Ch. 1971..1980
Chapter 1971
Her pitiful act was for nothing, because Larry knew her well enough to see through her facade.
“I met Joan earlier today, and she kept targeting me… She even tried to hit me! Look what she did to
my arm, Lars! It’s all bruised…” Big, fat tears rolled down Gabriella’s cheeks.
“Quit acting, Gabriella. I’m well aware of Joan’s character, as well as yours. I’ve tolerated you long
enough. This ends today! I don’t care whether you choose to abort the baby or give birth to it. However,
I will compensate you with a large sum so you can take the money and disappear from my sight
forever!” Larry unleashed all his pent-up anger and frustration.
He never wanted to see this woman again. Even if the child was really his, he knew he couldn’t stand
sharing a life with Gabriella. He could never tolerate having such a heartless and unscrupulous woman
by his side. The thought of it brought a bitter taste to his mouth.
“N-No. I will never abort our child, Lars!” Gabriella howled furiously.
Larry glared at the woman before him in disgust.
The biggest mistake he ever made was going to that bar when Joan was away.
Larry threw one last glare at Gabriella, who sat on the sofa before leaving her. He decided then and
there to come clean to his wife. He didn’t care if she refused to forgive him; all he knew was he had to
tell Joan the truth.
“Lars!” Gabriella called out desperately from behind him.
However, he didn’t even spare so much as a glance at her.
“Larry, what do we do now?” Caspian queried in a low voice.
He was worried about Larry and Joan.
Their love was something that he acknowledged greatly; those two had been through hell and back.
However, what happened with Gabriella wasn’t any ordinary issue that happened between couples.
Hence, they couldn’t turn a blind eye to her.
“I’m home.” Larry sounded fatigued as he dragged himself through the door.
But Joan didn’t respond at all. She sat in the living room and focused on watching a show with Lucius.
“Dad, you’re home!” The boy pounced into his arms.
“There’s my little man!” Larry stroked his head whilst quickly glancing in the sofa’s direction.
Joan turned to face the other way and left for the kitchen where Delilah was. There, she offered, “Let
me help, Ms. Young.”
“You two should talk things out. Sometimes all it takes is patience and communication to solve the
problem.” Delilah comforted softly whilst slicing the tomatoes.
Joan hesitated for the briefest second before resuming with her neutral expression.
“Things have already happened. There’s nothing more to say,” she stated coldly.
Silly girl… there must be something more to it. Why on earth would Larry do something so dumb?
Then again, I suppose that’s just how stubborn we women are. We refuse to hear others out after
assuming they’re bad people.
“I still think you should talk to him,” Delilah mumbled.
Meanwhile, Larry stared at the television screen whilst Lucius sat in his lap. However, his mind flooded
with images of Joan’s face.
She must really be mad at me.
Disappointment crept into his darkened face.
“Dad, what’s wrong? Why do you look so upset?” Lucius whispered as he looked up at Larry with a pair
of narrowed, inquisitive eyes.
“Mom was like this too. Did you guys fight? Because if you did, then you should give in to Mom. As
men, we must be responsible and compassionate.” Lucius motioned a ‘V’ sign at Larry whilst grinning.
When did this boy become so mature? He even knows how to navigate adult problems.
“Now, why would we fight? Your mom and I are as fine as ever, don’t worry.” Larry ruffled the boy’s
head reassuringly.
Dinner was soon ready, but Joan didn’t have an appetite. Regardless, she still forced herself to join
them in the dining room since she didn’t want Lucius to feel like something was wrong.
Chapter 1972
“Come now. Your mom made these baked ribs herself, so make sure to have plenty, okay?” Delilah
cooed at Lucius.
“Okay! Thanks, Mom and Grandma, for the food!” Lucius said in a salute-like voice.
Without a word, Joan flashed an awkward smile at Larry.
“Uh…” Lucius suddenly made a distressed sound.
“What’s wrong, Lucius?” Joan immediately rushed before the boy.
“Mom, your baked ribs…” Lucius faltered.
“Hmm…?” Joan’s eyes shot suspiciously at the dish she made.
Is something wrong with it?
She immediately picked a chunk of the meat and placed it in her mouth.
Arrgh! She spat out the entire chewed-up chunk of meat. Her face warmed with embarrassment as she
apologized profusely, “I’m so sorry. I mistook the salt for sugar. It’s way too salty to eat. I’ll get rid of it
now.”
