," Claudia said.

After Claudia's words, Sean was silent. In fact, he ate in silence with Reese for the next few minutes. He only spoke again

when he noticed Reese barely touched her food. He said, "Eat up, Reese. You are going to lose weight."

Reese and Sean went shopping with Shauna for the rest of the morning at the nearest mall. They swam at the mansion

pool in the afternoon and had an early dinner.

In the evening, Sean insisted that Reese sleep with him in his room. He carried Reese over his shoulders in the hallways

while Reese complained," | don't want to sleep in your room. What will your parents think of me?"

"Oh, Reese. We are already old enough to make these decisions. If that's what you are worried about, I'll move out of

here and buy a new home for us," Sean proposed.

Reese fell silent at his suggestion. When he lay her on the bed, she said,” No hurry in that."

"Sorry. | know." Sean replied. "I'll take a shower first." When Sean turned his back on her, she asked, "So, is it true what your mom said? You wanted to see me after | left?"

Sean had already taken his shirt off. He sucked in a deep breath and revealed, "Yeah." He recalled, "Il remember missing

you. | wanted to see you. | think | had planned on getting you a job back home, but Brooklyn got sick, and that idea slipped away."

Walking to the bed, Sean lay next to Reese. He thought back about that particular time and the days before that. Sean recounted the moments when he and Reese would spend time together, alone. After her father died, they'd spent

hours talking about simple things, which was gratifying. Every day spent with Reese made him smile. He recalled how she

often spoke of Reese to his friends and even Brooklyn. He remained to rest on his back, looking at the ceiling, his arm around her waist and pulling her closer. He said, "I was

very protective of you back then, weren't |?"

Reese lay beside Sean and admitted, "Yes, you were." She turned to him and asked, "Do you think Brooklyn faked her

hospitalization so you couldn't go?"

A hiss left Sean's lips when he replied, "I think it's possible.”

He turned to Reese and caressed her face. He said, "I wish | could turn back time, but | can't. Thinking about it now, |

think mom was right. | had feelings for you then, but | didn't have the time to foster them with Brooklyn around." Reese gasped. She looked Sean in the eye and studied his face. She was teary-eyed when she replied, "Sean, | wish |

could turn back time and confess how | felt, but | can't. We can't."

Sean nodded. He pecked her forehead and lips, saying, "Let's make the most of our time now."

Capturing her lips again, they shared a fervent kiss. Everything escalated very quickly as Sean's hands massaged her

breast. Reese, on the other hand, traced his bare back. Eventually, Reese pulled away, feeling nervous. She asked, "Can - can we just cuddle in bed? | don't know if | am ready

for sex. | never had sex -1 mean, | had with you, but | don't even remember it."

Sean wondered about that all the time too and had been dreaming of making love with Reese. He thought it was unfair

that they had done the deed, yet he had no memory of it. While Sean wanted to be intimate with Reese, he respected

Reese's wishes. He said, "Of course. | love cuddling with you."

Reese and Sean slept in the same bed that night, hugging each other. They

didn't make love, but Sean felt he had the best sleep. Days passed.

Sean received a call from the lawyers. Brooklyn wanted a settlement, saying she had information to trade for a lower compensation on the civil case. During that meeting, Sean brought Reese with him.

They met at the law firm Sean had employed. Brooklyn was out on bail, so she was available to meet at the same office.

"What is it that you want to trade, Brooklyn?" Sean asked in his seat.

They were in a room with only Brooklyn, Sean, and Reese. Brooklyn had requested a private talk with the couple.

"We don't have enough money, and we have to deal with the lawsuit from the Department of Labor. | am asking for a

trade. Information for a lower compensation amount - for the drugging incident case," Brooklyn said.

"Whatever you have to say, | am not interested," Sean said.

"So am |," Reese echoed.

"Well," Brooklyn said. "For your peace of mind, you might want to know everything, and for that info, | will still pay two

million dollars. Considering how rich you are, Sean, it isn't bad at all.”

They argued about it, but ultimately, Brooklyn convinced them that what she had to say was important in their newfound

relationship. Sean and Reese agreed since money wasn't really the main issue. The truth was more important. Brooklyn narrated, "Aaron was supposed to sleep with Reese, but that failed. | always reiterated how you simply feel

friendly about her - it's basic psychology to get you off your real feelings. The day you decided to go after Reese and convince her to return, | faked my illness and paid the doctor."

She went on and on, admitting to the many occasions she tried to manipulate Sean. She also shared incidents that Sean

had no recollection of, "The first time we had sex, you were slightly drunk from the club. It was the best sex | had, but

when you came, you called Reese's name! | realized how subconsciously, you thought you were being intimate with Reese!"

Brooklyn snapped at Reese, saying, "lI swear | hate you so much!"

She laughed. Brooklyn turned to Sean, who was shocked by her tale, and said, "When you woke up, | said you were screaming my name. | saw your puzzled face, but you still accepted my story since | was the one you had sex with for real

that time."

"The next sex we had wasn't exceptionally interesting compared to when you thought | was Reese, so a few nights, I'd get

you so drunk. So that's how | got the best fucks of my life because | was fucking you, and the entire time, you were calling

me Reese. You don't remember calling Reese's name every morning, and I'd tell you how you were screaming my name.

Haha! I'm so pathetic, | know, but a girl has got to do everything to keep her man, and that's what | did." Brooklyn

revealed.

"Over time, though, you forgot about Reese, so our relationship improved. | didn't need to keep offering you drinks on

weekends anymore,” Brooklyn sighed.

After Brooklyn's admittance, silence fell upon them. Reese got up and left without a word.

Sean was already regretting meeting Brooklyn for the settlement. He wondered what was going through Reese's mind.

Was she upset? What does she think of him now?

Reese demanded that Sean book a private room at the Diamond Hotel, and he didn't know why. When they entered the

room, Reese suddenly grabbed Sean's tie, and they both fell on the bed. She kissed him

ferociously and declared, "I want to know what it feels like. Make love to me, but | want you sober.”

Chapter 180: Claiming Sean

One thing was evident to Reese. Sean longed for her in the past, and Brooklyn took advantage of it. Claudia's words had

already convinced her that Sean cared for her deeply, but now, Brooklyn's admittance made her realize the weight of how

Sean may have felt for her back then.

While it hurt to think of Sean being intimate with another woman, the revelation was also a confidence booster for Reese.

Because in that story, Sean was calling her name and not Brooklyn! She had so many what-ifs in her head, but the bottom

line, she recognized that if she had only told Sean how she felt for him years back, they may have ended up together.

The words played in Reese's head. Brooklyn had the best sex of her life while Sean thought of her. How unfair was that?

Thus, after Sean had chased after her from the law office, she hopped into his car, ordering, "Book a room at the Diamond

Hotel. We need to settle things privately."

She said nothing for the rest of the drive, her jaws clenching. Sean kept trying to cool her down, but he didn't understand

what upset her. His words did not lighten her mood.

From the lift to the room, she sped her steps. She kicked off her shoes when they entered their suite and pulled Sean by

his tie. She rolled over him and kissed him madly the second they fell on the bed! She didn't know what she was doing.

She knew her kisses were sloppy, but she didn't care! All she knew was that she wanted to replace every trace of Brooklyn from Sean's mouth, and she meant to do the same with his manhood!

Reese tore off his shirt, and his buttons plucked out. They helped each other get naked next, and when they were bare,

Reese challenged Sean, " Sean, do | have to get you drunk to give me the night of my life?"

For the first time since his divorce from Brooklyn, Sean was thankful to her. Reese had become so Brazen all of a sudden!

He hissed and replied, "Fuck no, because it's you." Reese was already lying in bed. Sean immediately spread her legs and said, "| promise you, Reese. I'll pleasure you endlessly and not just tonight for the rest of our lives." "Aaahh!" The second Sean sucked on her core; an erotic moan left Reese's lips. This was the first time they went passed

second base.

Immediately, Reese was gratified. Her breathing hitched, and her toes curled. She felt embarrassed but knew she had to

overcome her shyness. Reese needed to claim what was rightfully hers, and that was Sean!

Meanwhile, Sean was eating her peach. He repeatedly sucked on her clit, and fondled it with the use of his tongue. He

said, "Fuck, I've been thinking about this for weeks." 1 Sean especially liked how her entrance was so pink. He thought Reese had a beautiful rose. It looked to him like a tiny

paper slit with almost no hint of labia. He remarked, "God, it's so beautiful. | can't believe | already came inside you before."

He couldn't help but wack himself while pleasing Reese because he was aroused. Since they officially got together, he

had gotten his daily boner without release, hoping one day he'd let it all out at the right time.

Sean maintained to please Reese. He kept flicking his tongue up and down until he noticed her hips twitch. Reese moaned loudly, and Sean saw her face turn red at having orgasmed. Under her breath, she said, "Wow." "Oh, that's only part one, Reese," Sean suggested. As he sat up, he grabbed her legs and aided her in a kneeling stance

on the floor. He asked, "Do you want to try me?"

Reese's mouth hung open. Her eye widened at Sean's member. She muttered, "This thing fits me?"

She held his length and tried to put it in her mouth, but her eyes became watery. She gagged after trying to take it all in.

Sean said, "That's okay. We'll work on that."

However, because Reese was determined to remove every trace of Brooklyn, she at least licked him good, and Sean

guided her, "From my nuts.

X

"Oh, god. Fuck. | feel like I'm losing my mind," Sean said. Briefly, he shut his eyes, delighting at the feel of her tongue

going around his rod. When he felt he was so hard, he suggested, "Give me your ass."

Sean guided Reese on her fours on the bed while he remained standing on the floor. He pecked and bit each of her two

round flesh before diving to give her slit another lick. When Reese moaned, he said, "Finally, I'm going to have you."

Sean let his tip rub against Reese's crack. When he heard another moan leave Reese's lips, he maintained the back-andforth motion, stimulating her clit again.

"l thought we were going to do it," Reese turned to him and asked. "What are you doing?"

"| want you to have another orgasm,” Sean admitted. Thus, he went at it, merely rubbing his length against her crack.

Each minute, the glow on his member became more evident, to the point that Reese's love juice was milking him.

"Sean!" Reese called his name a few times. Her legs were trembling when she reached climax again, just by the mere

rubbing of his stick.

"I'm going in now - Aaahh. Fuck, Reese. You feel so good," Sean moaned the second he entered her. He held her waist

as he slowly pushed his manhood in. "So tight."

Because Sean made Reese climax twice, it was easier for him to penetrate. He moved back and forth while spreading her

ass cheek apart, watching his hard work. He remarked, "Reese, you are so beautiful.”

Her hole simply sucked him in. It gently yet firmly wrapped around his length and warmed it from her insides.

Sean began to move to and fro. He grabbed her arms and pulled her against his chest so she rested her back on him. As

he moved his hips, he urged her to face him and savored her lips.

They kissed passionately while he did Reese from behind. He maintained to hold her against his chest, his hands massaging her breasts.

Reese, on the other hand, was sensing her insides getting filled. She had earlier noticed how her peach stretched to accommodate Sean's size. As he thrust to and fro inside her, she felt her walls pulse against his rod, and it felt so damn

good.

For her, the best part was how she could still kiss him. In the same position, Sean's other hand played with her clit, and

that was even more surprising to her that Reese moaned again. She couldn't believe such euphoria existed! She was

getting stimulated while making love, and with the man of her dreams at that!

With how Sean was multi-tasking, Reese came in no time! Reese mildly convulsed at having come, and while that was happening, she returned standing on all fours. Once she

settled down, Sean made love with her intensely.

Sean picked up the pace, thrusting as fast as he could. He was at it so heartily that only the slapping of their flesh echoed

across the room in the next minutes.

"Fuck, Reese! | love it!" Sean expressed. "| want to make love to you every day!"

To and fro, Sean moved his hips. Eventually, his breathing became labored, and his mouth fell open, recognizing the near

conclusion. He warned, "I'm cumming, Reese. I'm cumming. Turn around.”

He quickly flipped Reese over to lie on her back. He spread her legs apart, and he helped himself. His load erupted,

mostly around Reese's rose, but some still shot up to her chest. "Aaaahh! Reese!"

"Fuck, | came a lot," Sean remarked while shaking off the last of his cum." That was amazing."

Sean lay next to Reese and kissed her lovingly. He didn't let her go until their lips turned nub, and his manhood stiffened

again. They were spooning in bed when Sean poked her entrance from behind and entered her.

Reese gasped at the feeling of getting filled again. Her eyes narrowed, knowing they were about to make love again, but

before that, Sean proposed, "How does... all night sound?" [

"What's your highest record with that bitch?" Reese asked. "Reese," Sean said, feeling guilty. "Let's not talk about -" "Tell me!" Reese demanded.

"Um. Four," Sean admitted.

"Then, | want five rounds," Reese claimed. She sucked in a breath and added, "| think."

Chapter 181: Pink And Blue

"Every morning, waking up next to you is just heaven, Sean said, pulling Reese against his chest, his hand crawling

down her thighs.

A laugh escaped Reese's lips. Her face burned as she said, "We are late! Get your lazy ass up!"

"I'm not lazy. | want to make love to you one last time before getting up!" Sean reasoned.

In the end, they made love again before heading off to the shower.

Over two months had passed since Reese and Sean were officially together. Things couldn't get any better.

Reese was more confident about their relationship, claiming to be the rightful partner for Sean. On the other hand, Sean

had never been happier. He had a beautiful girlfriend who loved him earnestly and had a daughter with her too. He was

only missing the wedding ring and the official | DOs.

Now and then, Sean would stay with them in the condo, but there were also nights when Reese would stay at the Ross'

mansion with Sean.

That day, they were rushing to attend Milan's, and Wendell's gender reveal party. It was a celebration organized by Evan

and Shantelle, a payback for all the times Wendell and Milan took care of the twins.

After finding Shauna in the living room, all dressed up. They took the lift down Diamond Hotel One-Carat conference

room, where the event was held.

"There you are, guys!" Shantelle called them over to their table.

Lucas was there, and his siblings were in a stroller, settled at another table with Miguel and the caregivers. Baby Kamila

was also present with her nanny. Shauna readily joined Lucas for a chat.

Reese sat next to Shantelle, while Sean joined the boys up front. Turning to Shantelle, Reese asked, "So they don't have

any idea?"

Shantelle smiled brightly and replied, "No. They don't. The OB doctor is my friend, and she kept it from them from the last

ultrasound, telling them about our organized party." Beside Shantelle, Karise asked, "But you know?"

"No. | don't either." Shantelle pointed to the other table where the OB doctor waved at her. She replied, "Only Doctor Tan

knows. She bought the powder cannon.”

Evan, Sean, Kieth, and Wendell chatted at the front with Milan. In their circle, Wendell said, "I'm stoked! | have a feeling

I'm going to have a girl."

"Really? | think | am having a boy!" Milan expressed. "Your tummy is huge for one baby, though," Keith commented.

"I know, right," Milan answered. She chuckled and suggested, "during our first check-up, the doctor said she thinks it's

only one baby, although, in the second and third ultrasound, the doctor kept it from us."

Milan squinted at Evan, saying, "Thanks to Shanty and Evan."

Evan only laughed. He suggested, "Shanty's idea. I'm going to be surprised myself."

The party started with their lunch meals and a few games, but eventually, the time came for when the baby's gender would be revealed.

Milan and Wendell walked up the stage, both carrying a powder cannon. Their OB doctor suggested, "Your baby's gender

will be revealed through the cannon! I'm excited for you!" "Okay, any guesses?" Milan asked the crowd. It was only a small group composed of friends and family. They all roared

their guesses!

"Girl!" Shantelle screamed.

"Boy!" Lucas said.

"Girl, like me!" Shauna said.

Next to Reese, Sean screamed, "Girl!"

"Oh, come on. More boys club!" Evan objected while putting an arm around his wife. "Boy!"

Wendell's family also screamed their wishes, but they mostly wanted boys. Milan's family, however, had a mix of both.

Mister Gray said, "| wish it were both!"

Laughter filled the air before Wendell and Milan returned their attention to their powder cannon. They counted together,

"Four, three, two, one -"

The powder cannon erupted. Wendell's side of the powder was pink, while Milan's side was blue.

Everyone's mouth fell on the floor, their eyes rounding. From the side, the OB doctor laughed and explained, "I suspected

you had a twin, but | only confirmed it during the second ultrasound when the heartbeats were clearer! Congratulations!

You have a boy and a girl!"

"Aaahhhh!" Milan screamed. Her eyes watered as she turned to her husband. She jumped at him while Wendell readily

carried her weight.

Wendell and Milan took a full turn, kissing in front of everyone.

"We are having two babies!" Milan exclaimed.

"And we already know how to take care of twins!" Wendell remarked.

In one corner, Mister Gray was shocked. He cleared his throat and asked," Wait, did Milan get pregnant again? | mean,

got pregnant while pregnant?"

"Ah, no, Mister Gray. Milan was initially pregnant with twins, but it was difficult to determine at first because they shared

the same amniotic sac. Also, your daughter came to me in the early stage of her pregnancy,” the OB Doctor explained.

Suddenly, Mister Gray screamed. His roar was the loudest, and tears filled his face. He said, "Thank you. Thank you,

Wendell and Milan, for making me and your mother

happy!"

In front of the guests, Mister and Misses Gray embraced Wendell and Milan, celebrating the coming grandkids. Later,

Wendell's parents embraced them too.

Behind the scene, at the table where Wendell's friends sat, Keith kept hissing. He frowned profusely and said, "I can't believe it. I'll be so behind. Wendell has two kids now." While everyone laughed, Karise smacked her husband's chest, saying, "It's not a contest, babe, and besides, It has not

been a year since | gave birth. Let's give each other some break."

"| am totally ready to have another child," Sean proclaimed. A smirk formed on his face before looking at Reese and

kissing her cheek. Reese, on the other hand, lifted a brow at him.

"You guys are lucky since Shauna is old enough," Karise stated.

"Put a ring on it, Sean," Shantelle proposed.

"Yeah, man, where is that ring you bought last week?" Evan spilled, and Sean let out a low growl.

"The hell, Evan?' Sean mouthed before shifting to Reese. His head formed beads of sweat while he denied it, saying, "We

happen to be in a jewelry store a few days back."

"Oh," Reese only nodded.

To help save Sean from the situation, Evan turned to his wife, asking,"

Speaking of contest, we should keep at it, Wifey, while we are still winning three against two. We can have as many kids

as we want. | am rich enough. It

"So boastful," Sean said.

"| know. Thank goodness Evan is generous," Keith remarked.

Shantelle laughed and said to her husband, "We aren't really controlling. Milan isn't getting pregnant again just yet. We

have time."

That was true. Shantelle and Evan weren't holding back, but she had not been pregnant. Nonetheless, they were happy

with the time they had.

Whenever they were free, they would play with their kids. Since Lucas had been allowed to go out in public, they had

taken him to the beach nearly every week, which he thoroughly enjoyed.

Lucas’ doctor still did not recommend him to go to a regular school, only in a controlled group of home learners, but as

long as his progress continued for another eight months, then everything would be completely normal.

Their group was merrily chatting, with Wendell and Milan joining them next, when Attorney Scarlett walked in with Lily.

Lily immediately joined Lucas’ table while Scarlett walked to Evan and Shantelle. She was chasing her breath when she

said, "Evan, Shanty, we have an important matter to discuss. | know | came in a bad time, but | also felt responsible for

not relaying this message."

"You flew all the way from Braeton?" Shantelle asked.

Scarlett nodded and sighed deeply, saying, "Documents and videos were sent to my office, and given the urgency, | flew

over in a heartbeat."

It was in another room where Evan and Shantelle further discussed what Attorney Scarlett came there for. She presented

all the documents and said, "Frank Morgan and his family are finally no longer appealing the court's decision about the

assault and attempted murder case against him and offered to compensate for damages. They are willing to give ten

million dollars in total, with one condition."

"What is it?" Shantelle asked.

Scarlett took out her laptop and inserted a USB drive. She played one video and said, "They sent several videos including

ct scans, MRI scans, etc.

Basically, Frank Morgan was caught in a fight in prison. He was drugged and got overdosed. He had been in and out of

consciousness. What | am trying to say is, he is dying." "With this in mind, they wanted Frank's heart transplanted to Briana West. And given that Briana has had a failed surgery

and now living off a mechanical heart, they wanted Doctor Shant to perform the surgery, increasing Briana's chances of

survival."

"No!" Evan said outright. "This is not even about money. My wife is not saving the people who tried to harm her in the

past! That's not going to happen!"

Turning to Shantelle, Evan saw the apprehension on her face. He said, "No, Shanty. No."

"| just thought that maybe, in doing this, the hate would stop," Shantelle responded. "I don't also want to keep hating.

There were good and bad in what happened. The good part was how it brought me to you."

Chapter 182: Time To Forgive

"Why did you agree?" Briana softly asked Shantelle. "You did not even take the full amount offered."

Days had passed since Frank Morgan's family presented an offer to Shantelle. Briana was now at the heart and lung center, and so was Frank's unconscious body. The only thing that kept Frank alive was the machine attached to him.

It took a lot of convincing Evan, but ultimately, he gave in, provided that the operation took place at their homecourt and

that the Morgans and the Wests would sign a contract, agreeing never to cause any trouble for their family, including that

of the Wrights. Their party gladly agreed.

Briana had undergone several tests and qualified for a heart transplant. Frank Morgan's heart wasn’t affected, so it was

allowed for the operation.

When Briana asked her the question, Shantelle evaluated her and her mechanical heart. Shantelle stepped back and

looked Briana in the eye, saying, "Because | am a doctor. It is my duty to save lives. Moreover, | don't want any more bad

blood between our families."

Pulling a chair, Shantelle sat before Briana, saying, "Promise me, after the operation, and if it is successful, you will live a

fruitful and meaningful life. Don't cheat your way to whatever you wish for. I'm sure you have learned by now that there is

no shortcut to happiness. You always have to follow a path."

Briana was still serving her two-year sentence for the organ manipulation case, and so were her parents, but she was

ordered on hospital arrest instead because of her medical condition. The prison did not have the facility to keep her alive if

her mechanical heart malfunctioned.

Briana nodded repeatedly. She replied, "I know that now." "| could also ask you the same thing. Why did you choose me as your doctor, given our history," Shantelle asked. "Because | know you are the best out there - in the country, at least," Briana answered. "And given that | will get Frank's

heart, | want to have better success in living so | can have a piece of Frank with me for years to come."

"Very well," Shantelle softly acknowledged. "You should see Mister Morgan later on. Your operation is scheduled for five in

the morning tomorrow. We are turning off his life support at three. I'm sorry you'd have to lose him."

"It - it wasn't your fault. The person who attacked him was one of his previous workers," Briana revealed.

"| should go. Take some rest. Warlington Prison allowed your parents to visit you for one day, so you'll see them tomorrow," Shantelle glanced at the machine behind Briana and reminded her, "Don't forget to charge your heart."

Briana smiled and answered, "| won't. | need to be alive for tomorrow.

Thank you, Doctor Shant."

x_xg*

The next day, Shantelle was in the operating room, transplanting a new heart in Briana.

It took around four hours for Shantelle to complete the procedure. As soon as they tested the new heart, it beat. Applause could be heard inside the operating room. Shantelle stayed and monitored Briana's condition for another half an

hour. After which, she ordered, "Time to close her up. Good job, everybody."

"Good job, Doctor Shant!"

"Another success Doctor Shant!"

After getting off her scrub suit, Shantelle left the operating room, finding her husband. After learning that the Wests would

be around, he made sure to be present after the surgery.

She hugged her husband first before turning to the Wests, who had their heads down at her presence. She said, "The operation was a success. In the next twenty-four hours, Briana will be under observation in the ICU."

"Thank you, Doctor Shant," Briana's mother said. "And we are sorry about the past.”

"Remember my wife's kindness," Evan said.

"Thank you. Thank you so much! We will abide by the terms of our agreement,” Mister West said.

Warlington Police escorted them in getting there. They were only going to see Briana for that day before they would return

to Warlington Prison again. It was a pain, but it was a privilege given to them, and they were happy for the government's

grant. Of course, if not for their influence, they would not have had the opportunity.

*k%k

Evan and Shantelle had lunch together after the operation. Shantelle only returned to the Heart and Lung Center to check

Briana's condition. She meant to head home and take a good nap. She had been at the hospital since two in the morning,

preparing for the transplant.

Walking down the halls, she bumped into an unexpected acquaintance; Keith's father, Charles Henderson, and his wife,

Helen.

The last time Shantelle saw Keith's father was last year, during his birthday. It shocked her thoroughly to see Mister Henderson so thin. He was in a wheelchair, struggling to breathe, and was being pushed by a nurse. His wife was walking

next to him.

The Herdersons looked at Shantelle in shock but quickly evaded her.

