Jasmine chuckled in amusement, loving Grandma May’s funny quips. Jasmine had never met Zachary in person but got to know his aloof nature from her best friend. It was a wonder that he was related to Grandma May. Soon, Callum arrived. He was here to bring his gallivanting grandmother home. Nana reminded him to drive a cheaper vehicle. The cheapest car in the house was a BMW used by the housekeeper to get groceries. However, it was worth over a million bucks. Since it was too late to buy one, Callum had to borrow the gardener’s pickup truck. “Serenity, I’m here to take Nana home.” Callum came into the shop and said hello to Serenity. “Drive safe. Nana, please give me a message when you get home,” Serenity urged and gave them the crafts she made today. She gave Callum a copper-wire miniature tree. Callum was glad to accept the gift as he had grown to admire Serenity’s work after seeing them around the house. He believed Serenity’s handicrafts might not be worth a lot, but th
“What do you know?” Grandma May had her reasons. It then hit Callum. He asked with a smile, “Nana, are you putting one over Zachary?” Giving him a side glance, Grandma York murmured, “One more question, and you’re next.” That shut Callum up. Although Callum felt sorry for Zachary, it was best he stayed out of it for his own safety. Better Zachary than him. Grandma May was a child trapped in an adult’s body. Having found her inner child, Grandma May was on the prowl for setting her grandchildren up. Meanwhile, Serenity closed the shop and took the helmet from her best friend to put on. She also took the keys and said, “I’ll do it.” Sitting at the back, Jasmine wrapped her arms around Serenity’s waist. “If only you’re a man, Serenity. I’ll marry you right now, and that would get my mom off my back.” “Hold still! Keep your hands to yourself or I’ll throw you off the bike.” Serenity warned her best friend before starting the engine. Although Serenity often passed by B
“Ms. Sox, don’t leave so soon.” Not done flexing his superiority, Mr. Bill was reluctant to let Jasmine go. “I’m sorry, Mr. Bill. I don’t think we’re a good match. See you never.” Jasmine came clean about her thoughts before dragging Serenity away. They strutted on until Serenity came to a sudden stop. “What’s wrong, Seren?” “My husband.” “What?” Before Jasmine understood the meaning behind Serenity’s words, Zachary had drawn close. His profound eyes were fixated on Serenity as his lips curled into a smirk. Serenity could feel his sarcasm without him saying a word. What was he being sarcastic about? Serenity got her answer when she turned around and caught sight of Mr. Bill on their tail. Serenity explained, “I’m only tagging along my friend, Jasmine’s, date.” She was not in a rush to find the next sugar daddy. Zachary remained without a word. Jasmine got a look at her best friend’s husband at last! The man was a dreamboat! Afraid Zachary might take it the w
Serenity had no idea about the interaction between Zachary and Grandma May. It was a surprise running into Zachary at Beans and Cream, but putting two and two together, Serenity figured out why Zachary ended up there. What was the reason behind Nana’s actions? Was it so Zachary would get the wrong idea about her? It was not as if Serenity was on a blind date. It was Jasmine’s date. Even if Zachary saw her… Harking back to the scene at the coffee house, Serenity noticed the tension in Zachary’s face more than ever. Although Serenity tended to be slow at picking up cues, she could tell that Zachary took things the wrong way. Most importantly, Jasmine was at the loo, leaving Serenity with Mr. Bill by herself. It was a good thing Jasmine emerged from the loo right after. Her timely clarification loosened the tension on his clenched jaw. Serenity was clueless as to why Nana would do such a thing. She saved Nana’s life, but she expected nothing in return. It was Nana who remained
The video sent by Nana suddenly came to Zachary’s mind. Serenity was breathtaking when she was focused on making her crafts. Still denying that fact, Zachary watched the video multiple times nonetheless. He had to admit that he was captivated by the charm exuded by a confident woman at work. It was indeed eye-catching. It was said that women with confidence were the prettiest. All he saw was confidence in Serenity. She was a strong and independent woman. “I’ve never known and will never know what jealousy is… “Oh, you’re up?” Zachary was caught off guard by Serenity’s sudden presence in the living room as she emerged from the balcony. While still on the line, Callum replied, “I’m going to bed soon, but I thought of giving you a call before I turn in for the night.” Zachary terminated the call. Callum was speechless. “I dozed off on the swing. Your talking woke me up.” Wincing his face, Zachary told her off, “The night breeze can be freezing. Careful not to catch a
Serenity finished her breakfast and cleaned up in the kitchen before telling Zachary, “I’m going out. Don’t forget to lock the door on your way out.” Zachary glanced at her before turning his attention back to his toast. “That reminds me. Can I take some of the fruits to my sister’s?” She bought too much fruit the other day for the family event and they would be left to rot in the fridge since she and Zachary could not finish everything in time. Zachary answered, “Your sister is family. You can take whatever you want without asking me. You’re free to make decisions over household affairs unless it’s a matter that requires a discussion between us.” “We’re not that close, and I’m living in your house. I think it’s respectful to you as a husband to ask.“I’m not the type to hog all the good stuff for my own family. I bought a little too much fruit the other day and I think they’ll go to waste since we can’t eat that much. At least now my sister can have some before they turn ba
