"Because every person should be an independent individual," she explained. "You should live for yourself and have your own interests, not just liking whatever I like."At twelve, Serenity was already in sixth grade and about to graduate elementary school. Growing older had given her a broader perspective."Isn't it good that I like what you like?" he asked."But I want you to have your own interests," Cynthia replied. "You can like things that I don't necessarily like.""I don't want to!" Jacqueline refused almost without thinking. "If it’s not something you like, I definitely won’t like it either!"He was so adamant that it left her momentarily stunned, unsure how to continue.Sometimes, his stubbornness made her feel helpless. Once he made up his mind, it seemed impossible to change it.Serenity, noticing the unusual atmosphere between them, approached and asked, "What’s wrong?"Cynthia shook her head and replied, "It’s nothing, Aunt Serene."Caden stayed silent.Serenity a
He was different. He grew up in the darkness. She was the one who had gradually brought light into his world. Yet, certain things were so deeply rooted that they could not be removed no matter what.He did not want to show his dark side in front of her, so he tried his best to become the person she expected."But..." Serenity hesitated, wanting to say more, but Jackson embraced her. "Stop worrying. Caden is only ten. He's only attached to Cynthia for now. We don't even know if he'll actually fall in love with her in the future or how Cynthia will react, so it’s pointless to speculate. Maybe things won't unfold the way we expect. For now, we just have to wait and see."If he really had to take action in the future, then he would.Serenity could only let the matter rest for now.After all, this was not a problem that could be resolved quickly.Meanwhile, in the Jenkins household, Cynthia was lying in bed, preparing to sleep when she heard two soft knocks on her door. She hesita
"Because we've grown up. You’re a boy, and I’m a girl, so we can’t sleep together anymore," Cynthia explained."But your parents sleep together, and so do mine," Caden countered."That’s because they're husband and wife!""Then let’s be husband and wife too."Cynthia was taken aback. Even though Caden was two years younger than her, he should understand what being husband and wife meant."Caden, how can we be husband and wife? We’re siblings!" She corrected him."Why can’t siblings be husband and wife?" he asked."Of course siblings can’t be husband and wife!" Cynthia replied. It seemed like common sense to her."Why?" he pressed.Being twelve, Cynthia couldn’t articulate her reasoning. She simply said, "It’s just not allowed!""Even if it’s not allowed, I’ll make us husband and wife," Caden insisted.Cynthia studied him, knowing how stubborn he could be. Therefore, she decided not to argue further. "But I want you to always be my good little brother. Now that we’ve grown up
No one had pursued Coco. It was always her who made the move first."Something on your mind?" a low voice asked suddenly, bringing Coco back to her senses. Coco looked back to see Lucas beside her, his hair still slightly wet."Let me dry your hair," Coco offered, taking the towel from his hand.Coco began drying Lucas' hair with the towel, and Lucas naturally bent forward slightly, making it easier for her to reach his head."Has the baby eaten?" Lucas asked."Yes, she has. She'll probably go to sleep in a few minutes," Coco said. It was normal for newborns to be always sleeping, waking only long enough to eat before falling back asleep. "When she sleeps, you should go to bed early too," Lucas urged. "You'll probably have to wake up in the middle of the night again.""Yeah," Coco answered."So, what was on your mind?" Lucas asked again, back to the previous topic. "You seemed lost in thought.""Just thinking about the boys that'll be after our daughter in the future," Coc
"Speaking of which, when Lisa was pregnant, how did Morgan know that Renee was a baby girl? And why did he save Lisa and set up this arranged marriage? What is the Wood family thinking?""The Wood family wants Renee to marry Morgan eventually," Lucas said. "The Wood family always sends Renee expensive gifts on her birthday.""I heard the Wood family is secretive. Are they old money?" Coco asked. She had heard of this from Lisa before. Coco did not know much about families like this, and neither did Lisa.According to Lisa, she had not even seen Morgan's parents before. Only Morgan and his men came to visit the White family. The men with Morgan were all middle-aged and highly skilled martial arts practitioners yet very respectful to Morgan. Lisa told Coco how Morgan's men had protected Renee during an attempted kidnapping case. They restrained the kidnapper before he could even reach Renee, and Morgan had quickly taken Renee to safety. Later, Lisa learned from Terry that the kidn
"Prove it?" Coco was caught off guard. "How… How do I prove it?""Just like this…" he trailed off.Lucas put his lips on hers, making her realize what he meant. She closed her eyes, indulging in his passionate kiss. He deepened the kiss, kissing her until she was breathless. When he broke the kiss, Coco stared at him, panting and mesmerized by his heated stare."I… I just had a baby. You'll have to wait a while, so…" Coco stammered.Lucas smiled. "I know, don't worry," he reassured. "I'm not going to do anything. I just want to hold you to sleep, but… You'll have to make it up to me in the future."Coco felt her cheeks blush more as Lucas whispered sweetly. She had never realized it before, but he was a natural at saying things that made her blush. Unable to say yes or no, she pulled her gaze away and buried her face in her husband's neck.Lucas widened his smile as he glanced at the woman in his arms and then at his daughter in the crib. He would devote his life to them, and s
All Frederick's fear about Morris disappeared just like that. He hoped Morris would be gone for good, but he had no idea if Morris would ever show himself again.Perhaps Jackie would gradually forget Morris. After all, she had not known him for long."Now that Morris is gone, are you still giving up on the piano? You can pick it up again and practice more. Jackie likes to hear you play, after all.""I won't spend too much time practicing the piano," Frederick said, his voice resolute."Dad, I'm giving up piano, and I mean it. I know no matter how hard I practice, I won't be able to create that uniqueness Jackie talked about in the sound of the piano..."Frederick tried to play less mechanically but failed. He knew it was futile trying to keep Jackie with his piano playing. It was Morris this time, and it could be someone else next time.There were plenty of talented pianists around the world. Jackie could fall in love with someone else's playing at any time.Knowing this, Freder
Lucas would let Coco educate their daughter and not intervene, but he would always hug and comfort Beatrice later. Beatrice was smart enough to know what to do. She would wrap her arms around his neck, wanting more hugs and support from Daddy. Even so, she would never complain about Mommy, because Daddy would never condone this behavior.Although the little girl was only three years old, she knew who held the most power in the family.Meanwhile, back at Beatrice's birthday party. The little girl turned her head and looked expectantly at Coco. "Mommy, I've been a good girl today. You have to take me to the new playground like you told me.""Okay, it's a promise," Coco said.Beatrice became interested when Renee told her about the newly opened playground in town. She had always wanted to visit the gigantic playground Renee mentioned during her last visit."Alright, be good today. Mommy and Daddy will take you there on the weekend," Coco promised.The little girl had a beautiful s