Shantelle watched as Keith's parents walked to the lobby. Just as she was about to turn around, Misses Henderson called

for her.

"Shantelle. Please, can you give me a moment?" Keith's mother said. She held Shantelle's hand and asked, "Can you tell

me if Keith is okay? | heard Karise gave birth. | tried to check Karise's social media page but couldn't see her private

photos. Do you have a picture of the baby?"

Quickly, Shantelle reached for her phone and showed her a picture of baby Kamila. She said, "Her name is Kamila. She is

so beautiful."

The sight of the picture made Helen Henderson cry. She said, "It's been so long. | guess we will never get to see our

granddaughter." Looking at Shantelle, she asked, "Can | borrow your phone?"

When Shantelle agreed, Keith's mother showed the picture to her husband. He also became teary-eyed. Shantelle walked

behind them and offered, "I have several pictures of Keith and Karise t00."

Shantelle navigated on her phone and showed them to Keith's parents.

Smiles formed on their faces, and Charles looked like he didn't want to let go. Eventually, he handed the phone to Shantelle, thanking her for her time.

"Charles? Is that it? Aren't we going to try to talk to Keith?" Helen Henderson asked. However, Keith's father only suggested they leave, saying no word.

It was clear to Shantelle how Keith's father was full of pride.

Still, their actions piqued Shantelle's interest. Curiosity got to her that she saw nearly all the doctors at the heart and lung

center. Finally, she met their top oncologist, Doctor Dultz. The excellent doctor revealed, “Mister Charles Henderson has

stage four lung cancer, Doctor Shant. His lymph nodes are swollen all over. He could barely breathe."

Shantelle's mouth fell open. She realized that was why Keith's father looked so weak. She stammered as she asked,

"What's the prognosis?"

"He has about six months to a year to live, at most," Doctor Dutlz said. "We are going for treatments, but in case, | told

him to prepare for it. It depends on how his body responds to chemotherapy, but it's hard. His cancer cells are growing at

a much faster rate."

Without giving it another thought, Shantelle called Miguel, and he drove her to Keith's office.

Half an hour later, Shantelle was on the top floor of Prima MedCare. When she entered Keith's office, she said, "I saw

your parents earlier. Keith, | -1 think you need to talk to your father."

"Why this all of a sudden?" Keith asked. He pushed his laptop away, saying, "Until my father learns to respect my wife, |

am not talking to him."

"| think he regrets it," Shantelle suggested. "Earlier, he looked at Kamila's pictures and seemed happy.” Shantelle saw Keith freeze in his seat. He cleared his throat and asked, "He did that?" After a second, he said, "Well, if he

regrets it, he isn't showing it. | haven't changed my number, Shanty, yet he hasn't called me since."

"He should learn to swallow his pride and ask for Karise's forgiveness," Keith retorted. "And why are you taking his side? |

thought we are friends, Shanty."

Shantelle sat before Keith, saying, "Because he may not live long enough to learn how to swallow his pride, Keith. Are you

going to be as prideful as your father?"

"What do you mean, Shanty?" Keith asked.

"Your father has stage four lung cancer. He will take treatment, but it's hard to tell if his body will respond to chemotherapy

- you know about cancer, Keith," Shantelle said. "Eat your pride and talk to your father while he still lives. It's time to

forgive him."

Chapter 183: Another Chance

Karise let out a heavy sigh as soon as they arrived at the Hendersons' mansion gates. She felt Keith’s hand gripping hers,

and he said, "Relax."

As they drove into the driveway, Keith asked, "Do you want to come back another day?"

"No! No way. It's about time we talked it out with your parents, Keith." Karise turned to Kamila, who was sleeping soundly

in the backseat of the car. She said, "We shouldn't delay this any longer."

"Thank you, Babe. | know how hard this is for you, and | can sense you are nervous, but whatever happens, | hope you

will be extra patient there," Keith suggested.

Karise smiled at her husband, saying, "Babe, | don't care if your father kicks me out of the house. | will support you and

even beg your father's approval so that you can have time with him... Though, | certainly hope he won't."

Keith leaned in and kissed Karise's lips, saying, "Thanks, Babe. That's why | love you."

After getting off the car, they walked into the house and settled in the living room, where they waited. A maid went to

inform Keith's parents of their arrival.

The next thing they knew, Helen came rushing from one hallway on the first floor. The moment she turned up before

Karise and Keith, Helen gasped. She stuttered, "Keith, it's you!"

Before Keith, Helen appeared to be confused. She retreated her steps, calling to her husband, "Charles! It's Keith and

Karise!"

Keith and Karise were up on their feet. Karise was holding Kamila the entire time when finally, Charles appeared before

them. He was being pushed in a wheelchair, his eyes widening, clearly in shock.

"Dad," Keith called, his brows meeting, seeing his father's state. Kamila was already four months old, meaning he had not

seen Charles in a year. Keith thought about his father, yes, especially his mother.

After he and Karise married, he secretly asked about them through the maids and their family driver. However, recently,

he had failed to check on them. Thus, seeing Charles in such a pitiful state crushed his heart.

Helen quickly approached Keith and embraced him. She cried as she revealed, "lI missed you so much, Keith. So much."

Helen stained Keith's suit, and it felt to him like, his mother never wanted to let go. She said, "I'm sorry. Keith, we are sorry! Please forgive us! You came here to forgive us, right? You do?"

Keith knew his mother struggled with which side to take, but ultimately, she did nothing to oppose Charles. That further

contributed to his disappointment toward Helen. However, hearing her asking for forgiveness now, moved him.

He swallowed air down his throat to keep himself from crying. His hands trembled as he returned his mother's hug. He

faintly said, "Mom. It's been a while."

"Too long. Too long," Helen answered. She looked up at Keith with eyes puffed. She cupped his face and said, "Thank you

for coming here."

Keith's mother turned to Karise and said, "And thank you, Karise, for allowing us this chance. And my granddaughter! My

granddaughter!”

Helen was too emotional that Keith had to calm her down. He hugged her again, saying, "We aren't going anywhere, Mom. You can have all the time with Kamila. Don't worry." Keith's mother cried against his chest. She only soothed after a maid had brought her water.

While all this was happening, Keith saw how the nurse had pushed his father into the patio. His father was teary-eyed, but

he said no words.

"Charles! Charles!" Helen called. "Our son is here. Where are you going?"

The nurse stopped, but Charles was heaving and pointed toward the patio. The nurse had no choice but to guide Keith's

father, saying, "Il think Mister Henderson needs more air." Meanwhile, Helen turned to Karise and Kamila. She said, "Karise, she is so beautiful." Lifting her hands, she asked, "Can

|?"

"Of course," Karise said, handing baby Kamila to her grandmother.

"Aw!” As soon as Kamila smiled at her, tears stung her eyes again. Helen said, "She is so beautiful." Helen looked at

Karise and returned to Keith, saying, "Shantelle is right. Kamila does look more like Karise."

Smiling at Karise, Helen suggested, "You know what they say if the baby looks more like you? It means Keith loves you

more."

A laughter escaped Helen's lips, and so did Karise. Keith smiled at his mother's suggestion, but his eyes readily went

back to the patio's direction.

Helen focused on Keith and asked, "Talk to him. Please, Keith. Your father regrets it, | promise you. He just doesn't know

how to admit it."

Keith did not know why, but he felt it too. If his father was still upset about him, he would have turned him away outright.

Charles would have given him a death glare if he couldn't speak, but instead, he saw his father holding back his tears. His

father had never cried before him, not once.

He marched toward his father. He asked the nurse to give them a moment and pulled a chair beside Charles.

There was dead air, and it stretched to over a minute. Keith and Charles simply looked at the garden before them. After

some time, Charles weakly asked, "Are you happy with your life, Keith?"

"| am, Dad. | am very happy," Keith replied. "Karise and Kamila mean everything to me -1 mean, | was happy until learned you are ill."

"Shantelle must have told you, huh? So, you came here because you feel sorry for your old man?" Charles asked. While

his words were curt, his voice broke in and out, and he sniffed. Tears fell on his cheek, and he quickly wiped them. "No, Dad. | did not come here because | felt sorry for you. | came because | felt sorry for us. You have a son, and | have a

father, but we wasted time brewing hate when we could have been a family. We should never have fought over my choice

of wife, Dad, because | am my own person," Keith justified.

"Yes, we disagreed on many things, but at the end of the day, you are still my father. You and Mom raised me the best way

you could and provided for my needs." Keith gasped, describing, "I recognized that you and Mom gave me life. | wouldn't

be where | am today without you. What kind of a son would | be if | did not come here and try to fix things with you?"

"I'm sorry | did not come any sooner," Keith said. "| should have kept trying - m

"No." Charles broke down in tears. He covered his eyes with his hand, gasping. "lt was my fault. It never was yours."

Charles heaved and heaved, and his lips trembled as he continued, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry, son."

Immediately, Keith reached for Charles’ hand and held it, saying, "l forgive you, Dad, and | want you to know that Karise

has already forgiven you. All she wants is for me to have this time with you and Kamila to meet you."

"Please give Karise a chance. She is a great person. She loves me very much and our daughter. Once you get to know

her, you will understand why | fell in love with her," Keith begged.

Because Charles continued to cry uncontrollably, and his breathing became labored, Keith massaged his father's back.

He tried to soothe him the best way he could. The nurse had to assess Charles, but eventually, he settled his emotions,

confessing, "Actually, son, | know."

"You leave the office and go straight home to your wife and child. When you are on a business trip, you mostly take your

wife with you, and you only go out to parties with the same friends, Evan, Sean, and Wendell, plus their wives, | presumed. You even take time to go for your daughter's monthly check-up." Charles inhaled, saying, "You did better than

me because | was not that attentive when you were a baby.”

"| asked myself, how did my son become a better father than me?' Charles questioned. "Something must have changed in

him that made him a better man."

Looking at Keith, Charles said, "You must be very contented with your family to put them first."

Keith leaned back. A smile formed on his face despite being teary-eyed. He asked, "You stalked me, Dad?" "For sometime now," Charles admitted. "When | found out | had cancer, | parked in front of your penthouse building nearly

every day. | didn't even tell your mom until she caught me one day. Your mom? She was waiting for Karise to arrive too!

We were both stalking you!"

"| was hoping you'd see me across the street one day, but that never happened. Whenever you walk out of your penthouse building or the car, you always had that smile of contentment on your face, walking with your wife, that you never bothered to look elsewhere," Charles revealed. "When | learned | was terminally ill, many regrets crashed down on me. My biggest regret is how | made you despise me.

| did not know how to approach you, knowing everything was my fault. | was afraid. Your mom was also afraid," Yet again,

Charles wept, but Keith kneeled before him and embraced him.

Charles wound up howling louder, pulling Keith tightly into his frame, saying, "Forgive me, son. Please, forgive me." "Yes, Dad. Yes," Keith answered, now also sobbing. "Let's forget about everything."

"Thank you, son," Charles said. "I could never thank you enough for giving me another chance."

The father and son remained in the same embrace for an undetermined time until tears dried on their faces. When Keith

pulled away, he asked, "Do you want to meet Kamila?" Charles nodded, saying, "I'd love to hold her."

Chapter 184: Charles' Wishes

The Hendersons had a pleasant evening, with Keith's parents getting to know Karise. They asked about her work, her

family, and her friends. They also inquired about how she managed her time. They were surprised how she only hired one

nanny when Keith could get her two at the very least.

"| like my time with Kamila," Karise replied. She turned to the stroller where her baby was sleeping and added, "It makes

me feel complete knowing | attended to her needs, even if it's just a few hours a day. So on one weekend, just like now, |

give the nanny her time off."

"And | like how Kamila can recognize me." Karise's eyes gleamed as she described, "When she smiles at Keith and me,

it's like she knows we are her parents!"

"And she'd blabber endlessly when we are around her, and Keith - oh, you should see Keith trying to make her laugh,”

Karise fished for her phone, finding those videos and showing them to Charles and Helen.

Helen and Charles smiled, seeing another side of Keith. In that video, Keith was making faces and weird sounds while

Kamila laughed genuinely at her father.

It made Helen teary-eyed again. She said, "Wow, | can't believe this is my son." Glancing at Keith, she declared, "I'm

proud of you, Keith, and what you have become - a good father."

Just then, Kamila woke up. Karise and Keith both got up, working together. Keith went to the living room to make milk

while Karise carried the baby, soothing her.

When Keith returned, he already had a milk bottle, and Karise smiled at him, saying, "Thanks, Babe." 1

Keith winked at Karise, replying, "Welcome, Babe." i Both Helen and Charles looked at each other with approving nods. It wasn't just that. They saw how Keith had offered to

help Karise clean off Kamila after she had a dirty diaper. He did things that their previously indulged son had never done

before.

After dinner, Karise, Keith, and his parents returned to the living room, resuming their chat.

Charles was smiling, watching Kamila in his arms. She was sleeping again after feeding and changing diapers. Charles

said, "It's been a long time since | held a baby."

When Kamila yawned, her hand stretched out, gripping Charles' thumb.

"Oh, will you look at that?" Helen said. "Amazing. Keep holding her and let her feel you."

"I think she knows it's her grandpa,” Karise suggested, and her words made Charles smile approvingly.

"Now, this is our movie," Helen proposed. "Watching my grandchild sleep." She got up and said, “Let me get some tea for

all of us.”

After returning with hot tea, they began to cover Charles’ illness. At the same time, Kamila remained in her grandfather's

hold.

"When did you find out about the cancer, Dad?" Keith asked.

"Three months ago. At first, | was in denial." Charles admitted.

"You know how your dad can be stubborn,” Helen remarked, shaking her head.

"My long-time physician never suspected it. We all thought it was a chronic cough, so we were referred to another doctor

and told it was stage four cancer. | refused to believe it, even when | was already getting weaker and had lost so much

weight," Charles disclosed.

"We resorted to natural medication, but | only got sicker, and | could not walk normally anymore. We asked for a second

opinion and then a third, but the findings were the same. | learned that cancer had spread to my spine too, so | could not

walk properly. | had started with chemo with another doctor, but the kind of drug given to me just made me sick to my gut.

| could not stand it. | felt | would die with the drug and not cancer. | stopped and looked for another doctor." Charles sighed, saying, "Finally, my nurse convinced me to see the oncologist at the heart and lung center."

"I didn't want to go there because | knew | would have an encounter with Shantelle, but in the end, | had no choice. Doctor

Dultz was said to be the best oncologist, especially for lung cancer." He shook his head and conveyed, "He explained that

cancer has already spread. It would have helped if the cancer was still contained in my lungs and the affected lung could

be removed, but in my case, it has already reached nearby lymph nodes, other organs, and, like | said, my spine.”

"So, the only solution is chemotherapy, and Doctor Dultz suggested a combination of immunotherapy. Instead of the same

drugs | had tried, we will try another chemo drug - an oral one," Charles revealed. He became emotional again as he said,

"Doctor Dultz suggested | do isolation, but knowing there is a low probability of surviving, either way, | would rather spend

time with your mom."

"Then, let's have your chemo at home, Dad. That can be done. Let's have three nurses for you so someone can help you

round the clock, strictly implement health protocol in the house, and a caregiver too," Keith suggested. "| also know how

tough stage four cancer can be. We have patients under our medical coverage, so | know what to expect, but

Keith sucked a deep breath, feeling heaviness in his chest as he resumed,’ We have all the resources we need. Let's use

it, and hopefully, you'll live longer than the doctor's prognosis or, who knows, miracles can happen, and you'll survive

through this!"

"If anything, believing in the treatment and believing in yourself can help, Dad." With me, Karise, and Kamila now around

you, have more strength to fight this," Keith asked. "Please, Dad. | love you -" i

It shocked Charles the most. He wept again, hearing Keith say those words.

Keith embraced his father while Kamila remained in his arms. He said, ’ Kamila also loves you. Look at how she is holding

on to you." 1

'What would motivate you, Dad?" Karise asked. ' Name it, and we will try to give it to you!"

"Done!" Keith said. "We can stay here every weekend, but of course, Dad, if we get sick, we must stay away too."

"Really? | love that idea!" Helen exclaimed.

"| understand,” Charles acknowledged. "That idea of seeing my granddaughter often pleases me."

"For today, can you and Karise stay with us? It's a weekend, after all," Charles asked.

"Done! In fact, we will stay longer so | can hire more nurses and a caregiver for you." Keith said with no hesitation.

"Remember, Dad, anything you ask!"

"You are all that | need, son," Charles said. "You, your mom, Karise and Kamila.” He put his hand on his chest, repeatedly

tapping it. "Having you around gives me strength." 1 Keith and Karise stayed for three nights at the Hendersons' mansion.

Charles and Helen had the most beautiful time with Kamila, i

Helen often washed her. Charles fed her and put her to sleep often. The grandparents were so engrossed. At the same

time, Keith implemented the home treatment plan, coordinating with Doctor Dultz.

Keith informed his parents on the fourth night of their stay that they were returning to the penthouse. At dinner, he said,

"Mom, Dad, you are all settled for the home chemotherapy treatment. From here on, we will be visiting every weekend."

"Thank you, Keith. We enjoyed having you with us," Helen said.

Charles also smiled, saying, "Very much."

"So before we leave, Dad. | just want to make sure | have covered all your wishes. Anything else to help you become more motivated?" Keith asked.

Charles laughed. He proposed, "lI don't know if you can add one more grandchild. I'd love to wait for that. Haha!" 1 Helen laughed, but she nodded approvingly with her eyes rounding.

Keith laughed his heart out, turning to his wife. Karise, on the other hand, flushed.

"I'm just joking. No pressure on Karise," Charles said. Although, that would be really nice."

Chapter 185: Girls' Night Out?

"Hey!" Shantelle said, offering a hug to Karise. "Tired?1 "Exhausted/1 Karise replied. She pressed her lips to Shantelle’s

ears and said, And it doesn't help that Keith keeps me up all night."

A laugh escaped Shantelle’s lips. She revealed, "I think he is serious about having another child."

"How has it been going with your father-in-law?” Shantelle asked.

"He is better these days. He is happier at home, where he can see Kamila often/ Karise replied.

It has been a few months since Keith and his father reconnected. The first three months seemed easy, but Charles

eventually caught an infection since his immune system was compromised due to chemotherapy.

Charles Henderson ended up staying at Saint Dominique Heart and Lung Center for two weeks. Since Helen wasn't emotionally stable enough to support her husband alone, Keith and Karise took turns staying overnight at the hospital. At at the same time, one remained home to look after Kamila. If it weren't for Shantelle’s proposal; to combine Charles’ treatment with Intravenous immune globulin, Keith's father might have stayed longer in the hospital. Still, after Charles’ admission, there was a lot of home care needed that Keith and Karise lived in the Hendersons' mansion most days.

"But enough about me!" Karise declared, seeing Reese arrive. "Today is a relaxation day for the girls!"

"Hi, guys!" Reese said, waving her hand. "I'm so excited. | could really use a full body massage!"

Shantelle laughed. She remarked, "The hospital's been busy?"

"More and more patients need therapy every day," Reese replied.

"Looks like you need a bear hug too!" Shantelle said, offering a hug to Reese. 1

"| need a bear hug too!" Suddenly, they heard Milan call from the driveway. A driver had dropped her off for the girl's weekend together.

When Milan walked up to the girls, she revealed, "| have been feeling so heavy, with all mixed emotions about my panties

not fitting my ass, and | can't even reach for my favorite snack. | swear this relaxation is just what | need!"

The girls laughed, and they all shared a hug outside the biggest garden spa in the city.

"Here's to the girl's day at the spa!" Karise proclaimed, raising her fist in the air. After the girls echoed the same, they all went in for their scheduled treatments.

Booking a group spa room, they had facial treatments, body scrubs, pedicures, and manicures. Reese had an extra body

massaged, as she had initially planned. While they were lying on their backs, Karise suggested,” Ladies, let's remember our full Brazilian wax. We gotta have that!"

"Amen!" Shantelle said.

"What's a Brazilian wax?" Reese asked.

"Oh, my god! You haven't had Brazilian wax?! Karise exclaimed. "I'm telling you, Reese, after a Brazilian wax, you will get pregnant!”

"Something tells me | need a Brazilian wax," Reese concluded.

The ladies laughed as the therapists rubbed exfoliating scrubs on their bodies. Reese's therapist said, "Don't Worry, miss.

I'll give you the best Brazilian wax. I'll also prepare a special bath for you so your flower will smell the best tonight.”

"| think | want that too," Shantelle said, encouraging more giggles from the room.

"Count me in!" Milan claimed. "Although Wendell won't lose control.”

"Nah, Wendell won't lose control," Karise remarked. "He is Mister Control." ***

The girls spent half a day getting pampered, and after having the most beautiful milk bath, they all prepped up for a special dinner.

Reese was changing into the dress she had brought when Karise stepped in front of her and said, "I think your dress is lovely, but tonight, you need to be gorgeous."

"Because you just had a full Brazilian wax and had the best bath ever! You need to be in a knock-out dress and go home to Sean in that!" Karise paused, saying, "After dinner, of course."

"And he'll go crazy," Shantelle remarked.

Lifting her brow, Reese said, "Well, then, I'll just wear that after dinner

"No!" All the girls said that at the same time.

"Wear that now. There is no changing area to where we will have dinner," Milan reasoned.

Reese agreed and wore a sexy red dress that looked brand new. The strange thing was how Karise had a dress size that fit her well. Karise was taller and thinner, but her dress was simply the right fit. Reese couldn't help but ask, "Did you buy this for me?"

"Um. Um," Karise was searching for the words. Ultimately, she said, "| was grabbing the dress really quickly that | did not

realize | bought the wrong size. Since we were going for our first girls’ night out, | remembered you, and thought it would fit you well!”

"Thanks, Karise! You are lovely/ Reese said.

Karise smiled from ear to ear and hugged Reese, saying, "Of course, our husbands are best friends, so we should all be best friends too."

As Karise pulled away from the embrace, Reese flushed, saying, "We aren't married yet."

"Oh, don't worry, you'll be soon enough," Karise proposed. It's bound to happen, right? | heard Sean was scouting for a villa for you guys to live in."

"Yeah, he did/ Reese weakly replied. She was about to say more but shut her mouth, remarking, "I haven't seen it, though. Maybe he is still buying furniture. | don't know. "I'm sure he is preparing for your perfect home," Milan remarked.

"Miguel's here to pick us up! Let's go, ladies!" Shantelle said. "Let's enjoy the night!

"| am loving girls’ night already," Reese commented as they exited the VIP changing area of the spa.

Miguel brought Evan's Audi Limo for their ride. Once the ladies hopped in, Miguel turned to them, handing them a red blindfold. He said, 'Dinner is going to be a surprise!" "What? | thought Shantelle planned the dinner?" Reese asked.

"| did. | told Miguel to surprise us with the best dinner place," Shantelle said while accepting the blindfold. She passed it

on to Karise and the other girls, saying, "Cover your eyes and no peeking!"

In the next hour, the limo arrived at a private estate. The ladies remained blindfolded as Miguel helped guide them off the vehicle. The girls were led by exceptional escorts. Miguel offered to guide Reese, saying, "Let me walk you, Misses Ross/

"I'm - we are not married," Reese corrected.

"Oh, it looked like it to me," Miguel replied.

"Oops! No peeking! Miguel warned because Reese attempted to see through the space between her eyes and nose.

"Who is walking the others?" Reese said.

In front of her, she heard Karise say, "I'm being walked by a lovely gentleman. | can tell he is sexy, and | might cheat on my husband

"Don't say that!" Reese said. ’Keith's crazy about you!"

"| was just joking," Karise took back her words, chuckling. Reese could hear the girls laughing their hearts out. She was utterly intrigued that she came close to removing the cover over her eyes.

However, as soon as she reached for the blindfold, Miguel said, "We are here. Right this way, Misses Ross. You just need

to stand right here."

"Where are the others?" Reese inquired.

Reese noticed Miguel step away, but the girls no longer responded to her.

Out of nowhere, instrumental music began to play in the background. Reese was perplexed. Next, she heard the familiar lyrics of the song by Jason Derulo.

Reese began to turn frantically from side to side. She called the girls, but they weren't answering. The only sound that the sweet song kept ringing.

When she could no longer hold it, she removed her blindfold, only to find Sean kneeling before her. She was apparently

standing on a lawn, surrounded by rose petals, taking the shape of a heart. Candles were lit up everywhere, and an the audience was taking pictures of them from afar.

Evan, Keith, and Wendell were here. Sean's parents were here, and so was her mother. They were taking a video of what clearly was a proposal!

Reese's face turned red. She looked sideways and saw a home that was unfamiliar to her. Then, she fixed her gaze on Sean, who had nothing but a smile on his face.

He took her breath away, and the only thing she could do was cry.