Zachary threatened the lady coldly. The apple of the Stones’ eye, Elisa was the princess of Stone Group’s chairman and the twin sister of the CEO, Clive Stone. Elisa was the most eligible bachelorette. “Hang on, Zachary.” Struck by a thought, Elisa turned around and ran back to the sports car to grab a huge bouquet of roses. She returned with the bouquet and shoved it through Zachary’s open window while saying, “These are for you, Zachary. I know you and my brother don’t get along, but I love you. I feel the need to confess my love to you, so you know I’m your one true love.” Stone Group and York Corporation might not be sworn enemies, but they were certainly business rivals due to clashing trades. Both groups were not on the best of terms, to say the least. Yet, it was love at first sight for Clive’s sister, Elisa, when she first laid her eyes on Zachary at an event many years ago. Due to the conflict of interest between both giants, Clive and her parents disapproved of El
“Don’t let the missus know about today.” Zachary told the people around him. The bodyguards heeded his instruction. Mr. Zachary was married. Yet, Ms. Stone openly professed her love to him. The missus should never find out about it. Elisa’s brazen stunt did not go unnoticed among those in York Corporation. The employees stole a few glances at their boss as Zachary walked into the building. Bearing a straight face with his lips pursed as always, Zachary took strides while being surrounded by his bodyguards. There was just a regal air about him. Such a man was a heartthrob to most young women. Many young female employees in the company would be swept off their feet after catching a glimpse of the young CEO. However, nobody had the guts to come clean about their feelings toward Zachary, let alone chase after him. The way ordinary people saw it was that the Yorks were far beyond reach. Even if the boys of the York family were known for their commitment to their partners, the
“She lost the child when she fell on her own. That was our family’s flesh and blood, too!”Since Sonny did not live with the Browns, and despite her many objections, Olivia did not voice her criticisms toward Jessica when she was pregnant, out of consideration that Jessica was carrying the Brown family’s child.It was Jessica’s bad luck that she fell and lost the child, which made Olivia lose a grandson. If she had just one more grandson, she would not be waiting so eagerly for Sonny to return. It was all karmic retribution! “Mom, that's all in the past. I'm doing fine now. If the child wasn't meant to be, then it wasn't meant to be. They just didn't want to come into our lives. Anyway, Jessica is still my wife. I should go and see her. If I hadn’t corrupted her, she wouldn’t have ended up like this. It’s my fault, I ruined her.”When Jessica first became his secretary, she was still innocent and never thought of seducing him. It was he who fell for Jessica, and it was also he wh
Unfortunately, their regret and realization came too late. “I heard from Sonny that you and Mr. Lewis are getting married soon. When will the marriage be?”Olivia tried to make herself sound calmer. “We’ll be heading to the City Hall to complete the procedures later.”Olivia went silent. After some time, she said, “Oh, today? Congratulations, Liberty. I wish you both a happy marriage.”“Thank you.”Olivia initially had a lot of things to say. However, upon discovering Liberty and Duncan were getting their marriage license that day, the words got stuck in her throat. Saying anything was meaningless.Soon, Olivia hung up. Once the call ended, Luke, who had been sitting beside his wife, asked, “How did it go? Did Liberty agree to Sonny staying with us for a few days?”Olivia was still stunned and did not immediately reply to her husband’s question. At that moment, Hank came out of his room in his pajamas. When he saw his parents sitting on the sofa, he yawned and asked, “Wha
Serenity asked, “Duncan has no comments about it, right?”“No. He said that Hank would always be Sonny’s biological father. Sonny’s surname won’t be changed to Lewis as well. He’ll remain a Brown. That’s part of Hank’s and my divorce agreement.”Since Liberty had signed the agreement, she would keep her promise. No matter Sonny’s surname, the fact that he was a member of the Brown family would not change. If so, there was no point in changing his surname. “Duncan is so easygoing.”At that moment, Liberty’s phone rang.It was Olivia. When Liberty recognized her voice through the phone, she whispered to Serenity, “Speak of the devil. Olivia is calling me.”“What did you say, Liberty?”Olivia heard Liberty whispering but could not hear her clearly. She asked Liberty to repeat herself.“I was talking to my sister, Olivia. Why did you call?”It was still early in the morning. “You’re back from Jensburg, right, Liberty?”“Yes.”“That was what I heard. Look. The year is almo