Joan paced off without hesitation, ready to dispose of the dish.
“Hang on.” Larry ran and blocked her with his arms. He blurted out, “Let’s not waste it. I like salty foods,
and salty ribs sound great to me.”
Seeing this, a pleased grin spread across Delilah’s face.
Good on Larry for being so quick-witted!
“N-No, quit playing around. This is literally inedible. I’ll make it again for you tomorrow if you really like it
that much,” Joan muttered nervously.
However, Larry refused to let her go.
“It will be fine. Lucius, your teacher taught you not to waste precious food, right?” Larry eyed the boy.
To his delight, Lucius responded accordingly, “Mm-hmm! Dad’s right, we shouldn’t waste precious
food.”
Attaboy!
Larry raised a thumbs up at Lucius.
In the end, Joan placed the baked ribs back onto the dining table. The rest of the meal went on in
silence. They would only play along by cracking a laugh or two whenever Lucius made a joke.
Then, everyone finished up some house chores before returning to their respective rooms for the night.
Joan lay on her bed, staring wide-eyed out the window in deep thought.
She wasn’t sure how to ask Larry for a divorce. At the same time, she didn’t understand why he still
hadn’t told her the truth about Gabriella.
But some things have to be dealt with, eventually.
How long is planning to hide it from me!
A trace of melancholy blurred her eyes.
“Larry!”
“Joan!”
The two called out each other’s names simultaneously.
“You go first.”
“You go first.”
They said the same thing at the same time again.
“It’s alright. You can go first,” Joan suggested softly.
If he comes clean about Gabriella, then at least I married the right man who faces his problems head-
on.
“I heard about what happened at the hospital today, and there’s something I need to tell you.” Anxiety
and helplessness showed on his scrunched-up, frowning face.
“Back when you suddenly went missing, I found out that you and Dustin actually went overseas. That
made me bitter inside. So I kept going to the bar, and one day, Gabriella appeared. She smelled of your
usual perfume scent… I thought you had returned to me…” Larry’s explanation trailed off as he felt
guiltier by the second.
So it really did happen in a bar!
And Gabriella didn’t lie!
It was as if something snapped in Joan. Her eyes blurred with even more sorrow than before.
“So what now? Is the child in Gabriella’s tummy yours?” Joan’s words struck onto him like a whip.
“I don’t know. I remember nothing from that night. The next day, I…” Larry’s voice grew quieter.
He didn’t want to say any more.
It was painfully obvious what had happened between him and Gabriella.
“That’s enough.” Joan turned so that her back was facing him.
“Joan, I know I messed up. You can punish me however you see fit.” Larry inched closer and wrapped
his arms tightly around her.
What’s the use of punishing him? Joan mentally scowled. Will punishing him remove the baby in
Gabriella’s tummy? Will it undo everything that he did with Gabriella that night?
Chapter 1973
“Let’s get a divorce,” said Joan in a low voice as she held back her emotions.
She could not bear to see an unborn child being abandoned by its own father. Furthermore, she did not
want to see Gabriella’s face haunting her every day. She knew that whatever had been done was done,
and there was no going back.
“Joan,” Larry said pleadingly as he held her hand tightly, his eyes full of pain and affection.
However, at that moment, Joan did not feel even a hint of warmth. Perhaps relationships were simply
that fragile sometimes. Once one party crossed the bottom line, there was no way to salvage the
relationship anymore.
“Larry, I don’t blame you. Really. I hope that you’ll be responsible for Gabriella’s child now, just as you
took responsibility for us before.” Joan’s gaze carried a hint of reluctance and helplessness.
At once, the room fell silent and the air stilled.
We can’t even verify if the child is mine yet. How am I supposed to take responsibility?
“We haven’t got to the bottom of things yet, so don’t jump to conclusions, okay?”
Joan sneered.
It’s such an obvious, earth-shattering piece of news. Is it still not clear enough for you? The child in
Gabriella’s belly was the biggest proof!
“I’m tired. Let’s go to sleep,” said Joan, ending the conversation there. Then, she lay down and closed
her eyes.
The next morning, sunlight shone into the room, warming up the place. Joan rolled over on the bed but
noticed that the person next to her was gone. Did he go to work? Or did he go to see Gabriella?
Immediately, Joan’s eyes dimmed with disappointment.