The music faded out, and he held the microphone up, singing the song of the lyrics in a slow beat, "A hundred and five is

the number that comes to my head. When | think of all the years, | wanna be with you

Wake up every morning with you in my bed. That's precisely what | plan to do."

"Reese, my beautiful gal, my lost love, and my daughter'snmother. | love you more than | can describe. | have everything |

need, and you are the next person to complete me." Sean held up a beautiful yellow diamond ring, saying, Marry me, and in this house we stand in tonight, we will live and grow our family." 1

"Oh, god. | didn't expect this." Reese was crying helplessly. She turned to the girls and said, "Well played.’

1

Then, she looked at the ring and responded to Sean, "It's beautiful. Of course, I'll marry you, Sean. | love you so much. | love you so much." i

Applause could be heard next as Sean put on the ring. He got up from his kneeling stance and embraced Reese tightly.

Tears welled in his eyes as he said, "I love you so much, Reese. Thank you for coming back to my life."

Chapter 186

Chapter 186: Where is Everybody?

"Shanty, hey! The bill? The spa told me you used your card. I'm sorry about that. They should have billed me for it." Sean asked.

"You don't have to. | was happy to pay for it. We had such a great time. Think of it as Evan took care of the bill," Shantelle said, referring to the spa treatments they received.

They were all walking into the house, preparing for dinner, when Sean approached Shanty.

Evan was walking next to his wife. He also offered, 'Til take care of it, Sean, n

"No. No. My proposal idea, so | have to pay. Come on, guys!" Sean insisted.

With that, Shantelle fished from her purse and handed Sean the bill, saying, "If you insist, but no rush on the payment.

You can transfer the amount to Evan."

Being the accountant that he is, Sean studied the bill while walking through the living room with the others. He quickly

spotted a familiar treatment that made him excited. He approached Shantelle again, asking for private time. Shantelle had to excuse herself from Evan, and in one corner of the living room, she entertained Sean's probing. He asked, "Did.” He scratched his neck. His face flushed as he asked, "Did Reese get a B-wax?"

A smirk formed on Shantelle's face. She said, " Yeah, she got a full Brazillian wax, which looked so beautiful."

A hiss escaped Sean's lips. He said, "Fuck."

"Yeah, | can see that happening soon," Shantelle teased. Sean turned away, saying, "Reese and | will be late for dinner."

"Sure, understandable," Shantelle replied.

"Sean, where are we going? We have guests?" Reese asked while Sean hurriedly dragged her to the stairs, going to the villa's second floor.

"Sean? What has gotten into you?" Reese asked.

"| need to see something!" Sean declared. The moment they entered the main bedroom, he pushed Reese against the door and smiled. He kissed her lips, his hands cupping her face before they glided down to grab her breasts, then fished under her skirt.

"Sean - Oh, Sean. Why are we doing - Aaaah!" Reese's face flushed the moment he felt her bear peach.

"I'm dead," Sean declared. "| want you now."

He tore off her underwear and went down on her. As soon as he saw her naked rose, a hiss left his lips. He raised her leg, rested it above his shoulder, and licked her madly.

Moans echoed across the room as Sean heartily ate her. Reese's body waved in pleasure, her hips grinding against his tongue.

She got naked, pulled the red dress over her shoulders, and massaged her breast. For minutes, Sean went at it, savoring

her taste. Repeatedly, he remarked, "You taste so good, Reese. And fuck, you look so beautiful."

With how Sean was eating her eagerly, Reese came in no time! Her hips twitched, and her skin formed happy goosebumps.

Knowing his fiance had come, Sean got up and unbuckled his belt. He palmed himself and asked, "Reese, | want your

mouth around me."

Reese kneeled and grabbed his manhood. It was her turn to please him, bobbing in between his thighs.

Sean was so stiff; his length would bounce back everytime Reese let go of his rod. Reese remarked, "You are so hard."

When Sean felt he was at his peak, he grabbed Reese's hand and turned her to face the door. He held her leg up with

one hand while his other guided his member inside her rose.

"Aaaah!" Sean moaned loudly as soon as he felt her cave sucking him in. He then began thrusting, slamming his hips

against Reese's butt cheek.

The sounds of their lovemaking filled the air in the next few minutes. Sean repeatedly grabbed her breast, kissed her

shoulder blades, and sometimes left kiss marks on her neck. He was so thrilled that when he came, he pushed hard into

her wombed, his body mildly convulsing. "Fuck, Reese. | love getting buried inside you."

Sean pushed and pushed, his hips squirming against Reese's entrance. As he did, he guided Reese to turn to him and

kissed her enthusiastically.

After kissing passionately for almost a minute, they dressed and fixed themselves. Only then did they return to the dining

area of their new home, where chefs had already begun to serve food.

Sean and Reese settled in their seats with eyes on them, especially their friends. Keith and Karise, for one, were chuckling. Wendell was shaking his head while Milan winked at Reese.

Suddenly, Sean asked, "Where are Evan and Shanty?" From the new villa's extensive parking area, one red car was shaking. No one was around, but the car's engine was on.

Inside the vehicle, soft moans could be heard, and they came from Shantelle. She straddled Evan in the front seat, feeling

his size, "God, why do | feel like you are getting bigger every time - Ahh!"

Evan smacked her bare ass, saying, "I don't know, Wifey. You just make me hornier every time."

He grabbed the back of her neck and warranted a kiss. They made out as Shantelle moved up and down on him. "Fuck, Shanty, you feel so good always," Evan said. "Please get pregnant already."

"Shhh." Shantelle ground her hips, letting his length feel her inner walls. She answered, "Come what may, Hubby. Come

what may. Let's not hurry. It will come."

It was because Evan overheard how they had Brazilian wax that he had earlier fingered his wife beneath the dining table.

As a result, Shantelle wanted to have car sex!

Car sex had always been on their agenda, but it had slipped her mind when Lucas was in isolation. Now that they were in

someone's home, Shantelle felt it was the perfect time to achieve this bucket list!

Evan was still in his clothes. He only had his manhood out of his trousers, while Shantelle's dress was on the other car

seat. She was completely bare, riding her husband. "Aaaah." Shantelle threw her head back, sensing how Evan's shaft reached her very ends. When Evan cupped her

breast, she gasped. When her husband sucked her bosom, she moved her hips up and down again.

She looked down and noticed Evan licking her nipple. He bit the pinkish bud lightly, saying, "Fuck, | love you so much.

Let's have another honeymoon."

A chuckle left Shantelle's lips. She leaned down and kissed him again, saying, "Every day is a honeymoon with you. | love

you so much, Evan."

"I'm cumming," Evan warned.

Seeing her husband's brows meeting, Shantelle chased her high. She concentrated on the feel of Evan's extra large

member and orgasmed with him. They both shuddered into each other's arms next, their hands feeling their frames, with

Evan especially sucking on her breast as he erupted inside her.

"Fuck, that was hot," Evan remarked. "We should do this often.”

"At your office parking lot next," Shantelle proposed.

"At the center's parking lot, too," Evan said.

Shantelle chuckled and proposed, "We better get back. They are probably thinking we are having sex."

"What? Why on earth would they think that?" Evan said, shaking his head, but a mischievous grin quickly reflected on his

face.

On the other hand, Shantelle laughed her heart out while getting off him.

When Shantelle and Evan returned to the dining area, everyone had already started their meals. They settled in their

seats as if nothing had happened. Then, Shantelle noticed her best friend was missing. She asked, "Where are Keith and

Karise?"

Shantelle's eyes were widening. She already had these naughty thoughts that Reese and Milan laughed at her. Later,

however, Sean revealed," Karise was feeling unwell. They are in the restroom.”

"Oh." The look of dismay was apparent on Shantelle's face that Milan and Reese laughed again. Wendell and Sean laughed with them too.

Shantelle thanked the heavens that Sean's parents did not have a clue and were busy looking out for Shauna at one end of the table.

Moments later, they heard Keith scream, "Sean! Help! Someone prepare the car for me!"

Evan, Sean, and Wendell dropped everything. Shantelle also stood up and rushed to find Keith. They found him carrying

Karise. She was unconscious in Keith's arms.

"I'm taking her to the hospital!" Keith announced.

"I'm driving you," Evan offered.

Heartbeats later, Sean, Evan, and Shantelle were waiting outside the hospital's Emergency Room.

Reese, Wendell, and Milan stayed behind Sean's villa, waiting for feedback.

In front of the double doors, Shantelle walked back and forth, worried sick. What concerned her the most was how they settled for the nearest hospital, which wasn't exactly the best. She said, "We should have gone to the heart and lung center."

"If it's alarming, we will move her," Evan proposed.

"What a day!" Sean remarked, his brows meeting. Moments later, Keith stepped out of the emergency room, smiling from ear to ear.

"What are you smiling about?" Shantelle asked.

"Karise is pregnant!" Keith announced.

"Ahh! Karise is pregnant!" Shantelle screamed. She was jumping for joy and hugging Keith.

"What a day!" This time, Sean was laughing at the good news.

Evan was relieved for Keith.

Keith and Karise went straight home after being cleared by the hospital. The rest returned to Sean's villa, hoping to pick

up where they had left off at the party. However, when they arrived, another couple was missing.

Only Reese was there, waiting for them. Evan asked, "Where are Wendell and Milan?"

Chapter 187: More Godchildren

"Aahh! So Beautiful! She has dark hair.” Shantelle exclaimed while holding the newly born baby girl in her arms. She was

settled on the hospital room's private suite sofa, a few meters away from Milan.’

"They both have dark hair," Evan remarked. He was sitting next to Wendell while the latter carried his son. i

"Did you keep their cord blood?" Shantelle asked.

"| did. After Lucas' experience, we had fully signed for cord blood banking," Milan confirmed.

"| think that's great/ Shantelle answered with a wink. "We'll never know it's needed, and you have two."

Apparently, Wendell and Milan suddenly left during Sean's proposal party because Milan had abdominal discomfort then.

She didn't give birth that night, but the twins were at risk of coming out early. Thus, Milan was on complete bedrest at the

hospital for a month until she gave birth.

Evan and Shantelle were their first visitor. The man had called Lucas from home and showed him the babies. Lucas’ eyes

were gleaming on the video call. He said, "Wow! More and more playmates for me!’

"More like brothers and sisters to look out for, son/ Evan corrected, encouraging laughter in their room, especially from

Shantelle.

"Oh, poor Lucas. Your daddy is only joking." From her hospital bed, Milan suggested.

"No, I'm not kidding, Lucas." Evan insisted. "You are the eldest, so you get to watch them grow.’

"I don't mind, Aunt Milan/ Lucas said. 'I'll be the big brother."

"Have you named them already?" Evan asked.

"I named them Daddy," Lucas revealed. 'Uncle Wendell promised me that | could.’

"It better be good, son," Evan said.

"The girl would be Maxine, and the boy is John Adams/ Lucas said, his brows raised again and again in amusement.

"See? Nice, right?’

"Are you sure you guys are okay with Lucas picking the names?" Shantelle asked.

"Maxine had always been on my mind," Milan revealed. "And | think John Adams is a cool name," Wendell suggested. "l think Lucas is good with choosing names.’ "Aw, you guys." Shantelle mouthed, 'Are you sure?" "We love Lucas' suggestions!" Milan and Wendell said simultaneously, making Lucas jump for joy!

When the video call ended, Shantelle could not help but say, "Thank you for making Lucas feel important. Thank you for

treating him like he is your own too -"

"And not just Lucas, of course," Evan said. "| could say the same thing for Amelia and Marcus."

"And for that, we love you. At any time, we are willing to watch for the twins as you did during our trying times," Shantelle

suggested.

"We will remember that,’ Wendell said. "And | won't be shy about it/

Evan and Shantelle also waited long enough for their other friends to visit. Keith and Karise eventually came after going

for prenatal. Reese and Sean arrived last.

They took pictures as a group, and Karise eagerly uploaded them to her social media, tagging everyone. She captioned: |

Congratulations to Milan and Wendell! And congratulations to us for having more godchildren! When you have friends this

tight, you'll have endless goddaughters and godsons you will cherish for life. Love these guys!]

*k%k

After Milan gave birth, each couple became busy with their respective lives.

Keith and Karise cared for their coming baby while regularly visiting Charles and Helen at home. The news of having

another grandchild thrilled Charles, making him more optimistic.

Sean and Reese prepared for their wedding.

Naturally, Milan and Wendell had begun their sleepless nights, taking care of their new loved ones, John Adams and

Maxine.

On the other hand, Shantelle and Evan were working hard to have another child. Things had been great for the power couple. Lucas’ health continued to get better. In fact, the doctor had already given their son a go signal to study in a regular school.

Their twins, Marcus and Amelia, were so joyful and

playful. They were full of life and the couple's stress reliever when

they returned home tired from work.

The plan was to take it slow. Come what may, as Shantelle would say; however, as days and weeks passed, Evan and

Shantelle had still not fallen pregnant. It felt strange to them to think they had gone on with unprotected sex for so long.

One evening, as the couple lay in bed at night, Shantelle said, "Maybe, we weren't supposed to get pregnant again. Maybe, we got pregnant initially because we were doing it for Lucas.”

Evan pulled Shantelle against his chest. He pecked her lips, the tip of her nose, and her forehead, saying, "While | want to

have another child, | am very satisfied with our family. So whether we have another child or not, | am good.’ "Besides, | have five godchildren now. That's enough to keep my mind busy.” Looking down at his wife, he asked," Shanty,

you'll need to remind me of their birthdays. | might forget. Sean and Reese will still have another child, making it six or

more. Plus ours, that's a lot/

"Pfft Shantelle laughed. She said, "What if our friends have more kids! Oh, my god! | can't imagine our future gatherings!

It's going to be like a kids' camp?’

"It's going to be entertaining," Evan remarked. "But going back to us -"

Evan crawled down to Shantelle's tummy. He pecked it, saying, "To heavens above, may you bless me and Shanty, another child because | want another baby girl who looks like my pretty wife.””’

"Amen/ Shantelle closed.

The couple kissed and wished the same as they went to sleep that night.

Days before Sean's wedding, Evan was working in his office when Shantelle walked in the door. She was smiling brightly

and quickly shut the door behind her.

"Wifey?" Evan asked. "lI thought you had an operation today?"

"| did. It was easy," Shantelle said. She found herself in Evan's lap and wrapped her arms around his neck, saying," Let's

celebrate.’

Lifting his brow, the man asked, 'Celebrate? Why? How?’ Shantelle began to unbuckle his belt, and Evan was smiling from ear to ear. Whatever it was, he was getting a prize.

Next, Shantelle found herself between his legs and beneath his table. She began palming him. Finally, she revealed, I'm

pregnant.”

"What did you say? - Aaaah. Yeah/ Evan gasped. "Wifey, are you -"

Shantelle had earlier put his manhood inside her mouth, sucking him earnestly. She let go with a pop, confirming, "I am

six weeks pregnant! And the baby already has a heartbeat."

"What?’ Evan said, but before he could ask more, she returned to eating him. "Fuck, Wifey. That's great news. | get a

blowjob on top of the good news too."

"Aaaah!" Evan leaned his head back. He was moaning and relishing the feel of his wife's mouth around his shaft when the

door to his office suddenly opened.

'Fuck!" Evan cursed in his head. In his office, only James and Sean knew the passcode to his door. James would always

knock and wait a few minutes prior to entering, but not Sean.

"Hey, Evan. | need to go. I'm meeting Reese for the cake tasting," Sean said while putting documents on Evan's desk.

Evan promptly moved closer to his table, hiding his wife. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead, and his heart raced. Beneath the table, he also noticed his wife panicking.

"You, okay, man?" Sean asked, lifting his brow.

"I'm fine. | am -1 am constipated,” Evan reasoned.

Well, get some prune juice, man!" Sean suggested before saying goodbye again. 'I'm on leave tomorrow. Remember that!’

[

"Sure! Sure. Hurry up and leave, Sean! Reese is waiting for you and fucking lock the door behind you! Tell James not to

come in!" Evan instructed.

Sean gave him a salute. He pulled the door open and froze in his stance. Then he said, "Bye, Evan. Bye, Shanty!" 1

"Fuck you, Sean!" Evan barked. 'Get that hell out of here!" "Obviously, man. You are the one getting it! | recognize those heels anywhere!" Sean acted to close the door, saying,

"Enjoy!

Chapter 188: The Fourth Wedding

"Wow, this is nice. It’s like a walk down memory lane,” Shantelle commented, seeing photos of Sean and Reese during

their younger years." They were really that close, huh?" The photos were mounted on curtains hanging from steel frames, creating a tunnel to pass through. The elegant tunnel

contained pictures of Reese and Sean from when they were young and their recent pre-nuptial photos.

All guests had passed through the tunnel before making their way to their seats.

"Yes, they were close," Evan replied. He pointed to one photo of Reese where she was smiling at the camera innocently

while Sean used his fingers to make horns for her. Sean was smirking in Reese's way, but what caught their attention was

how his eyes were sparkling in amusement.

"And he was always happy with her," Keith said behind them, walking with his wife.

"Uncle Sean loves Aunt Reese very much," Lucas remarked. Being the bearer of the rings, he was also part of the

entourage.

"He does," Evan admitted.

"| like their pre-nuptial photos," Milan said from behind.

"And It's nice that Shauna was part of it," Wendell remarked, seeing more family pictures ahead.

"Of course, because Shauna was part of their love story," Karise said.

The friends were lining up for the entourage march. While waiting, Keith made an announcement. He said, "By the way,

we had an early gender detection.”

Milan and Shantelle gasped.

"A girl?" Milan asked.

"Hopefully, a boy!" Shantelle suggested.

Keith hugged Karise from behind. He pecked her cheek, and the two discussed who should break the news until finally,

Keith said, "We are... having another girl!" 1

"Oh, my god! Two girls now!" Shantelle exclaimed. "You need to get pregnant again!"

"Yeah, you definitely need a boy," Milan said, chuckling. Wendell and Evan agreed firmly. Evan said, "Yeah, add more motivation for Uncle Charles."

"It's time to start!" Suddenly, the wedding coordinator called their attention. Everyone found their place and marched to a

piece of instrumental music.

Sean's and Reese's wedding was held at the Grand Ballroom of the Diamond Hotel, accommodating over five hundred

guests.

It followed a green, orange, and gold color theme. Beautiful orange blooms could be seen anywhere, paired with golden

twigs and different shades of leaves. On the venue's sides were bonsai orange trees placed in pots. The same kind of fruit

was also part of each table's centerpieces.

The stage was made at the very center of the venue, elevated only by three feet, with steps around it for the groom or

bride to use. Thus, when the entourage reached the center, they found their tables and waited.

*k%k

Sean was already standing on the stage. He saw his parents sending him love, his mother blowing him a kiss, and his

father nodded and gave him a thumbs up.

He turned to his friends and saw how they were all glad for them, making him smile from ear to ear. Eventually, the music

around the venue changed, urging him to turn to the other side.

At the far end of the venue were two massive LED screens. It flashed a photo of Reese and Sean, their foreheads resting

against each other. In that same picture, their eyes were closed, and their smiles were prominent.

Below their photos were their names. It read: [Happy Ever After. Sean and Reese]

The music around the venue strengthened, and a woman's voice sang the song's lyrics. It was "How Long Will | Love You"

by Ellie Goulding.

The LED screens suddenly split open, revealing Reese to the crowd.

Awws and oohs could be heard, recognizing her wedding entrance was different. As the LED screens continued to slide

open, Reese had her head down, her gleaming veil covering her face.

In front of her was Shauna, throwing rose petals on the floor. Like her mommy, she was also extra pretty and was smiling

brightly.

Seeing his daughter, Sean could not help but feel contented, knowing that they would officially be a family in a few

minutes.

~" How long will | love you?

As long as stars are above you

And longer ifl can" ~

Sean returned his attention to Reese. When she lifted her face, Sean felt teary-eyed. Not only was Reese so beautiful in

her wedding gown, but he also sensed the song's lyrics and knew it was the same for Reese.

After finally finding his soulmate, he swore in his heart that he would love her for as long as it took. That was how they agreed on this wedding song. It was a promise of love until the very end.

Finally, when Reese arrived at the center stage, Sean held her hand. He wiped the corners of his eyes before looking at

her. He said, "l love you."

Reese had also wept a little. She smiled, mouthing, 'l love you too.’

The wedding ceremony resumed, and after they said their | DOs, Reese and Sean graced everyone with a hot and long

kiss. The crowd called for it.

"A five-minute kiss!" One of Sean's cousins said.

"Keep at it, man! Keep at it! | support this!" Keith encouraged.

"Why don't we go home and return tomorrow?" Evan teased, but that did not affect the newly wedded couple.

Sean and Reese had no care in the world. They kissed and took breaks as they pleased, then returned to eating their

faces again.

Each time it looked like they were done kissing, the officiant was ready to affirm the end of the ceremony, but no, the kiss

lasted for seven minutes.

When they were finally done, their lips were swollen, and their smiles were unending. Sean finally gave the officiant the

signal.

It was because Sean wanted the kiss before the official announcement, which the officiant followed. When Sean raised

Reese's hand, the officiant said, "Let US welcome Mister and Misses Ross!"

Sean's wedding had the best entertainment, for dances and songs were part of his interests. He and Reese danced

during their party entrance, and in the middle of the event, they sang in front of the crowd. They both could sing a tune

very well.

In that particular song number, Reese and Sean were hidden amongst the crowd, changed into new clothes. No one

noticed them come in since they had turned off the lights, and they were especially seated in designated chairs between

tables.

So when the music played, everyone was looking out for Reese and Sean. Out of nowhere, Reese stood up, removing a

golden headdress. Wearing a golden gown, she sang, "| found myself dreaming in silver and gold.

Like a scene from a movie that every broken heart knows. It was a song by Meghan Trainor featuring John Legend, entitled "Like I'm Gonna Lose You."

Everyone was in awe of Reese. Not only was she stunning and down to earth, but she was talented as well. Those who

thought so simply of her were quite impressed.

Reese dramatically walked through the crowd, holding a microphone, and a camera followed behind her. Her expressions

and every angle were flashed through the widescreen.

"In the blink of an eye, just a whisper of smoke. You could lose everything. The truth is you never know." Sean sang, popping out from his parent's table, where he had hidden and sang the song's lyrics.

The song continued until Reese and Sean met at the center stage. They sang their hearts out, looking at each other with

love and adoration, holding each other's hands.

"I'm gonna love you (oh) like I'm gonna lose you." By the time the song ended, Sean and Reese's foreheads rested together, and with smiles, they said at the same time, "To forever."

The particular number granted loud applause. Guests stood from their seats, clapping their hands. Many visitors gave

praise.

"You are lucky to have each other!"

"We are proud of you!" Keith called from afar.

Others merely blew them a kiss, but that was enough to hint they were happy with the couple's wedding.

Hours passed, and the wedding party concluded. Like every wedding, the good friends gathered around and talked about

plans or covered the funny moments at the event. The children were at another table with their grandparents and nannies.

"What a fun wedding," Milan complimented.

"Yes, it's so Sean," Wendell added.

Evan, in particular, was commending the event, saying, "I think Sean's wedding came close to mine and Shanty's. I'll give

him that."

"Oh, Evan. It's not a competition. It was about you making up for the heartache you gave me. That's why you gave me a

grand wedding," Shantelle pointed out.

"Ouch, Wifey. Why do you have to remind me," Evan groaned, but Shantelle only laughed.

"Good point there, Shanty," Karise remarked, chuckling. While they were chatting, Reese and Sean found their way to their group. As soon as they stood behind them, Sean reported, "We have great news."

"Aside from your wedding?" Keith asked.

Reese and Sean looked at each other before revealing together, "We are pregnant!" 1

"Seven weeks," Reese revealed.

"Oh, my god! I'm so happy for you!" Shantelle said. She stood up and hugged Reese, adding, "We are pregnant simultaneously!”

"Love it! Reese is prego, Shanty is prego and I'm prego!" Karise danced in her seat, encouraging laughter in their group. 1

Wendell turned to Milan with a baffled expression as if wanting to fight the odds.

Milan laughed. She shook her head and said, "No. We haven't even passed the sleepless nights yet. No." Another set of laughter erupted at their table. Wendell hugged his wife, saying, "I'm only joking, gorgeous. | agree. We

should take a break and enjoy our time with our twins."

Chapter 189: Lucas Giving Back

Evan smiled, seeing the honeymoon photos Sean had sent him. He read his friend's text: [Thank you, man. We love it!)

He had gifted Sean a honeymoon package at the Caribean Sales. That was why Sean made an effort to send him

pictures as gratitude. The man texted back, saying: [Enjoy you two.)

The man was inside his twin's nursery when Sean sent him messages. He put his phone on the dresser and turned to his

twins. He announced, "Okay, it's time for a bath." Shantelle was holding Amelia in the sofa bed, chuckling. She encouraged Evan, saying, Go, Daddy!"