“He doesn’t even want kids and said having Sonny was enough.”Duncan did not care about blood relations. Liberty believed him. He only cared about her. If Liberty had not had to manage the Fisher family, she probably would have taken more time to consider whether she wanted a second child. However, Duncan's love for her ran deep. She decided to try for another child so that he could have a child of his own. Liberty did not want to be selfish. She could not prioritize only herself and Sonny. She had to be considerate of Duncan as well. “By the way, there’s something that I need your help with.”Serenity said, “Oh you, don’t sound like a stranger. We’re sisters. I’m ready to help with whatever you need.”“I have to go to Jensburg next year. I think I’ll leave Sonny here in Wiltspoon for his studies. I’ll ask for Sonny’s opinion again once my situation in Jensburg is stable. If he wants to move to Jensburg to live with me, I'll bring him over.“If he says no, I’ll need y
“Morning, Liberty. The housekeeper said you weren’t out yet, so I didn’t want to disturb you.”Serenity stood and smiled when she saw Liberty enter. “I woke up when you arrived.”Liberty whispered, “Sonny is still asleep. Let’s go downstairs. You can accompany me on a walk outside too.”“What time are you and Duncan meeting?”Serenity was worried that Liberty would be late. Liberty said, “We still have to wait until the City Hall opens. Duncan and I agreed to meet at nine. It’s still early.”The three adults exited the child’s bedroom and went downstairs. Zachary remained in the house while Liberty and Serenity went on a stroll in the garden. Liberty’s villa initially belonged to Zachary. Although he sold it to Liberty, it was also considered a gift. She was the one who insisted on paying and refused to accept it as a gift. Therefore, Zachary accepted some money from her so that she would take it. The villas Zachary owned were never small. They usually came with garden
“As expected of a child’s skin. It’s so smooth,” said Serenity. “Catch me if you can, Isaac…”Sonny spoke in his sleep and even giggled. He dreamt of him and Isaac playing tag. When Isaac started running after him, he quickly turned to escape while laughing. He did not realize that he was dreaming. “I have two dads, Isaac…”Sonny spoke again.Serenity laughed and told Zachary, “Sonny must’ve had a blast yesterday. Even his sleep talking is related to playing.”She pinched Sonny’s face lightly. “You do have two dads, Sonny. They love you a lot, so you have double the love.”Serenity spoke gently, regardless of whether he could hear her. She bent over and left a soft kiss on his cheek. “That’s why you must be happy. I wish you a carefree life ahead.”She hoped he would grow up healthily and be worry-free. Sonny was in a deep sleep and did not reply to her. Liberty watched them from the door with an affectionate gaze. She felt content. Zachary and Serenity had a st
The night went by peacefully. The next morning, Liberty could hear her gates opening when she stirred in her bed. Soon, she heard her housekeeper talking. “You’re early, Mrs. York.”“Mm. My sister is getting married today. I couldn’t go back to sleep after I woke up, so I decided to come over.”While Serenity could not help Liberty and Zachary out with anything, she was excited to the point she could not sleep. It took Zachary a lot of effort to persuade her to sleep. However, she woke up at dawn after having a dream about her parents. She could not go back to sleep afterward and insisted on going to her sister’s place. Zachary thought he could sleep in since he was on break, but his wife just could not fall asleep. There was no helping it. The doting husband accompanied his wife to her sister’s house early in the morning. The housekeeper smiled. “Ms. Hunt isn’t awake yet.”“It’s okay. I won’t wake my sister.”Serenity finally felt at ease when she was at Liberty’s ho
After a pause, she said, “Let’s meet at nine in the morning. Seren and Zachary will come over to my place. They’ll be looking after Sonny for me. I’ll head out after they arrive. You can wait for me at the City Hall’s entrance.”“No. I want to go to the City Hall with you.”Duncan did not want to wait for her at the City Hall. He wanted to go together.“Bring Sonny along.“We’ll be a family of three from tomorrow onward. We should bring him along.”He would officially become Sonny’s father tomorrow. It did not matter that he was a stepfather. It was Duncan’s first time adoring a child that much, and he did not expect that he would later become that child’s father.After giving it some thought, Liberty said, “Okay. Let’s take Sonny with us.“By the way, Sonny won’t change his surname after we get married. That was Hank’s condition when we got divorced. Since I promised him, I’ll keep to my word.”Sonny would still be the grandson of the Browns. He would not become a Lewis.
Although Sonny was backed by a few wealthy families and would be well-supported even if he was incompetent, they still hoped he would turn out to be an outstanding individual. That way, he could be independent and achieve his goals without much help. Duncan had not thought about Sonny’s education plan. However, he knew Liberty had high hopes for Sonny. Even Serenity had never neglected Sonny’s nurturing. Despite only being in preschool, Sonny had started various hobby classes. It was to build a solid foundation and develop his interest in certain hobbies while still young. The only time he could fully enjoy playing was during winter and summer vacations. Liberty and Serenity had similar philosophies when it came to children’s education. They believed children had to study hard and play hard. Liberty nodded and said, “Sonny can have all the fun he wants when he’s young. Once the situation in Jensburg is stable, he’ll have to study and live there.“I wonder if he’ll be willing