Behind Shantelle, Lucas laughed, adding, "Go, Daddy! | have their clothes!"

Marcus was walking around, stacking toys in one comer of the nursery. He was so busy, he did not notice Evan creep up

behind him and carrying his weight.

The twins, Amelia and Marcus, were already over a year old and were very energetic. Getting them into a bath was a

challenge, all the more putting them into their clothes. Once in a while, Shantelle and Evan try to do their parental duties without the caregivers or the maids. While it felt like a

marathon, it was fulfilling.

"You are the first to take a bath, buddy!” Evan declared while holding Marcus.

Lucas helped remove Marcus’ clothes and walked with Evan into the bathroom, where a portable tub had already been

prepared.

Evan took the demanding role since Shantelle was pregnant. He didn't want her to have an accident while bathing the

twins.

While Evan bathed Marcus, Lucas entertained his baby brother with bath toys. Marcus, on the other hand, kept blabbing

and giggling. Sometimes he would splash Evan with water and Lucas too.

"You love bathing, don't you, Marcus?" Evan asked.

"Bat!" Marcus yelled. 'Dadada!”

"And you love it when Daddy gives you a bath, right baby?” Evan asked while he quickly lathered soap around Marcus

and cleaned him off. Next, he drained the mini tub's soapy water and rinsed Marcus thoroughly.

Lucas was ready with the towel, holding it up, saying, "I can carry Marcus, Daddy."

"Ah." While Lucas was tall, Evan did not want to take any chances. He said, "When you are ten years old, Lucas." Lucas groaned but followed Evan back to the nursery to help dry Marcus.

Next, Evan raised Marcus, and Lucas inserted his baby brother's diaper pants. Evan winked at Lucas, saying, ‘Good

brother, Lucas."

After Lucas and Evan help each other put on Marcus’ pajamas, the man bathed Amelia next. Lucas assisted him thoroughly until Amelia was fully clothed in her pajamas. Finally, when it was time to put the twins to sleep, they gathered in the nursery's sitting area, where they settled on a sofa

bed. It was Shantelle's time to do her task, and she told a story to the twins.

Amelia was often in Shantelle's arms, paying attention to her mother. She often reached for the book and bit a stuffed toy

that she carried around with her.

Marcus was simply restless. Still, Evan tried his best to return Marcus near to Shantelle. The couple wanted the twins to

get used to bedtime stories at an early age so they would grow to like reading books.

Lucas was in the same room the entire time, listening to Shantelle or often helping Evan chase after Marcus.

By the time the story ended, Amelia was already sleepy. Shantelle let Amelia drink her evening milk and sang a song for her baby girl. Amelia fell asleep in no time.

As for Marcus, he was another story. He kept running around, asking his daddy to carry him constantly and wiggling his

body to go back down again.

"Let him walk around. He will get tired eventually,” Shantelle suggested.

"I'll follow him around, Daddy. You can sit down and rest,’ Lucas offered. And so, for the next few minutes, Shantelle and

Evan merely watched Lucas as he ensured Marcus wasn't bumping into corners or putting toys into his mouth.

When they saw Marcus let out a yawn, Shantelle took over and carried Marcus in her arms. Like how she made Amelia

fall asleep, Shantelle sang to her boy and gave him his evening milk.

Evan wanted to pat Marcus to bed, and Shantelle let him. The man lingered by Marcus’ crib and rubbed his back. He caressed Marcus’ hair, knowing his son liked to be comforted

that way to sleep. Evan thought his son was adorable, and he couldn't help but stare at him.

Marcus was still half asleep at that point. Evan did not know why or what force made him look Marcus in the eye and

continue to admire him. Suddenly, Marcus' gaze landed on him, and his eyes opened brighter. Alas, Marcus smiled at him,

saying, "Dada!"

Evan's son was awake again!

"Why is he awake?’ Shantelle asked.

Evan had carried Marcus, mildly swaying him to sleep. He turned to Shantelle, admitting, "I -1.1 looked him in the eye."

"Oh, Evan. You know this already. Never look at a sleepy baby in the eye!" Shantelle reminded.

Evan mouthed, "Il know. | -1 was just admiring his cuteness, and | ended up looking at his eyes, and then, he looked

back. Bam! He was awake again."

Behind them, Lucas chuckled. He proposed, "Let's work together. Mommy, Daddy. Sometimes, with Misses Shaw, we

pretend to be asleep next to Marcus.”

Lucas pointed to the sofa bed. It was a kind that could be pulled out into a full-size bed.

Shantelle carried Marcus while Evan set up the sofa bed. They all lay on the sofa bed with Marus in the middle.

Lucas pretended to be asleep, and so did Evan. Shantelle hummed Marcus a song, patting him on the leg and sometimes

rubbing his back.

Marcus tried to play with his parents at first, smiling and smacking their faces, but when Evan and Shantelle did not react,

he yawned and lay beside his mother. Finally, Marcus fell asleep.

When Shantelle had rested Marcus in the crib, Lucas said," We did it! We did it together. Mommy, Daddy!" "Thank you, Lucas, for being a good brother to your siblings. And thank you for helping Mommy and Daddy," Evan said.”

We love you for being a loving brother and a helpful son to us."

Lucas smiled at Evan. He answered, "You are welcome, Daddy. | love my siblings and wanted to give back to you and

Mommy."

Hearing Lucas' words, Evan leaned back. He asked, "Give back to us?"

Lucas nodded. By that time, Shantelle had already returned to where they sat. He said, "Yes, Daddy, Mommy. For the

times you cared for me when | was sick. You made me feel strong, and you were never tired."

Lucas raised his arms, showing his biceps. He claimed, 'So now that Lucas is strong, | will help care for my siblings so

Mommy and Daddy won't be exhausted!" 2

Evan was stunned. He felt his chest become heavy, realizing his son's efforts in giving back to them.

In front of them, Shantelle wept. She immediately kissed Lucas' cheek, saying, "Son, you don't need to give back to us.

We cared for you because we love you, but thank you for considering us too. Your daddy and | love you so much." "I love you too, Mommy and Daddy!" Lucas said before hugging his parents.

*k%k

Evan and Shantelle settled in bed smiling, clearly moved by Lucas’ words.

The man kissed his wife and hugged her as they spooned in bed. Evan said, "Thank you for a wonderful son, my wife, for

raising him to be a good and loving boy. Thank you for my beautiful children and one more coming. I'm so lucky to have

you.’

Shantelle turned to Evan and kissed his lips. She replied,” Lucas is who he is also because of you. You may have been

late in becoming his father, but you showed him what it's like to be a responsible and loving father."

"No matter how old and tall Lucas will grow upto be, | know that he will always look up to his dad, and that's you, Evan,”

She added.

"Thank you. Shanty. | love it when you make me feel special when it comes to the kids," Evan admitted. "Because of that,

I'll eat you."

Shantelle wasn't expecting to get eaten that night, but she claimed it as a bonus. Naturally, they both made love too. After being intimate, they returned to cuddling in bed.

Shantelle faced her husband, saying, "You know what else made your children special? They got your genes. That's why

they are so adorable.’

Evan smirked. He asked, "Did you want me to eat you again?"

A laugh escaped Shantelle's lips. She said, "Yeah, but let's reserve that for the morning."

Evan chuckled. He declared, "You didn't have to flatter me. Wifey. I'll eat you in as much as you want because | love you,

and | am simply addicted to your taste.’

The couple laughed again, complementing each other until they finally recognized the near sleep. After giving Shantelle

one last peck for the night, Evan whispered, ‘Goodnight, my beautiful wife.” "Goodnight, Evan, my hottie husband," Shantelle answered before closing her eyes.

Chapter 190: Girl Or Boy?

"Pediatric surgery? But didn't you study everything, though?" Evan asked Shantelle after learning she wanted todo a

fellowship with a Pedia Cardio surgeon.

"I did, but | mostly trained with surgeons who operate on adults,” Shantelle replied. "So when Doctor Patel proposed it, |

agreed. There are only two pediatric cardio surgeons here in Rose Hills, and the city could use another one."

On a Saturday morning, the couple was on the road to see Shantelle's OB doctor when Evan caught Shantelle studying

surgeries on children. She had several videos saved on her phone, sent by another doctor.

Shantelle was already four months pregnant, and that day was their big gender reveal. They were also meeting Sean and

Reese, for they will have the same procedure. Then, when Karise learned they were seeing the doctorthat day, she also

moved her prenatal check up.

"| have to hand it to you, Wifey. You have a lot on your plate. Not just the studying but teaching too," Evan remarked. It

was because the local university had invited Shantelle to teach a few subjects in medicine. It was the same university that

her father, William, co-founded before leaving Rose Hills. Shantelle has agreed to teach two surgery classes so far. "Teaching is the best way to learn, in the sense that it is experiential, and you get to hear many sides from the students. |

like how they bring up surgical scenarios that force me to research and think of possibilities myself," Shantelle revealed.

"That and a lot more."

"Your father is retiring," Evan said.

Shantelle was still watching the videos when Evan reminded her. She smiled and said, Doctor Hale can take over dad's

position, Evan. I'm still not ready to run an entire hospital. | don't mind running the thoracic surgical team, but not everybody."

"l understand, Wifey. We are here," Evan said, turning left to the hospital driveway.

"Oh, my god, Reese, I'm so glad we went for a checkup together," Shantelle expressed, sitting beside Reese.

Evan and Sean shook hands before taking seats next to their wives. Just as they settled down, Karise walked into the

clinic. She was by herself since Keith was out of town. The ladies squeaked at seeing each other. Karise sat next to Sean and revealed, "I told Milan we were all having a checkup. She is coming over."

Reese and Shantelle's mouths fell open. Shantelle asked, "Milan is pregnant?”

"No." Karise laughed and said, "She is only having a pap smear. | think they are serious about resting for a while." The ladies did not necessarily have the same doctors, but the same clinic had two known obstetricians and gynecologists

working together. It was Shantelle who had referred the girls to the same clinic.

"Misses Ross, you are up next," a secretary announced. "| hope we are going to have a boy," Sean said. "Little Sean."

"What? What about me? Shauna already takes a lot from you. It's time for a little Reese, regardless if the baby is a boy or

girl," Reese pointed out.

"Okay. Okay, good," Sean said, surrendering to his wife's words. "What | mean is a boy. | want a boy."

Sean put an arm around Reese, saying, "You are getting feisty, eh?"

"That's what happens when you spoil your wife," Karise replied.

"But he should," Shantelle added.

"Of course, wives must be spoiled," Karise affirmed. Reese walked into the ultrasound room when Milan arrived. Milan greeted Sean and Reese before waiting with the rest of

the crew.

As they were seated, Milan announced, “Guys, my dad wants to retire. Guess who will be the next CEO of our company?”

"Wow! Of course, it can only be Wendell!" Evan said. "Where is he, by the way?"

"At the office. Weekend work. Taking in the Wright Diamond Corporation as a client made him busy, but Dad was so

pleased with Wendell that he declared he was set for life and ready to retire!" Milan revealed, granting chuckles in their

party. "The appointment ceremony will be in two months. Please be there."

"We won't miss it," Shantelle confirmed.

"Glad I'm not yet due then," Karise said while resting her hand on her six- month old belly.

After a few minutes, Sean and Reese came out, both wearing huge grins. Evan said, "Looks like you both got what you

want."

"Well, | have yet to determine if our son will look like me, but Sean got what he wanted!" Reese revealed.

"We are having a boy!" Sean disclosed. 1

Evan gave Sean a high-five. The man said, "Happy for you, Sean. Many more to come.”

Sean chuckled, saying, "I hope so, but we are not rushing. Not like you and Shanty."

"We weren't planning on rushing. I'm just too rich. | need more Kids,” Evan said before smirking.

Everyone laughed at his suggestion, including two other couples who came for their consultation. Shantelle punched Evan

in the arm, saying," What kind of reasoning is that?" "Okay, truth be told, I'm simply crazy about my wife, and | can't help but want more children with her," Evan admitted. "Everyone agrees to that?"

"Agree!" Sean confirmed.

"We all agree," Reese echoed. "Now, | think it's your turn. What will it be? A boy or a girl?"

"A girl," Evan claimed.

"| hope so too. That would mean we will have two girls and two boys," Shantelle said.

Evan and Shantelle were called in next. The rest lingered in the waiting area, making their predictions. Out of nowhere,

they heard Evan scream from inside the ultrasound room, "Yes™

Laughter filled the air by the sofas. Karise concluded, "I think that means the baby is a girl."

The couple confirmed with their friends when Evan and Shantelle were done with their consultation, both loudly saying,

"We are having a girl!" 1

"Congratulations!" Reese greeted while Karise hugged Shantelle.

"Looks like we both got what we want, Evan! How about we celebrate?" Sean proposed.

After Karise's and Milan's consultations, they went to the Diamond Hotel for a lunch buffet. Wendell drove over to join their

group.

Since Keith was the only one missing, they called him for a video call. Keith was at Warlington, reviewing the claims in the

city. He was supposed to return a day before, but the weather turned out bad in Warlington, and even the private jets were

not allowed to leave. That was how Karise went to the hospital alone, leaving Kamila in Helen's care.

"Too bad, Keith. You are missing on the great lunch," Wendell said.

"I'm stuck out here, and | think it will be for another day or two before the weather clears out," Keith reported on the phone. "Will someone please take care of my wife?" "Pfft!" Karise laughed. It wasn't like she needed someone to look after her. She just did not like having a driver to follow

her around. She had more freedom simply being dropped off or riding an Uber.

"| am doing just fine, Babe," Karise claimed. "And your daughter is doing well too. She is very active in my tummy."

"We'll take care of her," Sean assured Keith. "Reese and | will take her home."

"Thanks, Sean. Owe you one," Keith said.

After the video call with Keith, the friends continued to have a delicious meal. They were already finishing up dessert

when Karise received another call. It was from Keith's mother, Helen.

Everyone slowly noticed how Karise stilled on the phone. She kept nodding, saying, "I'll be there. No - no. Stay with Dad

at the hospital. The maids will look after Kamila, and I'll be there in half an hour."

When Karise was done, she looked at her friends, revealing, "Keith's father got admitted to the Heart and Lung Center."

She gulped and added, "They said... Dad has pneumonia.”

She got up in a panic, saying, "I need to go. | better check on Keith's parents and then Kamila

"We'll check on Uncle Charles," Evan offered. "Shanty was planning to head to the center and visit patients anyway." Shantelle repeatedly nodded, saying, "Take care of Kamila first, and don't worry. We will update you about Uncle Charles

on the phone. No need to rush.”

Karise was immediately teary-eyed. Being pregnant and Keith out of town, she was panicking. She sucked in a breath,

saying, "l love you guys.

Seriously. I'm glad | married Keith because marrying Keith meant having you as friends."

Reese and Milan especially hugged Karise. After getting Soothed, Reese and Sean left with Karise to Henderson's mansion while Shantelle and Evan prepared to leave for the Heart and Lung Center.

"Wait. Wait. What about US? There must be something we could do?" Wendell asked.

Evan thought profoundly and said, "Well, for starters, you could... pay the bill? Mister soon to be CEO."

Milan chuckled while Wendell shook his head, saying, "Go, go, go. I'll take care of the bill. Update me later."

"No, seriously. Go home to your twins. They are still young and need their parents. Since you gave Lucas the honor of naming your twins." Evan and Shantelle looked at each other, smiling. The man turned to Wendell, declaring, "We'd love it

if you would name our next daughter.”

Chapter 191: Charles’ Last Request

"Wow, she is just so beautiful! This time, she has Keith's features," Shantelle said, pinching Karise's new baby girl. "I'm

glad | came here."

"I'm glad you did," Karise said the same. "| miss you and everybody."

Shantelle smiled at her friend, saying, "We talk a lot, but yes, | miss you too. We have all been busy."

Months had passed since Shantelle and her friends had gathered.

Following the day Charles was admitted to the heart and lung center, it had not been the same for Keith and Karise. Charles had been in and out of the hospital since, from infection and, recently, liver and kidney failure. Keith's father

underwent intensive chemotherapy because his cancer cells were aggressive. Still, as a result, it affected his other organs, especially his liver.

Sean and Reese were Keith's constant aid with Kamila, and that was because proximity allowed them to quickly rush to

their villa. There were nights when Keith and Karise would leave for the hospital in the wee hours, bringing Kamila and her

nanny to Sean and Reese. That day, they had the same arrangement. At least Reese's mother was constantly home,

regardless if Sean and Reese were out for work.

Keith tried not to involve his wife whenever his father was rushed to the hospital, but at the same time, he needed his wife

emotionally. He could not help but also want his wife with him.

Coincidentally, Shantelle had earlier observed a pediatric surgery. It was part of her training so she could better perform

pediatric surgeries. So when she learned that Karise had given birth at the same hospital, she visited her friend. 1 Karise was in the care of Mister Myers, her father. Keith was at the heart and lung center, aiding his parents. "What is her name?" Shantelle asked while looking at the newborn baby.

"Keith and | - we don't know if we'll have another child. So we wanted to name her after her grandfather," Karise said. "Charlene." 3

"Uncle Charles and Helen," Shantelle remarked. "Good choice."

Karise became teary-eyed, saying, "Yeah." She wiped the corners of her eyes, adding, "It's been hard, Shanty. It's been

especially hard for Keith. | mean, | know how he feels. | was so heartbroken when my mom passed away. Can you really

be ready to lose a parent? No one can be truly prepared for it."

"I know. | don't know what I'd do if that happened to me. You were strong and made Keith stronger because you have

experienced the same pain," Shantelle acknowledged. She walked over to Karise and sat on her hospital bed. She held

her hand and said, "Be strong for your husband. He is going to need it."

Shantelle gave Charlene to her other grandpa. She hugged Karise tightly until she received a call for emergency surgery.

She pulled away reluctantly, reporting, "I have to go to the heart and lung center. Take care. Love you."

"Thanks for coming," Karise replied. "l love you t00." While Shntelle had left for work, Keith had arrived to see his wife. Karise's father left for the night, and the couple had a

silent dinner. Keith was constantly looking distantly, his mind drifting away.

They temporarily asked the nursery to look after Charlene, for Keith was depleted. They were happy with their baby girl's

arrival, but Charles's condition drained them emotionally.

On the hospital bed, Keith cuddled with Karise, his hand tightening around her waist. He repeatedly pecked her shoulder

and weakly revealed, "Dad wants to go home. He said he has had enough. He wants to die in his home and

Keith broke down in tears. He sniffed as he resumed, "He said he wants to see his new grandchild before he dies. His

doctor thinks it's best too."

Karise turned to her husband and wiped his tears. Although she was crying too, she replied, "I'm sorry, Keith."

"Babe, Dad and | didn't always get along, and it sucks that we wasted time apart, even before he got cancer," Keith said.

"I will never let that happen to us - our children.”

Karise nodded approvingly, saying, "We learn the hard way."

Hugging her husband, Karise said, "Your dad has been struggling with his treatment too. And with cancer spreading, he is

going to be in a lot of pain - Il

"I know. And | understand his wishes," Keith admitted. He hugged his wife tighter, saying, "Babe, | don't know what I'd do

without you, Kamila, and our new baby. Thank you for being there for me. You tried to give me strength even when you

were carrying our child."

"| love you forthat - for your sacrifices and selflessness," Keith pointed out.

"It's because | love you. Your family is mine too. And your troubles are mine. Your pain is also mine to bear. You don't

need to thank me, but love me as | love you," Karise replied. 1

Karise and Keith slept with heavy hearts that night but were also relieved to have each other. The following morning, Keith

hurriedly processed Karise's discharge. They went to fetch Kamila from Sean's house and headed home to the Hendersons' mansion.

It was already in the evening when Charles was brought home. He was still in his wheelchair, but this time, he had several

tubes attached to him. He had a urine catheter, an oxygen tank behind his wheelchair, and a nasal cannula.

Charles tried to look more energetic, but it was clear that his health was in a poor state. Helen, who had walked behind

her, also tried to put up a strong facade, but her eyes were sad.

The first thing Charles asked was to see his grandkids. In the living room, he said, "Babies, where -where are they?" "Here! We are here!" Karise said, rushing out with Charlene. A nanny brought Kamila and settled her on Charles’ lap.

Charles immediately pecked Kamila's cheek, saying, "I miss you, Kamila, and | will miss you when | am gone." Kamila hugged Charles, but eventually, the one-year-old became restless and started touching Charles’ attached tube.

Keith had to take her away, and Karise presented their new baby.

Handing Charles the newborn, Karise revealed, "Dad, meet Charlene."

"Charlene, as in Charles and me?" Helen asked. This time, there was a noticeable gleam in her eyes. "Why, thank you.

Thank you so much."

"Do you love the name, Charles?" Helen asked.

Charles nodded. He tried his best to give the most pleasing smile, being over the moon about having a child named after

him. He repeatedly wept, thanking Keith and Karise for thinking of him. He said, "Then, you will never forget me." "Of course, Dad, and we will tell Charlene where she got her name," Keith promised.

Charles had spent an hour watching the babies, even as they slept. In the following days, he did the same, constantly

asking for time with his grandkids. He had also requested Keith to take a leave from the company and asked his son to

care for him.

In his current state, Charles could no longer eat solid food. His only nutrition was through a milk formula given via nasogastric tube. It was a tube inserted through the nose, throat, esophagus, and stomach.

Despite having little experience in this field, Keith took it upon himself to learn how to feed his father occasionally. It was

one of those moments when he felt he could prove he was there for him, even during his last few days.

Keith and Helen took turns wiping his skin, combing his hair, and sometimes, simply lying, watching Charles sleep. Almost two weeks had passed since Charles was brought home. He asked specifically to hold his grandkids before they

rested for the night. After he had held Charlene and Kamila, he called for Keith and Karise into his room.

First, speaking to Karise, Charles begged, "Please, take care of my wife."

Karise nodded, holding Charles’ hand. She said, "I will love her like how | loved my mother."

Charles turned to Keith and said, "Son, | can rest now, knowing you loved me. And | know that you have a wife that will

help you - support you."

His voice broke in and out, partly because he struggled to breathe. His voice was barely audible as he asked, "Don't don't make the same mistakes that | did. | expect you to be better than me.”

"Keith, | am good. | am happy now. You can let me go," Charles asked.

Keith cried. He kneeled in front of his father for a very long time. It was hard for him to acknowledge, but eventually, he

assured his father, "I will be a good father to my children, and Karise and | will take care of mom. It's okay, Dad. You can

rest. Thank you for trying your best." 1

That night, he hugged his father and rested beside him, along with the caregivers. At dawn, Charles's blood pressure kept

dropping. He appeared not himself and did not respond to anyone around him.

When morning came, Charles gave his last breath, provoking tears in the Hendrson's mansion.

CHAPTER 192

: The Funeral

Keith closed his eyes, sensing his friend's warm embrace. His voice was weak as he said, "Thanks, Evan, for coming." "Of

course, man! What kind of a friend would | be if | didn't come here," Evan said. He patted Keith's back, proposing, "Shanty

and | are here for you. Il

The next to embrace Keith was Shantelle. She gave encouragement and said, "At least Uncle Charles got to see

Charlene before resting. He must have been happy during his last few days."

Upon letting go, Keith nodded, acknowledging, "He was. And | knew how he held on longer for Charlene.”

"Uncle Keith, I'm sorry for your loss," Lucas said with woeful eyes.

Keith ran his fingers through Lucas' hair and answered, "Thank you for being here, Lucas boy. You made your uncle

happy. Now go to your aunt and make her happy as well. Then, grandma Helen too."

Behind Evan and Shantelle, Erick Thompson and Clara approached Keith. William and Eleanor also came to pay respects. They offered Keith an embrace. Erick, for one, expressed, "I'm glad you patched things up with Charles, Keith.

At least you won't have regrets in his passing.”

"|." Keith gulped air down his throat and replied, "I can't say, | don't, but | am thankful | had time with him."

When it was time for William to hug Keith, he said, "I don't have any wise words to say. We all have our own way of dealing with grief, Keith. Just remember, life goes on, and you still have a family that loves you."

It really wasn't like Keith to be emotional, but he couldn't help but feel teary- eyed. He sucked in a breath and answered,

"Appreciate your wise words, Uncle."

It was the day of Charles' funeral, and Keith's friends and relatives arrived one by one. Wendell and his wife turned up.

Like Evan and Shantelle, Milan and Wendell embraced him. There were fewer words but more warmth, which consoled

him.

When Sean arrived, he came with his entire family, including his parents. Keith was closest to Sean and had a good time

with the Rosses during his younger years.

Their presence gave him added ease. Sean's father, Sherwin, offered," Keith, you have a father in me. | always considered you a son since you and Sean were like brothers."

As each minute passed, more and more words of wisdom and reassurance were offered to Keith, and seeing how his

friends’ wives were flocking over Karise, he knew his wife was also receiving the same comfort. To his right, his mother,

Helen, was being soothed by Karise's father. If anyone, Mister Myers knew what it felt like to lose a partner, having lost his

wife many years ago.

The memorial service was held at Rose Hills' grand chapel, where nearly half the seats were filled with mourning guests.

Soon, the ceremony began.

A priest welcomed everybody, reminding them of the reason fortheir gathering. Then, Keith was called to the front to say a

few words.

It wasn't easy for Keith, but he was the best representation of his father. Standing at the podium, he smiled, holding back

his tears. He said," Anyone who knew my father knows he was stern and vocal about his opinions. He had ways of getting

what he wanted, which can be intimidating. Was it bad? Looking back, | think I learned to be tough because of him. guess you could say each parent has his way of teaching their children discipline.”

"| am not proud to say that my dad and | didn't get along well. He pushed me too hard that | became rebellious in my little

ways. But because he pushed me that way, | also had the fire to prove him wrong. | managed his company and owned it,"

Keith described.

"When | became the CEO of his company, | scoffed, telling my father at the back of my head; See, Dad? I'm not Evan, but

| made it. Oh, yeah. He compared me a lot to Evan. He thought my charms didn't help in business, but it landed me more

clients than my fingers could count." Keith paused, chuckling at that memory. The audience also laughed with him.

He looked at his paper before glancing at the crowd. He resumed, "| wish | was wiser then and knew this day would come

because | would have appreciated his efforts, regardless of his methods."

"If our relationship were stronger then, maybe, we didn't drift apart like we did," Keith claimed. "Sadly, that realization

came rather late, but let me share what | have learned now. | regretted not having that tight relationship with my father.

Both my father and | had wrongs and rights, but now, | wish | had worked harder to get his approval on things | stubbornly

felt were important to me. Misunderstandings might have been easily resolved, and | might have experienced happier

days with him."

"To my friends and relatives whose parents still live, | implore you to love and spend time with your parents because time

is too precious to waste it on grudges and misunderstandings. Time can also be like a thief in the night, taking away those

moments that should be filled with happy memories," Keith resumed, already sniffing his tears away. "I felt deprived, but

I'm still glad my father and | patched things up before he passed away. At least | had nearly a year with him, and | will

forever cherish those days."

"Allow me to show you those treasured days when my family was the happiest," Keith said before pointing to an LED

screen on the left side of the chapel.

The screen flashed pictures of Charles. It started when he was young and married his wife, Helen. The following images

were of Charles, carrying baby Keith in his arms.

Kieth was sitting beside his wife when he saw his baby pictures. He smiled, acknowledging how his father truly loved him.

More photos were shown on the screen, and the next were images of Charles, Helen, and Keith in the younger years of

their family. Keith recalled how his father began to become very busy when he was in high school, already starting the insurance company. However, it was not until Keith was in college that their business took off.

The subsequent photos showed his father's business achievements and vacations with Helen. Finally, the images shifted

to when Keith and Charles made amends.

There was a photo of Charles, his smile reaching his ears, as he lifted Kamila above his head. There were dinner pictures

of them as an entire family with Karise, and in the later part, Charles wept at the sight of Charlene.

In the last part, a video of Charles was shown instead of a picture. He was already weak but had both Kamila and Charlene in his arms. He said, ‘It's not about how long | live, but having these precious moments."

Charles’ voice was barely audible that whoever made the video transcribed his words.

Then the slide show presented Charles's best photo, and that was on the day of his wedding with Helen. The presentation

ended with many guests weeping and smiling at the same time.

It was Helen who stood up in front of the crowd next. She

said, "Yes, he said those exact words to me because life had

taken US into several turns. Sometimes, they were faulty, but what mattered to Charles most was how he had his family

with him in the end. He said he was happy, which was enough comfort for me to let him go."

"Charles, wherever you are now, we will forever miss you. Be at peace. Be happy," Helen concluded. "I love you." Because they had a very touching memorial ceremony, it became easier for Keith to watch his father's coffin be buried

beneath the ground.

Following the touching service, everyone drove to the memorial garden, where a tent had been set up for the burial.

The last words were said before Charles's coffin was settled into the pit. Keith stood before the excavated ground and

carried Kamila while Karise hugged him tightly. Baby Charlene was with Helen the entire time.

When the earth slowly covered the coffin, Keith said to Kamila, "Say bye to grandpa.”

"Baba!" Kamila said. She smiled and gave her grandpa a flying kiss.

By the time Charles's coffin was fully covered, the guests slowly left. Keith's family remained to sit on their chairs, taking it

all in.

Keith remained standing right where his father was buried. He did not know if he could move just yet, but eventually, he

felt hands massaging his shoulder blades.

He turned to find Sean, and next, Evan joined in. Wendell followed. Keith's friends simply stood there. They did not utter a

word at first, but ultimately, Sean asked, "Anything we can do to make you feel better, man?"

"No, man. I'm good," Keith replied.

"I mean, | could kiss you," Sean suggested, and the other guys chuckled.

"You know what, Sean. | think I'll take you up on that offer," Keith teased, and Sean's eyes rounded.

Wendell and Evan laughed, but eventually, Keith said, "Kidding. I'm glad you all are here. | couldn't ask for more."

CHAPTER 193

: Some Never Change

"Welcome to the company,” Evan said with a smirk, seeing Keith walk into his office.

Somehow, he knew his friend would be coming over that he had already set up a table next to his. Evan said, "| hope you

are okay with using only Wifi. Setting up a LAN cable takes a while."

"Wifi is good," Keith answered while getting into place. More than two weeks had gone by since Charles passed away. Keith had to return to work. However, the CEO office of

Prima MedCare reminded him so much of his father. It was fine for Keith to return home to the

Hendersons' mansion. As needed, he let himself cry, but work was work. Keith needed a better place to get him to concentrate, and that was how he wound up in Evan's office for the past two days.

Evan allowed his friend to deal with his grief. To Evan, it was okay as long as Keith wasn't directing his grief the wrong

way.

"Everything okay at home?" Evan asked.

Keith had just opened his laptop. He smiled at Evan, saying, "Yes. We are slowly accepting things. | think we are going to

stay at the old mansion permanently. It will help US with Mom." 1

"Yeah, | think that's also great. Aunt Helen won't feel so alone," Evan commented.

"Karise is still on leave, and | think she will try to get an extended vacation - maternity plus bereavement.” He leaned back,

adding, "I didn't realize we were all exhausted with everything."

"Hmm. Sean and | could still check on Prima MedCare if you needed more rest," Evan offered.

Over the past few weeks, Evan and Sean had periodically visited Keith's company, keeping tabs on the operation. It abled

Keith to still focus on his father, and when Charles died, it allowed him to mourn without feeling the pressure of the board

of directors.

Keith glanced at Evan and assured him, "I'm good, Evan. Don't worry about me. Every day, | feel better, and my little girl is

starting to communicate, lifting the weight off my chest." "Charlene?" Evan clarified.

"Yeah, she is awake often now. She has the same eyes as me. | feel like I'm looking at myself when | look at her. Do you

know what's strange?

Whenever | take her to Dad's room, she often smiles and looks around," Keith revealed. "Do you believe in angels?" Keith shook his head and said, "You must think | am crazy."

"| don't know what happens to US in the afterlife, but | think that before we die, we may affect people's lives that a part of

US will always remain. It could be that Charlene recalled her grandpa. | don't know," Evan suggested.

Keith simply smiled and added, "Then, | guess, as my little girls grow up, I'll just tell them about their grandpa.” "That's an even better idea," Evan said.

The two friends returned to work after their short chat. Sean would join them now and then. However, since Evan did not

have a table for Sean, he would return to his private space for work.

In the aftertoon, Keith's assistant dropped by to give documents to his boss, and it was during that time when Evan

received a relevant call.

Evan picked up the phone and answered reluctantly. It was from a correctional officer he had employed and paid yearly to

get an update about one particular hazard in his life. "Yes?" Evan asked.

"Sir, we just wanted you to know that Nicole Lively has been released from prison," the man said on the other line. Immediately, Evan felt chills down his spine. He didn't even realize that Nicole had already served her complete sentence.

Sure, Evan did not want to keep hate in his heart, but this woman was different. To him, this woman ruined many of his

chances to be with his now wife.

"Where is she headed now?" Evan asked in a chilly tone. "Her father picked her up earlier, Sir," the prison guard said. "She said something about going to Switzerland. | stood on

guard at the gates when she left."

"Nicole mentioned something about seeing a doctor in Zurich. Doctor Collete, something. It was a bit hard to pronounce,

but it sounded like Cavendish?" The correctional officer described. "I'm sorry, Sir."

"TH have the airport guard spot them. Thank you for the update," Evan responded.

After ending the call, he immediately searched for the doctor's name.

There was no match for Doctor Collete Cavendish, but he did find someone closer enough.

"Dr. Colette Camenisch," Evan read. "Is the leading board-certified plastic surgeon in Switzerland. She pioneered vaginal

cosmetic surgery, vaginal rejuvenation, and -"

Evan's heart raced, reading the last part, "is said to be the best doctor of choice for facial reconstructive surgery."

For seconds, Evan froze in his seat. Many scenarios played in his head. After many years, he concluded, Nicole had not

changed at all. He wondered where the Campbells got their funds when he had done everything to destroy their businesses and connections. They should have only enough to feed their stomachs and nothing else. They should have

nothing to carry out any schemes.

However, that was the least important part. Why was Nicole going to see a plastic surgeon?

Evan got up from his seat, gritting his teeth. His friend might have noticed his reactions instantly that Keith asked, "What

has gotten into you?"

"What has gotten into me? Nicole Lively is out from prison, and it looks like she is heading for another facial surgery,” Evan answered.

He dialed a number of an old private detective assigned to look after the Campbells. Evan ordered, "I need to know how

the Campbells have money to go to Switzerland. Trace everything. We missed something -somehow." ***

In the next twenty-four hours, Evan tightened his security around his family. He warned his friends that Nicole was out of

prison. Rose Hills were locked from entry to Nicole Lively or Melody Campbell and anyone who looked like her, including

any family members.

After another day, Evan received the report he needed. The investigator came to his office, revealing documents. He said,

"Nicole Lively met Jessica Turner in prison. She was the one who gave her money."

"What do we do, Sir?" The investigator said.

"Ruin them completely. They will not get another chance to destroy my family!" Evan declared. While Evan did not have

solid proof they were out to get him, he concluded it. Why would two people who were after him work with each other?

Evan thought that some people never learn and they never change. They did not deserve a second chance.

After that meeting with the private investigator, Evan commissioned more people to look into the Turners and to catch

Nicole Lively red-handed for whatever plans she may have.

Security remained tight in the next few weeks for Evan and his family, but finally, the schemes surfaced over the news.

Nicole Lively and her father, Thomas Cambell, were captured in Zurich, trying to persuade a plastic surgeon to copy

Doctor Shantelle Scott's face. Videos over the internet of the plastic surgeon speaking through an interview. She said, "I

told her that no doctor can entirely copy a person's face. We can keep operating on her face, but her bones won't change,

and a lot more. However, she is asking me to help her commit fraud! | did not want to do it! Miss Lively got so upset with

me that she attacked me! That woman is a killer! She should have been locked up in jail completely!" 1

There was more to the news. Aside from the attack on the plastic surgeon, Nicole Lively assumed Shantelle's identity. She

had fake IDs under

Shantelle's name and already had advance tickets booked under the same name, returning to Rose Hills in a few months.

More revelations followed when Jessica Turner was linked to the scheme.

Pieces of evidence were presented, including money transfers and witnesses who surrendered. Jessica's old assistant

had been forced into the ploy with her job on the line. There was a deeper plan in place. Jessica wanted revenge against Evan, while Nicole simply wanted Evan. An attempt to

change Nicole's face was only an initial objective.

Nicole and her father were deported back to the country and locked up in a maximum prison facility. At the same time,

Jessica had another criminal case to deal with. It was fair to say that Evan would never let Nicole and Jessica out of prison. 1

However, to make his point loud and clear, the man personally went to see Nicole and Jessica in prison. In front of them,

he said, "Attempted Murder this time, huh?"

Turning to Jessica, the man added, "And conspiracy to commit a crime? Tsk. Tsk."

Evan leaned against the glass window, where visitors could only remain. He said, "I'll ensure you never get out of here.

You and Jessica will rot in jail for whatever plans you have."

"So it was you - you ruined all our plans," Nicole retorted.

"Evan, please. It wasn't my fault. It was Nicole. She convinced me to help her!" Jessica pleaded.

"I'm telling you now. | will have eyes on you while you are in prison. | will catch every crime you commit inside and forever

keep filing lawsuit after lawsuit." He grunted before declaring, "You will live here forever, so get used to it!"

A week after the cases against Nicole and Jessica were finalized, Evan rested for an entire day at their home. One evening, he was lying in bed with his wife. Evan said, "| had to do what | had to do, Wifey. Sometimes, we have to

learn to be cruel. They weren't going to change, Shanty. They weren't. | needed to protect you and our kids. | even had

the entire Turners under surveillance. Still, so far, | think only Jessica executed the plan.”

"| understand. Let's continue to live fruitfully, but still, be mindful of our enemies," Shantelle said. Turning to her husband,

Shantelle said, "Thank you for protecting me and your children, Evan.”

CHAPTER 194

: Birthing Journey

A baby's loud cry echoed inside the room. Doctor Patel measured the crying newborn's weight on a scale and announced,

"Six point four pounds."

"Wow. She is so gorgeous," Evan commended before kissing his wife.

Shantelle had given birth to their second baby girl at six in the morning. Her name was Amara Shane, as recommended

by Wendell and Milan. Since Shantelle delivered vaginally, they kept their baby inside the room following the pediatrician's

inspection.

To Shantelle, there was no need to leave her child's care at the nursery since she could already get up. The painful part of

giving birth was already over.

"She has a beautiful heartbeat, Doctor Shant," the pediatrician said while listening to Amara's chest. "She is So angry at

me."

Referring to Amara, Doctor Patel said, "Don't take it on me, little girl. | wasn't the one who took you out! I'm the one who

will make sure you grow big and healthy!"

Doctor Patel laughed while resuming his evaluation. Because of the bond Evan and Shatnelle had formed with Lucas’

hematologist pediatrician, they requested the same doctor to be their new baby's physician. 1

Amara was sucking her fingers when Doctor Patel checked her head. She cried louder, making the doctor say, "I'm almost

done, little one. She wants her mommy."

"I think she wants her daddy," Evan claimed.

Doctor Patel chuckled. As he wrapped Amara in her swaddle blanket, he said, "Not when she is sucking her hand. She

wants Mommy."

Evan groaned, amusing the doctor. Doctor Patel rested Amara in

Shantelle's arms, saying, "Congratulations to your baby girl. Did you save her blood cord?"

"We did," Shantelle nodded. "We'll never know, and if we don't get to use it, we will donate them.”

"Well done," Doctor Patel acknowledged. "The nurses will check her sucking reflex in the next few hours. Rest her well,

skin to skin. Kangaroo care has a range of benefits. It can regulate a baby's heartbeat and breathing. As a result, their

weight gain is better."

"Thank you, Doctor," Shantelle responded. Then the pediatrician left.

In the next few minutes, Shantelle let Amara feed from her breasts. She had kangaroo care with her, relishing that warmth

until she recognized the need to pass her daughter to her eager husband. 1

Evan took over and rested Amara on his bare chest, covering her with a small blanket to keep her warm. 1

Shantelle mesmerized for a minute, watching her husband and their new bundle of joy. Her eyes gleamed, especially delighted at how their newborn held on to Evan's finger. Eventually, she thought of Lucas and called him. She knew her

son was so excited about his new sibling.

In preparation for her delivery, their children stayed at the Scotts' mansion. Thus, Lucas, Amelia, and Marcus were in good

care while Shantelle and Evan were at the hospital. "Mommy, is that Amara Shane?" Lucas asked. "| used to think Amelia looked like Mom, but Amara is Mommy's copy."

Shantelle chuckled. She said, "Her face will still change. We will find out when she is older."

"| wanna hold her too," Lucas said on the video call.

"Tomorrow, buddy. We will be home tomorrow," Evan answered.

While talking to Lucas, Shantelle noticed the notification on her phone. It was a message from Sean which read: [Reese is

giving birth. We are on our way to the hospital]

"Oh, my god!" Shantelle exclaimed, shocking Evan and startling little Amara too.

"Wifey?" Evan complained.

Shantelle laughed. She pecked her baby girl's head and said to her husband, "Reese is giving birth! Wait, let me read the

entire message."

Sean: [Her water broke, and she's in pain. | don't know if you can read this, but we are driving to the hospital now. | guess

we will see each other.]

"Yeah, she is giving birth. Our children will have the same birthday!" Shantelle exclaimed. 2

"I'd like to know how Sean reacts to Reese giving birth," Evan said with a smirk.

"You didn't warn him?" Shantelle asked.

"No! Let him experience it firsthand," Evan said, chuckling. "Besides, | just experienced it myself. You had a C-section the

last time. Keith didn't warn me either."

"Wow, Mommy. Aunt Reese is having her baby too?" Lucas asked. He was still online with them, and Shantelle acknowledged it.

Lucas was screaming with excitement. He said, "Amazing! It's like having a twin! Amara and Aunt Reese's baby will have

the same birthday! They will have parties together, go to school together -"

"They will do a lot together," Shantelle happily confirmed.

The family covered many possibilities, extending their cheerful conversation. Eventually, another text came in, and

Shantelle read it.

Sean: [This is it. We are at the hospital]

"We are here," Sean said while the driver pulled up at the hospital's emergency room. Mom is here too. Thank goodness.”

Sean was excited and nervous at the same time. It was his first to be on this birthing journey with his wife. He heard it was

painful for Reese but did not know what else to expect except being a supportive husband, regardless of whatever words

his wife would throw at him.

Claudia, Sean's mother, arrived earlier to aid the couple. While they were getting settled, Sean had to process the admission. Claudia stayed with Reese as she was being brought to the maternity floor.

Unfortunately for Sean, there was a long queue in the admission that he took nearly an hour. Sean was informed that

Reese had been moved to a room by the time he finished. Thus, he went straight to the maternity floor. He took a lift and

walked out, searching for Reese’ assigned suite.

While making his way, Sean walked past a partially opened birthing room. Nurses rushed inside to help a man -a

husband because Sean could hear the wife screaming from another side of the room. He couldn't see her, but her shouts

were enough to suggest it. "I'm the one giving birth here! Why did you faint? You just had to make it about you! Pussy! Do

you hear me? You are a pussy!" 2

Sean gasped. He concluded that whatever happened there was not going to happen to him. He locked eyes with one of

the nurses, who quickly shut the door, still, he wondered, 'Why did the man faint?’

If that wasn't enough, Sean saw another man being guided out of the next room. The man appeared to be sick and threw

up on the floor! A nurse had to tell the man, "Mister Bell, | think you should remain outside. We are almost done, anyway."

2

The man merely nodded and puked again.

While cleaners sanitized the floor, Sean lazily reached Reese's suite.

Having witnessed what he had seen so far, his earlier confidence waned. He silently encouraged himself, 'Fuck, | can do

this.'

When Sean entered the room, Reese was already in pain. Next, he watched a doctor continuously stab her fingers inside

Reese's entrance. "What the -'

Sure. In movies, Sean had seen this internal examination process, but the doctors in the film weren't pushing that hard!

Sean had to take a breather for a moment. He walked to one corner of the room and sucked in a deep breath. He told

himself, Be there for your wife. Calm down." At the same time, he pondered, "Why didn’t the boys tell me any of this? Did

Keith puke or faint? What about Evan?" 1

Milan had a C-section, so he knew Wendell didn't experience the same process.

"Sean, this is your son. You have to be there for him and your beautiful wife, " he reminded himself.

Returning to his senses, Sean stood beside Reese and helped her breathe. Reese held his hand the entire time while she

tried to hum the pain away.

"It's so painful," Reese said while tightening her hold on Sean's hand. "l need you

"I'm here, Reese. I'm here," Sean answered, kissing Reese's forehead. "I'll be here all the way."

It wasn't until Reese started crying that he felt his wife's pain. His heart was aching for his wife. He could not believe what

she was going through to give him a son. Repeatedly, he hugged Reese's frame from the side, saying, "You are so brave.

| love you."

Everything happened so fast. When the OB doctor entered the room, they concluded Reese was ready to push. Only Sean was allowed to stay. So Claudia, instead, visited Shantelle's room while waiting for the baby to come out. "Okay, Reese. Time to push," the doctor ordered, and Reese regularly pushed from then on.

Each time Reese pushed, Sean felt his fingers breaking. His wife sure was strong. Reese practically bent his fingers from

side to side every time she pushed. At that point, Sean's pain was no longer for Reese but for his fingers, but he never

complained. That day was all about his wife and his son. "The baby is coming out, Reese. A little more," the doctor encouraged.

"Aaahhh!" Reese pushed harder. Her hand gripped tighter against Sean's fingers too. "Aaaaaahhh!"

Just as Reese pushed, Sean looked down between his wife's thighs and finally knew why the husband from the other

room fainted and the other puked. Blood, guts, and gores were coming from his wife's peach, Sean's favorite part to eat!

If that wasn't enough to make his tummy feel strange, the doctor had cut his wife's rose using surgical scissors! Almost immediately, he gagged and looked away.

'Okay,' Sean thought silently. "Whatever happens. Don't faint! Don't fucking faint!" 2

He remembered how a woman from the other room called her husband a pussy, and he wasn't about to get called the

same. 1

Don't fucking puke!" He reminded, scolding himself. 1 "Aaaahh!" Reese screamed again.

The doctor announced, "Baby's head is out. We are almost done!"

Seconds passed, and the baby was out. The next thing Sean heard was his son's cries.

Sean was relieved beyond words. It was over. He didn't puke, and he didn't faint. His fingers were still in pain, but he

turned his attention to his wife.

Immediately, Sean hugged Reese. He thought his wife was a goddess! He cried and said, "God, Reese. | don't know how

you did it, but you were great. You are amazing, and | love you more for delivering our son." 1

He kissed her lips, her nose and eyes, and each cheek. He held her hands and kissed them before embracing her again.

He said, "lI love you. | love you more and more." 1 "Really? You love me more? Awww." Reese was earlier chasing her breath. Hearing her husband, she chuckled and

replied, "You should have seen me with Shauna. Oh, | was such a screamer. You'll probably love me for eternity."

"| believe you," Sean declared, smiling. "I believe you! I'll love you for eternity."

After their baby had been evaluated, the midwife rested the newborn in Reese's chest. The couple kissed their baby

repeatedly before they named him. Sean said, "Samuel Reed.

CHAPTER 195

Birthing Flashbacks

Shantelle and Evan were in Reese's room. They came over late in the afternoon after taking some rest themselves.

Thankfully, Amara also slept for two hours before crying awake.

Although Shantelle could already walk, the hospital required all patients to be assisted out of their rooms. Thus, Shantelle

was in a wheelchair, carrying Amara while Evan pushed them into Reese's room.

"Let me tell you something. | honestly thought my fingers would break," Sean revealed, and everyone laughed. "Reese was bending my fingers. The wedding ring against my fingers felt like it was breaking my bones,” Sean described,

shaking his head.

Samuel Reed was in Claudia's arms. Sean's mother enjoyed her time with her new grandson, taking pictures and pecking

the newborn's feet and head, all while the friends chatted. "Let me hold my goddaughter,” Sean requested, referring to Amara.

"Well, look at here. Amara is a definite blonde. It's just a few strands, but she has golden hair, just like Amelia," Sean

remarked. 1 "She will most likely look like Shanty," Evan proposed. 1

"Hey, Amara," Sean tapped on the baby's nose, saying, "It's Uncle Sean. You have the same birthday as Samuel." "Ah! She smiled!" Reese said, beaming. "Hi, baby girl." 1 "Here, let me return your son because your dad is here," Claudia said, walking towards their group. "Sherwin and | will be

back tomorrow to help you get discharged.”

"Oh, let me carry him," Evan offered, turning to Claudia. "We are exchanging babies for a few minutes."

After Evan held Samuel, everyone bid goodbye to Sean's mother. When Claudia left, Evan focused on the baby and said,

"| can't tell who he looks like. Reese and Sean are like Barbie and Ken with the same hair - wait a minute, he opened his

eyes. He has brown eyes!"

"He has a very tall nose like Sean's," Shantelle remarked. "I'd say a mix of both Reese and Sean." 1

As the two couples studied the babies, the door to the room suddenly swung open. Wendell, Milan, Keith, and Karise

walked in. Wendell was carrying two bouquets, saying, "Who are the most beautiful women right now?" 1

"Shanty and Reese!" Karise said, hugging Shantelle from behind and kissing her cheek.

Wendell gave Shantelle and Reese their flowers, saying, "To a successful delivery." 1

"We brought dinner," Keith said, raising the bags of food. "And desserts too!" Milan added. "We came from Shanty's room and found Mrs.Shaw instead. We learned everyone was

already here."

"Thank you, guys. It's so sweet of you," Shantelle remarked. "And you know what, | am hungry as hell."

"| am starving. | could eat everything," Reese declared. "Reese and Shanty first, then!" Milan suggested.

The friends ate dinner inside Reese's birthing suite in the next hour. They took turns watching the babies. Milan and Karise especially loved carrying Amara and Samuel. They did not gather longer, though, knowing Reese and Shantelle were exhausted. Shantelle was the first to doze off

since she had given birth early in the morning and only slept two hours in the afternoon.

Thankfully, Misses Shaw had arrived to help watch little Amara while Evan and Sean walked their friends to the floor's lift.

Reese took care of Samuel until Sean returned.

While pacing toward the elevators, Sean turned to Keith, asking, "Keith, when Karise gave birth normally, twice. | want to

know if you fainted." 1

"Why would Keith faint?" Wendell asked.

Evan and Keith laughed. Karise, who had walked with Milan, also laughed.

"Yeah, why would Keith faint?" Milan also inquire.

"| did not faint,” Keith claimed.

"Really?" Sean asked, doubting Keith's words.

Keith went at it, laughing so hard. He insisted, "| did not faint, | swear! You were there, man!" 2

"| was there with Reese after you gave birth. There was no mention of how you handled it." Sean turned to Karise, asking,

"Did Keith faint? Or puke? Nearly faint?" 2

Karise laughed and replied, "That's between my babe and me."

"| hate you guys," Sean said. 1

"Why would Keith faint?" Wendell asked again, this time, his voice louder than earlier. Unfortunately for Wendell, no one

gave him a decent answer.

Keith said, "Don't tell Wendell. Let's wait until Milan gets pregnant again. Who knows."

"Karise!" Sean called again, but Karise laughed hysterically and ran to the lift, waving her hand to Sean. "Come on,

Babe!" 1

HHE FLASHBACK: KARISE'S FIRST DELIVERY #HHt Keith was holding up well. He was assisting his wife, holding her legs up and grunting with her. "You can do it, Babe. |

know you can.”

He was already so emotional over the past few hours, enduring his wife's agony. He was teary-eyed as he said, "l am so

proud of you."

Keith wasn't in the medical field, but his business had made him hear stories, including reports of husbands who pass out

during actual deliveries. Thus, he was aware that whatever would be happening down there was something he should

avoid looking at.

He focused on his wife, soothing her in any way he could. "One more push!" The doctor ordered, and it did not take long for him to hear his daughter’s cry.

"Baby is out!" The doctor said. "Mister Henderson, would you like to cut your daughter’s umbilical cord?"

‘Should 1?' Keith thought. However, knowing how that would be a fantastic experience, he nodded, saying, "Sure."

That was Keith's biggest mistake because he heaved and felt dizzy when he saw the mess between Karise's thighs. Fortunately for Keith, the nurse behind him readily caught his frame and urged him to rest. 2

In the end, Keith did not get to cut his daughter's cord. He didn't pass out, but he sure came close. When it was all over,

Keith was holding Kamila against his chest. He told his wife, "No one will know about this." 1

"That you nearly fainted?" Karise laughed and said, "If you say so. Haha! Don't look next time; it's okay if you don't cut the

cord, Babe. It's very understandable."

After some time, Keith endorsed Kamila to the nurses, where she would be taken to the nursery for a few hours. Keith

preferred that he and Karise had time to rest before caring for their daughter.

When the nurse brought Kamila to the nursery, Keith leaned over to his wife, saying, "lI will never underestimate the things

that you do, ever again, especially in the matters of giving birth." He led her hand and pecked it, saying, "You are so amazing. Thank you for Kamila. | love you, Babe." 1

Karise smiled and answered, "I love you too, Keith." #HE END OF FLASHBACK #Ht 2

"What about you, Evan? How did you react during Shantelle's delivery?" Sean asked while they walked back to their

respective rooms.

A chuckle escaped Evan's lips before he answered, "| admit that | was hurting for my wife, but if you are referring to the

scene where my daughter was coming, | was already prepared for it. My wife is a doctor, Sean. | have seen so many

videos of operations - lectures and of her own. Seeing organs, blood, and bodily fluids is something that | am already

used to."

Sean hissed because he could tell Evan was telling the truth, and his explanation made perfect sense.

"Then, why didn't you warn me about it?" Sean asked. "Tsk. Tsk. Tsk." Evan put an arm around his friend. He said, "| would not want you to miss out on that important day when

you will feel more connected to your wife and child. Tell me. How did you feel after seeing Reese go through a normal

delivery?" 1

Sean smiled. He lifted his chin, saying, "Il -1 felt love for my wife. | was grateful to Reese." 2

"Exactly," Evan said. "So, don't tell Wendell. Maybe, he will experience a normal delivery with Milan too." 1

"| definitely won't," Sean confirmed.

H FLASHBACK: EVAN'S PREPARATION #54

Before Aemlia and Marcus were born, Evan had already prepared for his wife to deliver vaginally, but that failed. Now that

Shantelle's doctor had given her a go signal for normal delivery, he readied himself again.

From time to time, he would lock himself in his study, pretending to be working while at home, but in fact, he was watching

birthing videos, the nasty kinds.

He zoomed in and out through his laptop, his eyes bulging at the scene where the baby's head was coming out, and more

and more fluids came out, together with the baby. There was blood and something yellowish that covered the baby's

frame. He heaved. He coughed against his fist and said, "Evan! Man up!" 1

For days, Evan watched birthing videos to strengthen his gut. Later on, he became immune. So when Shantelle gave

birth, Evan was no longer shocked by what came out of his wife's sweet bottom lips. He also knew the doctor would sew

back any tears.

Still, seeing it firsthand, Evan felt proud of his wife. Shantelle was a doctor, a good mother, and had an excellent tolerance

for pain.

While Amara was being cleaned, Evan told Shantelle, "Wifey, | will always be thankful for the kind of love you give our

children. Giving birth to them, knowing how it affects your body, is a great example of your selfless love." 1

He pecked her forehead, saying, "lI am proud to have you as my wife."

HHE END OF FLASHBACK #5

CHAPTER 196

: Wives' Day Out

"Everything okay here, buddy?" Evan asked Lucas, his eyes scanning the playroom.

"Yes, Daddy, don't worry," Lucas assured him. "Shauna and | will stand guard.”’

In the playroom, Amara, Marcus, Maxine, John Adams, and Kamila were there with their nannies, playing. Lucas and

Shauna were playing with the younger babies too. *

After seeing everything in order, Evan walked to the living room where the boys were.

Keith was carrying Charlene in his arms, Wendell held Amara for Evan, and Sean wrapped Samuel against his chest.

The TV in front of them was turned on. Its volume was at forty percent. Several beer bottles were on the living room table,

plus nachos. They were watching that day's football game. "Hurry up, man. It's starting," Sean said. He was standing up, rocking his little man.

Over three months after Shantelle and Reese gave birth, the boys decided to give their wives a break. They called it The

Wives' Day Out. All girls were out on another spa treatment, and they were going shopping too.

Evan also saw it as a perfect opportunity to gather with his friends. Sure, they will end up watching the kids, and his house, being the biggest, would have the kids running around, possibly breaking things and screaming, but he thought it

would be fun.

The man had converted their biggest room on the first floor into a playroom area. That way, he and his friends could focus

on the game while they looked after the young ones.

Very quickly, the boys were engrossed with the game, occasionally screaming and grunting while rooting for their team of

choice.

"Come on. You can do it!" Wendell said, focusing on the TV.

"Yeah!" They all said at the same time following a touchdown.

"Oh, Wendell. Amara may be hungry," Evan said. "Do you mind getting the milk for me, man?"

"Get Reese's milk too, Wendell!" Sean requested.

On the other hand, Charlene preferred formula milk, and Keith merely fixed a bottle for her.

By the time all the babies had been fed, everyone was standing, rocking their little ones. Even Wendell did the same

because two nannies had to wash John Adams after a dirty diaper. Maxine wrapped her little arms around Wendell's neck

as he stood with his friends, watching the game's peak, i Wendell's twins had just celebrated their 1st birthday. They were very active and fast crawlers. Maxine could already walk

with assistance while John Adams was close to getting there.

"It's becoming more obvious now that they look like Milan,’ Evan remarked.

"Yes, | think so too," Wendell acknowledged. "Fine by me." "Man, you need another child," Keith suggested.

A laugh escaped Wendell's lips. He responded, "Easy for you to say, Keith, you had kids one at a time. You have no idea

how tiring it is to have two babies crying and begging for milk at the same time."

"| think we will wait a year or two," Wendell added.

"She is falling asleep," Evan said, referring to Maxine. Wendell pecked his daughter's forehead and swayed her to sleep.

"No! The Coybows are going to score!" Sean screamed suddenly, alerting everyone.

"Get the ball! Steal the ball!" Evan yelled. ‘Come on. Eagles!"

"Yeah!" They all screamed at the same time, seeing how their chosen team managed to snatch the ball.

"Pass it! Pass it!" Keith yelled.

"They are going to hit another goal!" Sean excitedly said. "Turn the volume up, Evan!" Wendell called. Being excited with them, Evan did as Wendell suggested.

"Yeah, Smith is running! Yeah!" Sean cheered. He was practically rocking his head, eager for the next score. "And touchdown!" They all said at the same time.

The boys drank to the score, and they had nothing but smiles on their faces.

"Damn, we made so much noise, but our kids are still asleep, " Sean remarked. They all remained standing in the living

room, rocking their babies.

While the game progressed, Maxine's nanny came to fetch her, but Wendell kept Maxine with him since she was asleep.

Their favorite team had scored and also lost a few opportunities, making the second half of the game a thrilling one. Evan

increased the TVs volume, so they could hear the sports commentator properly.

"Goa! Come on! Goal!" Sean yelled.

"Yeah! That was a nice run!” Wendell remarked.

"Damn! The Cowboys are tackling the ball! Evan loudly remarked.

Their voices were getting louder and louder, yet, their children slept like a log. When their favorite team called for a break,

Evan concluded, "We should sit down, man."

His friends echoed their agreement, and they took their seats one by one.

Since Samuel was wrapped around Sean's chest, he stretched his arms and legs. He leaned back on the sofa, waiting for

the game to resume.

Evan decided to return Amara to the stroller. At the same time, Keith carried his daughter against his chest while sitting

down. Wendell also sat down.

After only a few seconds, Amara cried. Samuel cried next, followed by Charlene. Maxine did not cry but wiggled her body,

her feet kicking Wendell's leg.

Keith immediately stood up, and so did Wendell. Evan rushed to pick up Amara, and Sean removed Samuel from his wrap

and stood up, cradling him.

Just in time, the game was back. The TV was loud again. All the babies hushed their cries and groans. The friends looked

at each other and laughed, i

"Maybe they like football," Sean gave a silly remark.

"Or the sports commentator's sexy voice," Keith gave a joke.

"Or they miss their mommies," Evan suggested.

Wendell sighed, saying, "Maxine probably wanted me to stand."

The game continued, and the good friends were back screaming and cheering for their team. The TV was loud, but the

babies were fast asleep.

"My feet are killing me," Keith complained. He rested on the couch, declaring, "Charlene is in deep sleep now. It wont

matter."

Everyone else followed Keith and rested back on the sofas. Sadly for them, the babies woke up and cried one by one,

including Maxine. 3

"| know what they want,” Evan said. *1 guess it's the same with Amelia and Marcus sometimes.’

"Guys, we can have the TV play loudly. We can have a live band across the lawn or an atomic bomb, but they will sleep

for as long as we keep standing up, simulate a walk, or sway them to sleep!" Evan concluded. 1

"Oh, | get it. They want their daddies to have varicose veins,” Sean commented with a laugh. He got up and returned to

swaying Samuel. 1

"Or muscle pains,” Wendell supplemented, stretching his arm and rotating it as he stood. 1

"Or our backs to hurt," Keith said while arching his back and standingagain. 1

After that realization, all four friends were up on their feet for the entirety of the game. Their kids slept through their screams and loud TV. When the game finally ended, Keith was the first to say, "It doesn't really matter, though. We'd give

anything for them to have a good sleep.’

"Of course, man. We'll keep standing until the girls arrive," Sean said, and as if on cue, the doors to the mansion opened.

Shantelle, Milan, Reese, and Karise arrived, looking extra hot in their new clothes, their skins glowing and their hair bouncing with every step.

Keith whistled, winking at his wife, saying, "Somebody wants it tonight." 1

Wendell coughed against his fists, saying, "I could say the same thing for my wife."

"And me 100," Sean said.

Evan laughed and remarked, "I'm sorry for you guys. Mine wants it every night- Ahh! Shanty!’

Shantelle smacked Evan's arm repeatedly, scolding, "Shut up, Evan!”

"What are you all standing up for?’ Reese said, taking Samuel from her husband and sitting down.

Shantelle did the same, taking Amara and sitting down, resting her baby on her chest. Karise followed, taking Charlene,

and Milan took Maxine and sat beside Shantelle.

The boys waited. Seconds passed, but nothing happened. The babies were still asleep! Being the newest baby daddy,

Sean complained, "That is so unfair!" >

"What's so unfair?" Shantelle asked.

Moments later, Evan told Shantelle they stood up during the game because the babies wouldn't let them sit down. Laughter escaped Shantelle's lips. She revealed, No hard feelings, guys, but it's because babies are still young and merely rely on their instincts. They feel safest with their moms and safer with another guardian who moves around while

they sleep. They can feel your presence more when you rock or sway them to sleep.”

"With us moms, sometimes, it's just about our scents,’ Shantelle added before kissing her baby.

*k%k

On the next Wives' Day Out, the husbands were prepared. They still watched the football game, except they wore their

wives' workout shirts over their own. ?

They made noise as usual, but their babies slept throughout the game, yet, they were all seated. 2

"From now on, I'm going to bring Karise's sweaty clothes with me when I'm out with my babies,’ Keith declared.

"I love my wife's shirt,” Wendell claimed.

"I love my wife's scent,” Sean described. "Samuel is probably thinking, oh, both Mommy and Daddy are here." "I love my wife," Evan said.

His friends chuckled, and one by one, they expressed the same.

"I love my wife too!" Keith echoed.

"Me too!" Wendell said.

"We are fucking lucky, man. We are," Sean said. "I love my wife, and she loves me back."

CHAPTER 197

: Shanty’s New Surgical Success

Over a year had passed.

Evan and his assistant were discussing work when a call came into his office's private line. The man answered the call

and learned it was the correctional officer, hired to watch Nicole Lively and Jessica Turner. The jail guard reported, "Miss

Lively and Miss Turner tried to escape, along with two inmates. They will be charged for their attempt to escape.’ [

"Good/ Evan replied. "I'll send my lawyers to discuss with the prosecutor so the additional charges will be prioritized."

It made Evan happy. Nicole and Jessica were both getting more sentences for their crimes. His decision to have men constantly watch over them paid off. 1

Thankfully, the Turners had not caused trouble for him. They still aided Jessica, but only to provide for her needs in jail.

She no longer had access to the family's funds.

That wasn't the only good news Evan received that day.

Shantelle visited him during lunch, bringing food packs and setting them on his coffee table. His wife announced, ‘This is a

celebration. | am done with my pediatrics cardio-surgery fellowship today! Next, | can fully operate on a child independently - a little nervous but also excited."’

Evan got up and hugged his wife. To him, Shantelle had worked hard. Even while pregnant with Amara, she had started

her fellowship training, observing and assisting with pediatric surgeries. This continued shortly after she gave birth too.

She managed her time, leading the thoracic surgical team at the heart and lung center while learning under a pediatric

cardio surgeon and teaching at the city’s medical school too. i

He kissed Shantelle's cheek and said, "You are a superwoman." «

A chuckle left Shantelle's lips. She replied, ’And you are a super dad, running such a big company and working at home

so you could spend time with the kids. The man hissed. His wife was giving him too much credit. Over the year, he unexpectedly traveled frequently.

LL

Whenever he was home, he brought work to the mansion and spent time with the kids.

"Are you picking up Lucas from school, or Miguel is?" Shantelle asked.

"I am. And | thought Lucas and | could go out too - you know, boys' night out," Evan said with a smile. 2

"Of course. Hubby! You should. He has been waiting to watch that concert with you and Wendell - is that what you are

going to tonight?" Shantelle asked.

"Yes, Wendell is his influence in music," Evan admitted. "You should go and have fun. In the meantime. Let's have lunch!" Shantelle said.

The couple shared a lovely meal, and while they were at it, Shantelle watched the news on TV. The network featured a

young single father who became widely known as Daddy Tristan. He created T-i-k-T-o0-k videos to raise funds for his three-month-old baby's surgery. There were some videos where he featured her son too.

At the end of each video, it flashed the baby's condition. It read: [Help us raise funds for Baby Ryan's heart surgery. He

was diagnosed with Corrected Transposition of the Great Arteries (LTGA), a congenital heart defect.)

Evan realized it wasn't the first time Shantelle had gaped at this news. The father's Tiktok had gone viral for about a

month now.

The man cleared his throat and said, "Do you want to operate on the baby? | haven't had my annual charity giveaway this

year. We could sponsor his operation.”

Shantelle thought about it and answered, "Can we?"

"Of course. The father of the boy could use a break. He is waiting tables, washing cars, and doing T-i-k-T-0-k-s. | like helping those who try to help themselves/ Evan said with a wink. "Say the word, and I'll bring them here to Rose Hills. Not

only that, you will be featured as a capable and

generous doctor, wife of Evan Thompson." 3

A chuckle left Shantelle's lips. She answered, "Oh, that still works, by the way. We can't leave that out. Wife of Evan

Thompson.’

"Absolutely not," Evan said. "We should not leave that out.” Shantelle nodded and said, "Let's help this father and son duo.”

After Shantelle's confirmation, Evan made the phone calls, and in the next few days, she became the topic of nearly half

the state. After all, Shantelle was giving the surgery for free.

Being new to pediatric surgery, there were talks about her capacity. They questioned whether Shantelle was only using

baby Ryan's popularity to make her famous and the Heart and Lung Center too. 1

Of course, many defended her in the group of doctors, for technically, an adult surgeon could operate on a child. Shantelle was even praised for further strengthening her knowledge and skill, taking a fellowship training with a pediatric

cardio surgeon.

Shantelle and Evan disregarded the negative comments. The company's public relations office only responded to the

claims, publicly announcing: [Mister Evan Thompson is a known philanthropist. He has helped many lives through his

charitable donations. He and his wife, Doctor Shantelle Scott -Thompson, only wish to help Baby Ryan.) 1

Thus, the surgery pushed through. Ryan's father, Tristan, was thankful beyond words. They flew across the state and

lived in the Diamond Hotel for a few days until the operation.

*k%k

"I am nervous," Tristan, Ryan's father, said.

"Relax, my wife is there, and not only her. She has a team of surgeons helping your son," Evan said, assuring Tristan.

They were outside the operating room, together with Baby Ryan's supporters.

Aside from Evan, Keith and Karise had arrived to show their support for Shantelle. Because Tristan and his son, Baby

Ryan, had become an internet sensation, the entire operation was broadcast live. Every mistake, should there be any, will

be seenon TV. 1

*k%k

Baby Ryan was born with his heart's lower two pumping chambers, the ventricles, reversed in their positions. That was

how he was diagnosed with corrected transposition of the great arteries.

Shantelle knew it was a complex surgery but still proceeded despite the public pressure because Baby Ryan should have

had his surgery during the first month of his birth. He was already late for the surgery, and the clock was ticking. Knowing the surgery video would be fed to the internet and shown on TV, she sternly commanded her steam and prohibited distractions.

On the table, Shantelle had already switched the blue and red veins in Ryan's lower heart chambers. Now, she was cutting the major arteries and was in the process of switching them. 1

"Looking good, Doctor Shant/ Seeing how they were nearly done, her colleagues praised her.

Shantelle's pediatric mentor was also around to observe the operation and was very impressed. He said, "Doctor Shant is

very focused on her surgery.’

After stitching the arteries, Shantelle took a deep breath and leaned back, saying, "l just... didn't want Baby Ryan to stay

longer in the OR. Best to finish the operation first."

She studied the arteries again before saying, "Let's test his heart/

Six hours into the surgery and Shantelle was done. She received applause the second she stepped out of the operating

room. 2

Her biggest supporter, Evan, embraced her outright. Keith and Karise followed, congratulating her. Shantelle glanced at

Ryan's father, saying, "The operation is a success. Let's observe him for a few days before discharge." *«

Baby Ryan was discharged after five days but remained in the city for follow-up checkups.

Weeks and months passed, and Baby Ryan had no complications. The baby was living normally in his everyday life. His

entire journey was shown on the internet through T-i- k-T-0-k-s and interviews.

Baby Ryan's story gave Shantelle credibility and more patients. Evan shared the same spotlight for his generosity. The

couple was repeatedly featured online and in other charitable institutions for many months. >

As a result, Saint Dominique's Heart and Lung Center became the state's in-demand facility for chest surgical care.

While The Heart and Lung Center was gaining popularity, what Evan and Shantelle unexpectedly achieved was another

loyal friend.

One day, Tristan and baby Ryan came for a follow-up checkup with Shantelle and a cardiologist. Tristan purposely asked

to speak to Shantelle and Evan next, so he and Baby Ryan were invited to their home for dinner.

During that dinner, Tristan revealed, "The Cleaveland Clinic had asked if we can represent them - Ryan and me, for

promotions and continue checkups with them since they consider us a media influencer, but honestly, | would rather

continue supporting Saint Dominique's Heart and Lung Center. Can - can | get a job at the hospital? Any pay is fine. |

just... want to give back to the right people - to Doctor Shant and you, Mister Thompson. You both have helped us - saved

my son."

"I would not have raised enough funds for Ryan's surgery in time." Tristan was teary-eyed as he added, "If you let me. |

will work for your family until my last breath."

Naturally, Evan and Shantelle agreed. Tristan and Ryan became added members of their circle in the following years.

CHAPTER 198

: Sean's Lifetime Contract

[G&F Manpower International Service has earned its first billion-dollar profit under the leadership of CEO Mister Wendell

Franco, naming him the latest hottest and influential man in Rose Hills, next to Keith Henderson and Evan Thompson.] 1

The headlines flooded the internet, and those who knew the group of friends posted photos of them, including Sean Ross.

In just a day, citizens of Rose Hills filled the comment sections. 1

[Congratulations!]

[To the greatest boss, Sir Wendell Franco.]

[He's hot, alright!]

[They've known each other since High School, and now, they are some of the wealthiest men in the city.]

[They are the hottest in Rose Hills. Too bad they are already married.]

[Their wives are gorgeous {00.]

[All of them are CEOs? How great is that?]

[Sean Ross is Evan Thompson's CFO. He isn't a CEO, but he probably earns more than half of the CEOs in the city.]

*k%k

Because of the trending news, many companies, inside and outside Rose Hills, began offering Sean opportunities. Some

were clients of Evan's financial company, Gravity Ventures, who attempted to pirate Sean during meetings or the signing

of contracts, and a few offered him a CEO position.

Evan had heard about this but knew his friend would never leave him. One day, at Lucas' twelve birthday party celebration, Evan and his friends gathered at the second-carat conference room.

Wendell, Milan, Keith, and Karise surrounded Lucas, hugging him.

"Our boy is a big man! What? Are you already thirteen? | thought you were still ten!" Wendell declared, making Lucas

laugh.

"Uncle, don't baby me in front of my friends!" Lucas complained.

"Which friends? | think Lily won't mind," Keith said, hugging him tightly.

"Stop it, guys, you are making Lucas blush," Karise said, pecking Lucas' cheek. "Our favorite baby boy

"Ahh! Aunt Karise!' Lucas exclaimed, and the adults laughed at him.

"They are just joking, Lucas," Milan said, giving him a gift. "Happy birthday!"

"Guys, over here! Our table is at the front, as usual,” Shantelle said, calling out to them.

She caught a glimpse of Karise's gaze and noticed how she was looking at the Wrights. They were at another table with

Lucas' grandparents. She said, "Kaleb and Scarlett Wright have flown in for Lucas’ birthday. All of their kids are here too."

"That's nice of them. They are supporting Lucas' and Lily’s friendship," Karise remarked.

"Tristan is joining US, by the way. Hope it's fine,’ Shantelle added.

"Totally fine. We love influencing the dude," Wendell suggested, and Keith laughed.

It was because Tristan, Baby Ryan's father, was ten years younger than them. Being slightly naive, the boys enjoyed sharing their knowledge and skills with Tristan. From time to time, Evan's assistant joined in their gatherings and was learning a few tricks, including getting a date.

Everyone was settled down when Evan approached, asking, "Where are Sean and Reese?"

"He mentioned something about meeting someone." Keith's brows furrowed. "Mister Daniel Knight- you know the owner of

the National Football League -"

"Fuck, no!" Evan cursed.

"Sshhhh!" Instantly, the women glared at him, especially his wife.

‘Language, Mister!1 Shantelle mouthed from across the table.

"Sir, you don't think he would," James, who was seated next to Wendell, suggested.

Evan wouldn't have panicked if not for the fact that Mister Daniel Knight was retiring and his son wasn't interested in taking over his legacy. The same man had even hired Wendell's company to find him his next CEO. What were the

chances that he was trying to poach Sean?

"l -1 need to find him - speak to him. Where are they meeting, Keith?" Evan asked.

At the Frevo Restaurant,” Keith replied, and Evan immediately paced towards the exit.

Shantelle ran after Evan and caught him in the hotel lobby. She grabbed his arm and asked, "What are you doing?" Evan turned to his wife and said, "Wifey? | think Mister Knight is trying to poach Sean! | cant lose him -"

"As a friend? Or as a businessman?" Shantelle asked. "Because if you truly care for Sean, you wouldn't hold him back

from a great career.’

A realization came to Evan. His wife was right. What kind of a friend he would be if he held Sean from an opportunity.

Evan's heart felt heavy, admitting he was wrong. He wound up hugging his wife. He said, "I just -1 thought it would be

great if we all lived in the same city, but yes. You are right, Wifey. | should be happy for him."

"You guys have been apart before. Remember college? I'm sure nothing will change, Evan. Besides, how sure are you

that Mister Knight offered him a job?" Shantelle chuckled. "I'm jealous because it sounded like Sean was your wife." Evan laughed at himself. He held Shantelle's hand, saying, "I'm not swinging that way when | have a hot wife. Thank you.

Wifey. | guess I'll wait for him and see what he says."

The couple returned to the party, preparing for Sean's arrival. Evan focused on his son's birthday party instead. He

reminded himself that there was more reason to celebrate, considering how their son had been healthy for years. Dinner began, and only then did Sean and Reese turn up with Shauna and Samuel Reed.

Evan noticed how his friend was extra cheerful. He thought, 'Could Sean have agreed to work under Mister Knight?’

In the middle of the party, Evan finally learned about Sean’s meeting. The rest of his friends, along with the teenagers and

kids, were participating in the games, but he and Sean were left at the table.

Evan was silent. Sean was especially loquacious about the next NLF games, and the man could only speculate why.

Minutes had passed, and still, his friend hadn't come clean. The man could no longer hold it in and said, "Sean, | want you

to know that | want the best for you. | am not a selfish friend who would hold you back from your dreams or career."

"Whatever happens, | am happy for you and will support your decisions. Allow me this opportunity to thank you for everything you have done for my company." The man sucked a deep breath and said, "Just promise me, visit the guys

and me occasionally. At least attend Lucas’ birthday every year because we all promised to be there for him. My other

kids can understand

"What are you talking about, Evan?" Sean asked, utterly bewildered. "Are you trying to kick me out of Rose Hills? I'm not

leaving even if you ask me to."

Evan fell silent. His mouth fell open, and he asked, "YOU. ARE. NOT. LEAVING?"

"Where the hell did you hear that from?" Sean asked. Evan's eyes scanned the venue, and his gaze landed on Keith. He said, ’ Keith said you had a meeting with Daniel Knight! Why else would he meet you if -"

Laughter escaped Sean's lips. He said, "So that's what's gotten into you. Freaken, Evan.”

Looking into Evan's eyes, Sean said, "He offered to train me so | could potentially take over his company, but | didn't

accept it."

Silence fell upon them. Evan's jaws dropped to the floor. He asked, "What?"

"| did not take the job offer. That was why our meeting was very brief," Sean revealed. "I don't want to be anywhere else

but in Rose Hills, Evan. Do | want to be a multi-billionaire and a CEO? Maybe that would be great, but | have learned to

be contented, and | am happy where | am, being your CFO, being with my friends, and being in the city I've lived in most

of my life.

Reese thinks the same too. Why would | complicate my life?"

"Money can't buy happiness. Didn't you once tell me that when you lost Shanty?" Sean added. "Well, | certainly didn't

want to risk losing my happiness-"

"What a fucking relief, man!" Evan yelled, embracing Sean from their seats. He was holding Sean so tightly that he could

barely breathe.

"Evan! Evan!" Sean kept tapping Evan's back, urging him to loosen his hold. He laughed and said, "Man, the kids are

getting the wrong ideas. You better fucking let me go!" 1 They laughed as they pulled away. The two friends saw the stares of their wives, the teenagers, and Keith and Wendell.

All the more, they became amused.

Eventually, though, Evan covered the needs of the company. Evan said, ’ We did plan to separate Gravity Ventures, and |

was going to name you

CEO -"

"No, man. It's not time. Don't rush it," Sean claimed. "Talk to me about it in a year or two, but | am happy to be your CFO

and do your accounts.

Besides, didn't | sign a marriage contract being your chief finance officer?"

Evan nodded as he laughed. He replied, ' Honestly, | forgot about that. Yeah, didn't | kneel in front of you back then?"

"You fucking did," Sean replied, chuckling.

Resolved with their plans, Evan said to Sean, "Thank you again, Sean. Your decision to stay with me and the company

means a lot to me."

"| want a raise, though," Sean said, winking at Evan. "What? Didn't you get your raise? You had your raise like fifteen minutes ago!" Evan claimed. He quickly grabbed his

phone and transferred a hundred thousand dollars to Sean's account. He said, "That's an annual increase. It comes with

an additional lifetime employment contract."

Sean laughed hysterically. He replied, "I guess I'll work for you in two lifetimes. Haha."

CHAPTER 199

: Who Is The Man?

Two years had passed. Many relevant changes happened between the group of friends.

For one, Evan finally divided his group of companies, putting Sean in charge of his financial business. With Evan's

business growing, he had more people under his wing, forcing him to get a new assistant so James could handle more

demanding roles. Came with it, he and Shantelle gave Tristan an administrative job at the Heart and Lung Center. On the

other hand, Shantelle became the medical director for the same center since William retired.

Reese became the head therapist at Rose Hills Childrens Hospital, following Lucas' twelve birthday. Then, months after

that, she learned that she was pregnant. Now she had a six-month-old baby boy named Zander, another version of Sean.

1

As for Wendell and Milan, five months ago, they learned they were expecting another child, a baby girl. With Wendell

getting more clients outside the city, Milan remained by her husband's side, working as his assistant. However, Wendell

had another secretary to perform the more tiring job. Karise and Keith claimed they were contented with their two daughters. Both Keith and Karise had been traveling around

the country lately, thankfully, together. Keith was expanding his insurance company while Karise had become a sales

director for the pharmaceutical company she was working for. Wherever Keith had business dealings, Karise pushed their

products in the same city. Kamila and Charlene often traveled with them, being home-schooled.

As their families and career grew, their gatherings were often rescheduled, but the best part was they always found time

to make it happen, no matter how late.

Finally, another Wive's Day Out was in order. Except for Milan, the ladies were at the spa, delighting in a special massage.

As usual, they booked a private room where all of them could chat and have their treatments together.

"God! | miss this!" Reese claimed. "How long has it been?" "Five months," Shantelle replied.

"| can't believe it has been five months since my last Brazillian Wax!" Karise exclaimed.

"No wonder you did not get pregnant!" Milan said, chuckling. She was having a body scrub since she was pregnant.

"We are not trying to get pregnant,” Karise claimed. "We have just been so busy."

"Yeah, right. | know you want a boy," Shantelle said. Turning to Karise's therapist, she instructed, "Get her a good

Brazillian wax and a vaginal steam bath!"

Laughter filled the air with the idea, but Karise didn't object either.

In the next few minutes, they were all silent, simply relishing in their treatment, when suddenly, Milan revealed, "By the

way, | think... | want to focus on the kids, especially since | am pregnant. | want to be a stay-home mom."

"| think that's great, Milan," Reese said. "I thought about it too, but I also fell in love with helping the Children's Hospital

kids."

"Never underestimate a full-time mom. We have all spent a day or two with the kids the whole day. We know how hard it

is," Shantelle said. "Do what you think is best for you and your family, Milan. Wendell will support you."

"| want to be able to cherish the moments when the kids are young," Milan described. ' Plus, | have discovered this other

way to earn a living. I've been reading online novels for a while and learned that you can be an online author - guess what? | love writing stories and reading books. If this works out for me, | can make an app and turn it into a business!"

"What books? Where?" Karise asked.

Milan had just finished her body scrub. She replied, "Oh, it's a book by this author, LiLhyz. She has a few books on the

app called Goodnovel, and | absolutely love it." 3 Because Milan was waiting for her next treatment, she returned to the locker and fetched her mobile. The girls were also

done with their massages and were waiting for their therapists to return. So they all gathered around Milan as she sat on

her massage bed.

"Check out her novels," Milan said. "And you know what | like best about these stories?"

"What?" Almost all the girls said at the same time.

"The bed scenes!" Milan revealed.

"Oooohhh!" Karise said.

Milan opened a chapter and said, "Check this out! It's guaranteed to make you horny!"

She read for the girls, "Down on her knees, she drank his manhood. She allowed the tip of his shaft to poke her cheek

from the inside - that's the blowjob."

"Uhuh!" Karise and Reese said at the same time. "Obviously. That sound so familiar, though." Shantelle commented.

Next, Milan resumed, "He slid his manhood in. He relished the view, how her pink folds hugged his member, and he purposely took it out to see how his length glistened in her love juice.”

"Damn, that's hot!" Karise said. "I'll d**d that app.” "Me t00," Reese echoed the same. "I'm feeling hot."

"I'll check it out," Shantelle said.

The girls had their phones with them for the rest of their therapy. They read during their body scrubs and foot massages.

As they did, they gasped and felt their rose getting damped.

"Which chapter is the next sex scene, Milan?" Karise asked.

"Chapter one hundred," Milan replied.

"You are skipping? What about the story?" Shantelle asked.

"Love the story, but | am feeling, you know, down there," Karise said. "| need my husband now."

Reese only chuckled and said, "I'm in for the story. | think I'm done getting pregnant.”

"Wonder what our husbands are doing now?" Milan suddenly asked.

"I don't know, but one thing's for sure, Sean better do the task | ask him to do, or else he is going to sleep on the sofa,"

Reese revealed.

"What did you ask him to do?" Shantelle asked. "Something a father should learn to do," Milan said with conviction.

*k%k

At Evan's mansion, the men were sweating at Sean's request. Evan was the first to try and lend his friend a hand with

Reese's task. He closed in on baby Zander and leaned back, saying, "I can't do it. | never did it with any of my kids when

they were this young. Zander is still a baby!"

The man snapped in Keith's way, saying, "You do it, Kieth!"

"No way, I'm scared of that shit!" Keith admitted. "Thank goodness, Karise is not forcing me to do that."

"Maybe Wendell can help you,” Keith suggested. Wendell was seated at the far end of the living room. He sneered at what they were doing. He said, "No. I'm a good dad,

but | won't risk hurting my child. That job is a mom's job." "Maybe we should ask Mrs. Shaw,” Evan suggested. "No fucking way!" Sean objected while carrying baby Zander against his chest. "Reese will ask every nanny back in the

playroom; mind you, she has a way of discovering the truth."

"| know, surely, Tristan knows how to do it. He is a single dad!" Wendell proposed.

The men quickly called Tristan over. After an hour, he arrived, asking how he could help. After learning what difficult task

they had for him to do, he gasped, saying, No, | can't do that!"

"What?!!!" Almost all of them said at the same time. "Aren't you a single dad?" Keith asked.

"| am, but back home, | lived with my mama. | do many things for Ryan, but my mama does this," Tristan revealed. "| can

do it because Ryan is much older, but on a baby? | can't." "Fuck, I'm gonna have to learn how to do it," Sean said, hissing. Sweat formed on Sean's face before he leaned his baby

to the side, saying, "My, the heavens help me."

Sean gulped, his heart racing. He looked at his friends while bracing himself.

"You can do it, Sean. You can do it," Wendell encouraged. "Fuck, you guys don't even do it! Why did Reese force me to do this," Sean said, almost teary-eyed. With his left hand, he

lifted baby Zander's hand. He spread his son's fingers with his left hand. "Here goes nothing."

All the boys had that look of horror on their faces as Sean extended his right hand to Evan, asking, "Give me... the fucking

baby nail trimmer now!" 1

He gasped as Sean's right hand held the blue baby nail trimmer. He started with Zander's pinky and nearly shut his eyes

the second he cut the tip of the baby’s nail.

"This is so scary. What if | hurt my son?!" Sean complained.

"You are a courageous man," Kieth complimented.

The boys were closing in on Sean, feeling the tension, and their eyes studying his every attempt to cut baby Zander's nails. There was gasping. Their face formed sneers, and their brows repeatedly met.

When Sean was finally done, all their shoulders fell. The boys praised him repeatedly.

"You are the man, Sean!" Keith.

Wendell smirked, saying, "I am proud of you, Sean."

"I'm the man," Sean claimed. "I am the fucking man! None of you dared to cut a baby's fingernails!"

"No dispute on that, Sean," Evan said. "You are the man." "There is still a little pointed finger on his thumb, though, but that's okay," Tristan said.

Boosted with confidence for having trimmed nine out often fingernails perfectly, Sean cut the pointed finger on Zander's

right thumb.

"WAhhhh! Wahhhh!"

Sean's mouth fell on the floor. He accidentally cut just a little bit of his son's skin! "I'm dead!"

CHAPTER 200

: Family Day With Daddy

Time came and went.

One Saturday, Shantelle and Evan were on their way to the kids' school when the famous doctor received a call from the

Heart and Lung Center.

"Oh, my god. Okay. I'll be there," Shantelle said on the phone before giving her younger kids a look of regret. Amara also

went to the same school and was part of it too.

The school was having a Family Day activity. It was supposed to be a fun day for the kids, joining various games and

activities with their parents, but even before arriving, Shantelle was already bound to cancel on them.

"I will be back. It's just a two-hour operation, and I'll join the games halfway! " Shantelle claimed. She sneered before

turning to Evan, explaining," Doctor Chen fainted and found out she is pregnant. She isn't able to operate, and the patient

is already at the hospital, getting prepped.” 1

Evan turned to the kids and explained, "Guys, Mommy's work is to save lives! You understand, right?"

The kid's shoulders fell as they acknowledged.

Amara, who had just turned five, said, "Okay, Mommy. Promise you'll be there.

"But Mommy, who will dress me for the cosplay?" Amelia reminded. She and her twin brother were already seven and

participated in many activities because they were that competitive.

"Daddy and | are good/ Marcus said as if warning his father.

"I'm not going anywhere, buddy/ Evan said. I'll be with you until the end of the day, and so is uncle Miguel. Right, Miguel?’

Driving behind the wheels, Miguel answered, "Yes, sir!" Instead of going straight to the school, they dropped Shantelle off.

Shantelle reminded, "Call Lucas."

Their eldest son was practicing basketball with his team and coach at a different school.

The kids practically stared out the car's window as their limo drove away from the hospital. Evan had to encourage them,

'Guys, daddy's here!

Everything will be just fine."

Upon arriving at the school, though, everything became easy because there were so many games that the kids could play

without Shantelle. Thus, they were no longer missing their mommy.

Aside from the fun games, food booths were everywhere, and the kids scrambled to buy some treats too.

Miguel and Evan divided their attention with the kids. Miguel mostly ran after Amara while Evan took care of Amelia and

Marcus.

There was a time, however, when Amelia wanted to buy cotton candy, and Miguel ran out of chits to use. The school used

chits instead of money, so Miguel had to buy more chits for the family while Evan watched all three kids.

"Daddy, | want that!" Amelia said, pointing to a poppet bag behind them.

"Later, sweetie, | only have enough chits for your sister's cotton candy," Evan said while buying the cotton candy. "Calling participants for the relay games! Prizes are in store for you!" The announcer called.

"Daddy, | want to play! | want to play! They are giving away prizes!" Marcus said.

"Later, Marcus, we are waiting for Miguel," Evan reasoned. "And Amelia wants to buy something too."

Evan turned his back on Marcus and paid for the cotton candy. When he returned his attention to his son, he was gone!

His mouth fell open, asking Amelia, "Where did your brother go?"

"| think to the gym, Daddy," Amelia responded.

Seeing Miguel was still not there, he carried Amara with one arm and held Amelia's hand. "Let's go look for your brother."

It took some time, but eventually, Evan found his son. He was playing the relays with his classmates and was determined

to stay in the same spot.

While standing and watching Marcus, Ameilia said, "Daddy! Look there. My friends are there? Can | go to them, please?"

She was referring to the group of girls seated on a bench at the far end, and because they were in his line of sight, Evan

agreed. Next, Evan took pictures of Marcus. He was smiling as he sent them to his wife. He turned to check on Ameilia,

but she was gone! "What the 1

He took a full turn, his eyes turning like a hawk, hunting his daughter, but Amelia was nowhere in sight!

The man could not help but curse. He turned to Marcus and back to looking for Amelia, contemplating what to do first.

Fortunately, Marcus' game ended. He grabbed his son and carried Amara while searching for Amelia.

The man found Amelia with her group of friends, choosing poppet bags!

"Amelia! Why did you leave without telling me?" Evan asked.

"We were going to go back, Daddy/ Amelia reasoned. "You should always tell me where you are going," Evan said. He let go of Marcus and put Amara down to talk sincerely

with his other daughter.

After arriving at a consensus, Amelia said, "Okay, Daddy. | won't run off."

Evan smiled. He said, "Good girl."

He turned around and learned that both Amara and Marucs were gone! 1

"Why is this happening to me?" Evan looked through different booths and game areas and realized there were SO many

attractions around that his kids could not help but be invited! He called, "Amara? Marcus?"

He returned his attention to Amelia. His daughter said, "Daddy, I'll stay with my friends. We are going back to the

gym, | promise!"

"Okay, go back there, and I'll come to find you," Evan said. He looked around for minutes and finally found Amelia and Marcus. Amelia held a handful of candies that Marcus had won from a game. 1

"Marcus, this is the second time you ran off without telling me," Evan scolded. "You got daddy scared. Don't do this again."

He urged him to finish his game and brought the kids to find Amelia. Thankfully, Amelia was now with Miguel, and it

appeared to him that the marathon was already over.

Two hours had passed, but Shantelle was still not around. Lucas had texted Evan how he was on his way. His wife also

sent him a message, saying she was explaining the procedure to the patient's family and would head to school afterward.

The problem was Amelia's cosplay contest was starting, and heck, he knew nothing about make-up and wigs!

Still, Evan owned up to it, and Marcus was helpful enough to guide Evan. His daughter was playing Wednesday Adams.

While Miguel sat in the auditorium's front rows, Evan and the twins were changing backstage.

Amelia wore a black wig since her daughter was blonde and wore Wednesday's usually black and dotted dress. Fortunately, Shantelle left the make-up kit, so Evan tried to give Amelia those shadow eyes, but he overdid it. Amelia looked like she had black eye bags and eyelids. 1

Amelia checked herself in the mirror and exclaimed, "Daddy, | look scary! It's too thick!"

"Well, baby, isn't Wednesday supposed to be scary?" Evan justified.

Amelia's mouth fell open. She said, "You are right, Daddy! The man also had to practice the Wednesday dance with his daughter and felt embarrassed about dancing but had no

choice. His wife was still on the road!

"Daddy, should | dance like you?” Amelia questioned. 1 "What do you mean, baby?" Evan clarified.

"Like a stick, Daddy?" Amelia answered. 2

Marcus laughed. 1

A hiss left Evan's lips. 'Was | dancing like a stick?’ 1 Clearing his throat, the man said, "Well, isn't that Wednesday's character?"

"Okay, Daddy! I'll dance like a stick!" Amelia said. 2 Shantelle and Lucas eventually arrived just before the show started.

Amelia did not win the cosplay contest but still bagged second place. Evan could not be more proud, knowing his efforts

had paid off. 2

In the afternoon of that same day, the family regathered in the auditorium, where Marcus represented their class for the

Little Mister Bright Academy.

Evan, Lucas, and Miguel sat in the front rows with the rest of the kids while Shantelle aided Marcus in getting changed

from one attire to another. The judges evaluated Marcus in the contest for his style, good luck, and answers. Fortunately

for Lucas, having light brown hair and mixed qualities of Shantelle and Evan, he stood out a lot. 1

His biggest win was when all contestants were asked the final question of the day. The contest host asked, "What do you

want to be when you grow up?”

One by one, the contestants answered.

"| want to be a doctor!"

"| want to be a pilot!"

"| want to be an engineer, just like my dad’

"| want to be a teacher, like my mom!"

Evan thought Marcus would say he wanted to be a businessman since that was what he was.

When Marcus was asked the same question, the boy smiled at the audience and his father. He replied, "When | grow up, |

want to be a daddy! Because my daddy is a mix of everything! He is a businessman, he helps children, he dances with my

sister, and many things, but the best part is he is our daddy. Even when we make mistakes, he tells US he loves US." 3

"So, when | grow up, | want to be a daddy, just like my daddy Evan Thompson! Marcus concluded, and that garnered him

roaring applause.

Evan wound up teary-eyed in his seat, with Lucas patting his back. Lucas said, "He is proud of you, Dad.”

The end result? Marcus won as Little Mister Bright Academy. 2

After that day's tiring activities, Evan was supposed to be exhausted as hell, but he was energized.

They were driving back home. The younger kids were sleeping on their laps, and Lucas was in the front seat with Miguel.

Evan smiled from ear to ear as he told his wife, "Is today father's day? It sure felt like it." 1

"Did you enjoy your day with the kids, Hubby?" Shantelle asked.

"I loved it! | loved it! I'll attend every year's family day at school," Evan claimed.

CHAPTER 201

: We Made It

"You look beautiful, Mommy," Amara said before looking straight at the aisle and walking ahead. She was throwing rose

petals on the red carpet for Shantelle.

"Thank you, baby. | love you,' Shantelle softly replied before looking up in Evan's direction.

Her eyes gleamed, seeing her husband's handsome face. She felt lucky to have Evan, who loved her beyond words, following their second chance.

Time passed again, and Evan and Shantelle celebrated their tenth wedding anniversary through a ceremony. Shantelle now wore a crown fit for a queen. She wore a sleeved wedding gown with an A-line skirt. She had no veil on.

Shantelle simply wanted her face to be visible to everyone, especially since they only invited close friends and family to

their wedding.

She was walking to the tune of a song they both related as they overcame endeavors through the years, especially Lucas’

illness. It was a song by Kenny Rogers.

~ "| can't remember when you weren't there

When | didn't care for anyone but you

| swear we've been through everything there is

Can't imagine anything we've missed

Can't imagine anything the two of US can'tdo' ~

They may have failed in their first marriage, but to Shantelle, Evan made it up for their second. And following the song's

lyrics, she told herself how she was glad to have stayed with Evan through the years. With how they were about to review

their vows, Shantelle hoped for a better, loving, memorable, and fun-filled marriage.

Evan and Shantelle held their wedding on the vast lawn of their home, where rows of chairs accommodated their guests.

In front was a beautifully decorated gazebo for the couple to linger during the ceremony.

Once in a while, Shantelle would turn to the side and see the faces of her family and friends. A few of her co-workers were

there. Doctor Hale, who was now part of the center's board member, attended too. James was on the same side, including

Ryan and his dad, Tristan.

On the other side were Shantelle's college friends and their families.

Up ahead, her parents smiled at her. William no longer walked her down the aisle but sat with Amelia, Marcus, and

Eleanor. She was thankful to the heavens that her parents were graced with good health to be able to live this long and

witness their renewal of vows.

She could say the same thing to Evan's parents. Although, Erick could no longer walk alone in his late eighties. Still, for

his age, he was thriving.

Clara was still also doing well, being younger than Erick. The moment was already perfect. The mood was set, and Shantelle was excited to hold Evan's hand, but she supposed,

with kids around, a little laugh was bound to happen.

Shantelle was already closing in on Evan when, out of nowhere, Milan's two -year-old, Wendy, jumped in front of her.

Wendy ran to the middle and picked up pieces of the rose petals, and smiled at Shantelle. Wendell hurriedly followed behind his daughter and picked her up, mouthing at Shantelle, ‘Sorry.’

The little girl grunted. She insisted on reaching for Shantell while wiggling her body free from her daddy.

Shantelle offered her palm, and that's when Wendy gave the rose petals to her, including a flying kiss.

Everyone laughed at that point. Shantelle said to Wendell, "It's okay. It's okay.’

Samuel, John Adams, and Maxine were grouped together. Whatever gossip was going on with them, Shantelle was at

least happy they were in their seats. Karise's daughters, Kamila and Charlene, were taking pictures of her. Her best friend

directed her daughters on which shots to take.

When Shantelle did not find Keith, she looked further out, and saw him rocking their youngest daughter to sleep. All that

reading from Author Lilhyz got Karise pregnant again, but they still had a girl. They named her Kaitlyn. 3

When she returned her attention to her friends, she caught Sean, Reese, and Shauna smiling at her. She smiled back before finding their other visitors.

To her left, she saw Scarlett and her husband waving at her. They had flown all the way from Braeton to grace their wedding. She only realized that her son, Lucas, was seated beside Lily. Shantelle waved back and finally focused her

attention on Evan.

As soon as she stood before her husband, she held his hand, and he embraced her. He said, "My beautiful wife. Thank

you for marrying me again."

"Like | have a choice," Shantelle teased, and Evan narrowed his eyes at her.

The man pressed his lips against her ear and said, "You will get punished forthat... in bed."

"Have you ever considered maybe | like getting punished?" Shantelle whispered back, smirking.

"| - see - things - had - not - changed. Ten years passed, and you are still impatient,’ the officiant said. "Shall we have the

wedding, or do you want to skip and have the honeymoon?" 2

Yes. Evan and Shantelle hired the same officiant. They felt, he did such a wonderful job years back. They wanted the

same humor and brilliant words from the officiant, even if he had already aged.

As the wedding started, the officiant said, "A successful marriage requires falling in love with the same person many

times, and | see that in you, deciding to renew your vows in front of your relatives, friends, and now your children. Ladies

and gentlemen, we are gathered here today to witness Evan and Shantelle's renewal of vows..."

The ceremony went on until the officiant finally announced," Congratulations. Evan, you may now kiss the bride."

The couple shared a sweet and long-lasting kiss in front of their guests. They stopped to take a breather and returned to

kissing again for nearly a minute.

Evan and Shantelle giggled as they finally pulled away. From there, Evan turned to their guests and said, 'lt's time for the

party!

*k%k

The party was on the same lawn, next to the ceremony area. It only took half an hour for the couple to get ready, and the

party commenced. It was, yet again, another gathering full of dances and songs.

Although the couple decided on a simple celebration, they followed the same flow in a wedding party program. What the

couple enjoyed the most was their special dance.

They danced to the same song as their wedding ten years ago, entitled We both Know by Colbie Caillat ft. Gavin DeGraw.

A band played in the background, and two singers led the vocals.

Evan relished the dance, reminiscing on their marriage's excellent and challenging times. He embraced his wife sweetly

and repeatedly pecked her forehead and cheek. He said, "We made it, Shanty. Despite being thrown offtrack, we found

our way back to each other."

Shantelle smiled at him. She pecked his lips, saying, "Yes, Evan. We made it, and more to come.’

After exchanging sweet words, they kissed in front of the crowd and returned to dancing slowly to the song.

Their romantic dance must have been so infectious that his friends, Sean, Keith, and Wendell, started dancing with their

wives.

Keith and Karise were having their own slow dance, their hands around each other.

Sean and Reese made their own steps, turning them into a ballroom dance. They were giggling as they managed to wing

it perfectly.

Milan and Wendell, on the other hand, danced with little Wendy.

Seeing how their friends celebrated with them, Shantelle remarked, "We are not the only ones who made it."

Evan chuckled and replied, "I suppose you are right, Wifey... We made it with our friends close by and their helping hands.

However, setting aside our wonderful friends, are you ready for our honeymoon?"

CHAPTER 202

: Family Honeymoon - THE END

"Shanty, are you having a great time on our family honeymoon?" Evan asked while putting an arm around his wife.

"| think this is the best honeymoon we have ever been to," Shantelle suggested.

Evan groaned, saying, "You hurt my feelings." He pressed his lips against her ear and whispered, "What about those nights you scream my name?"

"Stop that. We are with the kids. And that's a different kind of honeymoon. You said it yourself. This is a family honeymoon." Shantelle warned while looking back at the tourist bus they had secured, especially for their family. Apparently, Evan's honeymoon trip for their wedding anniversary involved bringing all their kids with them. Shantelle had

no complaints, though, because getting the kids out of their heads was difficult. That was probably why they never got to

take the trip they had always wanted since Evan and Shantelle re-married. Often, they stayed within the country or the

Caribbean at most.

Their first destination was Paris. Next, they were headed to Rome and Greece. However, their itinerary focused more on

Paris since it was Shantelle's dream destination in the past. 1

"We are here!" Lucas announced, pointing outside the window. "The Eiffel Tower!"

"Wow!" Amara exclaimed. "What's so amazing about that?" 1

Evan and Shantelle laughed, including Miguel, who was with them to help watch the kids. Lucas chuckled, pointing out,

"My brother and sisters can't appreciate this yet."

Their bus pulled over, and the family slowly descended to tour Paris’ most famous attraction.

The family arrived around six in the evening, booking an entire restaurant and a VIP pass to the viewing area. In each

level, Evan told them about the trip he and Shanty made years back, "This is where your Mommy and | had dinner then!

We will also have our dinner here, only in a different restaurant.

|

After the family had a lovely meal, they went to the upper deck's viewing area, and it was when the younger kids finally

appreciated the Eiffel.

"The view is great!" Amelia said.

"Wow, look at all the lights?" Marcus said, pointing to the city.

"| like it here now," Amara proclaimed. 1

After the Eiffel Tower, Evan took his family to the Grande Roue De Paris, closing the entire Ferris Wheel for their family.

Before hopping in, Evan told his children, "This is where your mommy gave daddy a second chance." i

"What's a second chance, Daddy?" Amara asked.

"Ah, it's a long story," Evan said.

"| like long stories," Amara replied, encouraging laughter from Shantelle and Lucas. Miguel was also the same, chuckling

behind Evan, i

Holding Amara's hand, Evan admitted, "Daddy made a mistake before, and your mommy left me. So when we got back

together, that was our second chance.”

The man smiled and pinched Amara's nose, saying, "When you are older.

You will understand.” 1

Looking at the opened capsules, he changed the topic. "Let's hop in!"

"I'm going to have a single capsule with your mommy!" Evan announced.

"I'll take Amara," Lucas offered.

"I'll be with Amelia and Marcus," Miguel said.

While riding the Ferris Wheel, the adults took pictures of the other capsule or sometimes of themselves. They were admiring the view when suddenly fireworks erupted. "Oh, my god, Evan. Did you do this?" Shantelle asked, looking at Evan in shock.

"Of course, Wifey. Just to reminisce about the day we became a couple again," Evan said. They took pictures of each

other with the fireworks in the background. 1

From across their capsule, they saw Marcus and Amelia's reaction as they happily stared at the night sky. They turned to

Lucas and Amara and saw their little girl jumping for joy. 1 The fireworks display lasted for half an hour, and at the end of their rides, Evan told his children how he did the same for

their mommy years back.

The family had a magnificent first night in Paris. They visited the science and industry museum the next morning, where

the kids loved the robotics display, video games, and other technology. For the rest of their Paris adventure, they had their

portraits painted in the streets, rode on a boat, and saw the city through the canal.

After more than a week of a fantastic experience in Paris, the couple left for Rome and lingered there for three days. They

visited the ruins of ancient Roman temples, but the kids appreciated the pizza and the ice cream more. Thus, the highlight

of their trip to Rome was how they made pizza on their own!

Greece, however, was a different story. Their family went from one island to another, touring the small streets with white

buildings and narrow paths. Aside from shopping, they spent most of their time lounging in their rooms with a private pool

or simply enjoying the beach. It was an experience the kids thoroughly enjoyed. 1

On their last day in Greece, the kids were sad. They didn't want to leave, but they had been away for almost three weeks,

and it was time to return. Thus, they bid goodbye to Greece the next day and rode on a private plane.

The entire family, including Shantelle, expected to be back in Rose Hills, but to their surprise, their private plane landed at

the airport, two hours away.

After a seven-hour flight, Shantelle thought she imagined things, but when she got off the plane, she said, "This isn't Rose

Hills, Evan."

"| know,” Evan said with a wink. "One more trip before we head back."

"Are we still on vacation?" Amelia asked.

"Yes, we are, baby!" Evan confirmed. ’ For another week."

Shantelle's mouth fell to the ground, but Evan assured her, "| told Doctor Hale about you being away for a month. Don't worry. Everything is covered.

- The man pecked her cheek and added, "It's a surprise.”

It wasn't until they arrived at the beach resort that Shantelle finally knew why they were there. She was already smiling from ear to ear as they processed their resort check-in. "Wifey, you look happy," Evan teased.

"Oh, | know where we are going, Evan," Shantelle claimed, grinning like a fool and flushing. She hugged her husband and

said, "Thanks for remembering. | love you so much."

"I love you more, Shanty," Evan declared. "That's why | am taking you to the places where you gave me a second chance, and what better way to do that than to bring our kids along." 1

"They are going to love it," Shantelle suggested.

After checking in at the resort, they had an early dinner before walking along the shoreline.

"Where are we going, Mommy? Daddy?" Amara asked. "Somewhere special," Evan claimed. He was walking hand in hand with Shantelle.

Behind them, Lucas was holding Amara. Amelia and Marcus were walking in the same line as their eldest brother.

It was Miguel who stayed at the back most, watching the children.

"Oh, look over there!" Marcus said, pointing at the beach. "It's blue!" 1

"It's neon blue,” Amelia corrected.

"Kids, let me introduce you to planktons!" Shantelle announced. This was where your daddy took me on a date before." 1

"Come on, guys! This is pretty fun," Evan said. He ran with Shantelle, and they showed the children how to play along on the shores barefoot.

Running after her parents, Amelia asked, "What are planktons, Mommy?"

"| know that one!" Lucas offered. "Planktons are microscopic organisms carried by tides and currents. What we have here are bioluminescent ones. In large numbers, they cause the ocean's surface to sparkle at night." 1

"Wow! So they don't bite?" Marcus asked.

"They are too small to bite us, Marcus," Shantelle explained. "Come, experience the planktons.’

Lucas was the first to step into the waters after Evan and Shantelle. He showed his siblings, "See? I'm good."

Marcus followed, and Amelia did too. It took a while, but eventually, Amara joined in, stomping her feet on the water and forming footprints in the sand.

"This is so cool!” Marcus claimed.

Miguel captured the moments for the family; when there were more than enough, he disappeared to carry out another task for Evan.

Everyone was splashing water, holding the sand with their hands, and making the longest neon blue footprints on the sand. While they were absorbed in their mini adventure, Lucas suddenly noticed lights flying toward them. He frowned

and asked, "Drones?" 1

"Drones!" Marcus screamed, pointing to the sky. Shantelle, who was making footprints with Amara, gasped. She turned to Evan, asking, "What is this?"

With a shrug, Evan answered, "My last surprise!”

Over a thousand drones lined up in the sky. The kids were gasping and cheering excitedly as the lights formed a heart.

Next, the group of drones began a particular date: the date of Evan and Shantelle's wedding anniversary.

The drones formed an image of a man, a woman, and a young boy. Below the figures, names were given, and Marcus read, "Mommy, Daddy, and Lucas!"

The lights above the figures created two wedding rings, suggesting marriage. The drones assembled more words, and

Amelia read next, "Plus ten years." She chuckled and read, "Now there's me, Amelia, Marcus, and Amara!"

It was Shantelle's turn to read, but she did so silently asnshe watched the night sky: [To My Shanty, the love of my life,

Happy Anniversary. With you and our children with me, life is beautiful. Thank you for loving me and giving me such a wonderful family.] i

Shantelle's gaze was fixed on the sky, and she did not even notice how Evan wound up carrying a bouquet and a box of pineapple tarts. 1

Laughter escaped her lips as she sought, "Oh, god, Evan. Did you fly these from the Caribbean?"

"You bet. The resort received it for me," Evan said before kissing Shantelle's lips and hugging her. "Il love you, Shanty. So

much, and my love for you only grows in each day that passes.”

While maintaining the embrace, Evan urged his kids, "Say | love you to Mommy!"

"| love you, Mommy!" The younger kids said at the same time.

Lucas approached the couple and hugged them. He said, Happy anniversary, Mom and Dad. Thank you for getting back together and giving me a family." i

Shantelle did not know why, but Lucas' words made her cry. Because more than just loving her husband, she realized she gave more to her son by giving Evan a chance, i

Hugging Lucas again, Shantelle pecked his cheek, saying, "No, son. Thank you for being the connection between your dad and me." i

"And thank you." Evan winked at Lucas, saying, "For helping me win back your mom." 1

The three of them delighted in a hug again, and because they remained that way for minutes, the younger kids also jumped in a hug.

"Group hug!" Marcus exclaimed.

"Group hug!" Amelia echoed, and Amara also joined the embrace.

The couple did not know how long they hugged each other, but Shantelle and Evan concluded it was one of the best family embraces they have ever had.

After the family's long vacation, they returned to Rose Hills and resumed their daily lives.

Evan and Shantelle built relationships around them, especially maintaining their bond with Wendell and Milan, Sean and Reese, and Keith and Karise.

Throughout the years, they faced endeavors together, butnwith the strength of their union, love within their family, and bonds, they lived happily ever after, 1

THE END ****

CHAPTER 203

Author Announcement March 14,2023

My Dear Readers,

Thank you for reading this book until the very end. Despite how different this book started, you still supported me. | hope you loved the story of Evan and Shantelle, plus their friends. The biggest question now is, what is my next book? And When?

Answer:

For now, | have to plan the next book carefully. | will restnand announce on my page when | have another booknready for you to leave. | acknowledge, however, | owe you Lucas’ story. For now, nothing is definite. Let me take a break first. Haha.

April is also going to be busy for me with my kids.

Please follow me on my social so you can get an update on the next book. | will also put an announcement chapter in this novel once the next story is out. So, kindly keep this book in your library.

To my new readers, if you want to read my other stories, below are all my books

The Wright Family Series:

Mommy, Where Is Daddy? The Forsaken Daughter's Return (*)

Flash Marriage: A Billionaire For A Rebound

| Kissed A CEO And He Liked It (¥)

The Devil's Love For The Heiress

| Fell For A Boy His Daddy Was A Bonus (¥)

| placed an (*) on the books with the most reads or my bestsellers. Each book is a standalone. You can skip any books as you see fit.

Outside the Wright Series, | have two other books:

The Alpha Of Valmore: His Fight For His Luna And Heir The Playboy Superstar Versus The CEO

To my old readers, Evan and Shanty's book is an example where | include the stories of others. Now and then, | will be doing the same, depending on the main couple's story. Once again, thank you for the love, your patients, and for following me on this journey.

Until the next book,

LiLhyz

Bonus Chapter 1: Group Vacation

"Welcome to Saint Vincent!" Evan announced with his hands raised."

Courtesy of Carribean Sales." "This island, for me, is untouched - just gorgeous," Shantelle remarked as she disembarked from the cruise ship with her daughter, Amara.

The older kids followed down the stairs with Lucas and Miguel, then the rest of the gang followed. A year after Shantelle and Evan's tenth anniversary, all the friends agreed to take a break together; Keith and his wife, Karise, Wendell, Milan, and of course, Sean and Reese.

Naturally, everyone brought their kids along with their nannies, and a few security guards helped manage their party's safety.

"Oh, god! | miss the beach! This is so beautiful!" Karise exclaimed while carrying their youngest daughter, Kaitlyn.Karise carried herself with poise and glam when suddenly, she screamed," Ahhh!"

Her daughter had just slapped her on the face and laughed.

"You, okay, Mommy?" Charlene asked as she walked down with Kamila and her daddy.

Shantelle laughed, saying, "Oh, she is like you, alright. Fiesty!"

"Don't worry, Karise. We all had our fair share of being slapped by our baby kids," Milan said behind Karise. She held Wendy while Wendell held his twins, John Adams and Maxine.

Sean and Reese followed, with their children, Shauna, Samuel Reed, and Zander.

From there, they rode on a bus to a private resort, which was simply chaotic. The kids argued, ran around, ate shacks,

and made a mess.

Wendy was crying because Zander had taken her toy, and Kaitlyn was crying because it was noisy.

"I'm telling you, Amara, Jisoo is the best!" Maxine was screaming at the top of her lungs, defending her favorite artist.

"No, Lalisa is better!" Amara shot back. "She is the best dancer!”

"Both are good," Kamila claimed. "They are in the same band.”

In front of them, Amelia could not help but scold, "I'm reading a book.

Quiet down, will you, guys?"

Samuel and John Adams were chasing each other, sometimes bumping into one of the adults or younger kids that Sean had to call their attention too, "The two of you, stop running around.”

Evan and Shantelle were also calling Amara’s attention for insisting on her favorite K-pop artist. Amara was practically screaming, "Lisa! Lisa! Lisa is the best!"

"Alright!" Finally, Lucas stood up. He said, "Who wants to hear brother Lucas sing?"

"Me!" Amelia screamed.

"My brother is the best singer, better than Jisoo!" Amara retorted at Maxine, but the latter was eager to hear Lucas sing too.

Charlene took off from her seat and found Lucas first, saying, "l want to hear you sing, Brother Lucas."

Lucas took out his guitar and said, "Let's all dance to the music, shall we guys!"

"| wanna dance!" Marcus said, walking toward the back of the bus where Lucas sat.

"Oh, I'm also a fan girl of Lucas!" Karise claimed. She handed her daughter to Keith and added, "Sing for your aunt, Lucas, baby."

Lucas let out a low growl, and the adults laugh. Keith said, "He ain't a baby no more."

Lucas began to strum his guitar before singing the lyrics of Best Day of My Life by American Authors.

| had a dream so big and loud

| jumped so high | touched the clouds” ~

"Yeah!" Evan said, facing the back of the bus and clapping his hands.

Everyone's attention was on Lucas while snapping their fingers and clapping their hands to the tune.

~ "This is gonna be the best day of my life

My li-i-i-i-i-ife This is gonna be the best day of my life My li-i-i-i-i-ife" ~

From one song to another, Lucas entertained the kids and adults. Everyone sang while occasionally dancing to the tune. It became the most enjoyable bus ride yet.

When they all arrived at the resort with no kids getting hurt, no fighting, and no screams, the adults all thanked Lucas.

Wendell, for one, suggested," Hey Lucas, how much do you love your Aunt Milan and Uncle Wendell.

Care to watch our kids for two weekends?"

They all laughed. Lucas chuckled and said, "I'd be glad to visit them on your anniversary, Uncle Wendell."

"What about us?" Keith asked.

"And us too!" Sean sought.

"Hey! My son has a life too, guys!" Evan warned.

"We are just kidding, Lucas. We simply love you like our own," Reese hugged Lucas. Directing her gaze to the beach, she announced, "Picture time!"

"Damn, it's picture time," Sean said, shaking his head.

"| know exactly, what you mean,” Keith said, hissing. Heartbeats later, Miguel was taking charge of capturing the moment. The friends and their families were all standing behind the beach, under the sun's heat, taking their poses. "One, two, three," Miguel took the picture, but Wendy ran away. John Adams had his finger in his nose. Zander climbed up to Sean, and the latter missed looking at the camera. Kaitlyn pulled Karise's hair, and Karise had a complete frown on her face.

"Okay, we will take another picture," Miguel suggested before wiping the sweat off his face.

"Guys, we have to get it this time," Shantelle said.

Evan turned to the younger kids, saying, "Guys, I'll treat you with ice cream later, okay. Pose for the picture.” "Okay, another picture," Miguel warned. "One, two, three. Say cheese!"

"Ahhh! Ewwww! Cheese! | don't like cheese!" Wendy screamed. She wiggled her hand from Wendell and ran off.

"Wendy! Come back here, sweetheart!" Wendell raced after his daughter and caught her eventually.

When Wendell returned to their group, Evan said, "Okay, no more cheese this time, Uncle Miguel!” The man glared at the

younger kids and said, "For the twentieth time! Let's have a perfect picture!"

"One, two, three! Smile!" Miguel said before taking the picture, but sadly it was another fail.

"Argghh! Why can't we get a perfect picture!" Evan complained as soon as he approached the camera.

"Oh, forget it, Evan," Karise complained while everyone laughed. "Let's have another picture taken when our kids are older."

"Sorry, man. My kid is hyperactive!" Wendell said.

Let's just say the friends were bound to have another group picture in three to five years. Nonetheless, while they never got a decent group picture during the entire vacation, they had the most memorable experience, being together.

Bonus Chapter 2: The Thompson Cord Blood Foundation

"Please help us welcome, our founder's son and first speaker for tonight, Lucas Thompson," a host said in front of the stage, welcoming Lucas.

Years had passed. Lucas was now eighteen years old. His parents encouraged him to speak in front of many hopefuls,

looking at stem cell treatment as a potential cure for their illnesses.

Over the years, stem cell treatments have been used to treat several diseases, including cancer, anemia, and even disorders like cerebral palsy and Parkinson's. Still, with cord blood storage being so expensive, only a few individuals

could cope with saving their babies’ cord and placenta blood. Thus, Evan established a cord bank foundation where

depositors may only opt to give donations. Evan's co-founder was Kaleb Wright, his business partner at the Diamond Hotel.

That day was the foundation's opening. It was only fitting that the office is located at the Diamond Hotel while the blood bank remained at Saint Dominique Heart and Lung Center.

Everyone watched as the tall and handsome Lucas stood before the podium. Like Evan, he had those tantalizing eyes and a heart-shaped face that the young girls often adore.

Lucas waved at his parents and his uncles and aunts, who were also present. He glanced at his siblings, including the Wrights. Lucas especially smiled at Lily, who supported him that day. 2

Then, he looked at the screen to his left, where the critically ill patients could only watch the opening from theirbhospital rooms. Lucas spoke, "lt seemed not so long ago that | was once like you. | was trapped in the four corners of my hospital

room, wondering when | could get out.”

He smiled at those on a video call with them, saying, "Know that you are not alone, and while being sick is tough, there is

always hope."

"Like severe cases of anemia, | had aplastic anemia, where my bone marrow had stopped producing healthy cells. After

my diagnosis, | was often sick, admitted to the hospital, and brought tears to my mother's eyes. " Lucas looked down at

his paper, saying, "My mother would never admit it, but | knew | made her cry."

He went on to narrate his experience during chemotherapy. He said, "It wasn't a walk in the park." He turned to the

patients and said, "I felt what you felt - the pain and loneliness. | was often nauseous and, at some point, had an allergic

reaction to one of my drugs. I lived in the hospital for fourbmonths, missing my loved ones."

Lucas fixed his gaze on the audience of the four-carat conference room. He said, 'My parents never gave up on me, and

who was | to give up when my brother and sister gave their blood cord to me? Back then, | told myself | won't failnthem

because | wanted to be with them longer. | love them that much."

"Day by day, | claimed to be better. | have my siblings’ blood in me, and | fought my hardest, not wanting to waste that," he

added. "A miracle happened. | got better and have beennsince. | am Lucas Thompson, and | am anemia free."

"My siblings’ cord blood saved me, and | wish for some of you to have this miracle cure too. The Thompson's Cord Blood

Foundation is not just my father's and uncle Kaleb's vision but mine too. And so, with this organization we have made,

may the same miracle reach your veins the same way it did mine. May the heavens bless you and thank you for listening

to me today," Lucas closed, and the room applauded. 1 At the second row of the seats, Shantelle stood up, clapping her hands. She was in tears, proud of her son. Evan

followed, and so did Lucas’ siblings. 1

Lily was also in tears in the front row, giving the loudest cheering. She said,

"That's my best friend!" 1

When Lucas returned to the front row, he was met with many embraces; from his family, his uncles and aunts, and lastly from his best friend, Lily. Despite the distance, they had remained the closest of friends.

Back on stage, the host maintained to clap his hand before addressing his words to Lucas. He said, "Those were beautiful words, Mister young Thompson. You are indeed an inspiration. Your parents raised you well."

When Lucas sat on his seat, Marcus and Amelia hugged him tightly. Amelia said, "If | could speak as a baby, | would do the same again and give you my cord blood because you are the best big bro, ever." 1

"| just love you, Luc," Marcus said.

"And me too!" Amara approached, hugging Lucas. Shantelle, seated beside Lucas, hugged him again, saying, "Thank you, Lucas. You brought us so much joy, and we love you."

"Love you, son," Evan said.

Lucas smiled brightly at his parents before saying, "Love you too, Dad and Mom, and my crazy brother and sisters too."

©️🅰️/Ⓜ️