“Joan, the manager came by this morning and asked you to go back to work at the supermarket. He
wants you to take over the supervisor position. What do you think?” Delilah said suddenly.
Joan was taken aback by that. She had already been thinking about going back to the supermarket to
find some work but did not expect that she would get promoted.
However, once she thought of Freya, a cold look flickered across her gaze. No matter how fragile
Gabriella currently was, she could not make up for her previous mistakes.
Knock, knock, knock! Gabriella, who was in the living room, frowned slightly when she heard the
forceful, urgent knocks on her door. It doesn’t seem to be Larry’s style but is also not as violent as
something Caspian would do. Who is it then?
The knocking continued relentlessly as she slowly made her way toward the door.
The moment she opened it, she was stunned.
“You… Why are you here?”
“I’m here to see you and our baby,” said the man as he gently pulled Gabriella into his arms.
Her anxiety and panic were clearly reflected in her eyes, which was exactly the outcome that the man
wanted.
Human nature was interesting at times. It could allow two people who only met once to have feelings
for each other, causing unexpected things to happen between them. Gabriella had only used that
man’s body to get pregnant on the spur of the moment and had not expected that her wishes would
really come true.
“Baby, don’t you miss me? I missed you so much,” the man said as he pulled her into a tight hug.
As if. I can’t wait to run away from you. Why would I even think about you every day? This b*stard’s
really disgusting. That day, I’d clearly said that he should take the money and leave. But now, he’s here
at my door.
“Well, you’ve seen me. You can go now,” she replied coldly.
At that instant, his gaze became gloomy.
This b*tch really only sees me as a tool. She’s throwing me away once she’s done using me, without
even a word of thanks. You’d better not push my buttons, Gabriella. If I get angry, there’ll be heavy
consequences!
The man clenched his fists tightly, his gaze bitingly cold.
They say that once a man gets involved with a woman, she would become a drug that was difficult for
him to quit. Indeed, that man not only desired Gabriella’s beauty but also her overseas inheritance.
“Don’t come looking for me again next time. I’m very busy.” She then flicked his arm away and walked
toward the sofa.
Evidently, she was a stubborn woman that could never forget Larry. However, it was a pity that he only
had eyes for Joan.
Chapter 1974
“Gabriella, am I not good enough for you? If something about me makes you unsatisfied, I’m willing to
change,” he whispered into her ear.
Instantly, Gabriella’s body heated up.
This idiot keeps using this trick! She shook her head in an attempt to clear her thoughts and make
herself more awake.
“You’re not the person I want. It’s as simple as that. Just go abroad. I’ll pay for it.” Gabriella then took a
sip of coffee.
Wow, is she trying to drive me away? She has to be the cruelest woman in the world.
“I’ll miss you. Why would you say that to me?” said the man coquettishly.
However, Gabriella hated men who acted coquettishly the most. Naturally, she felt disgusted by his
actions.
“Get lost. Don’t make me regret whatever I did with you,” she shouted, her gaze fierce.
Immediately, the man froze before he quickly composed himself again.
“What’s wrong, Gabriella? I’m here because I miss you…”
She sneered, for she knew what he was trying to do.
All men were bad and greedy. Just some time ago, she had witnessed him behaving intimately with
other women, but right then, he was saying that he missed her. Does he really think I’m a three-year-
old that only needs some coaxing?
“You should go. I don’t want to shout at you. You should clearly know what you did. I don’t think you
need me to list them out one by one.” She glared at him fiercely.
Suddenly, the man let go of her as a trace of anxiety flickered across his eyes.
Did she know about it? But so what? She’s just a b*tch who lies in bed like a starfish. If not for her
wealth, who would come looking for her? She’s really overestimating herself.
“What do you mean? No matter what I do, I only have you…”
Damn it! Why doesn’t he leave? What exactly does he want? Gabriella clenched her fist, resisting a
strong urge to strike across his face.
Only after a long time did the man finally leave. Before he left, Gabriella gave him a card.
“Pretty boy, you’re making yourself seem really great and loyal, but you’re not.”
Bam! Gabriella then slammed the door in his face.
My luck’s really like shit. I can’t believe I met such trash.
Meanwhile, Larry was in his office with his head lowered and his eyes focused on a file. However, his
mind was instead full of thoughts about Joan.
Was she serious about what she said yesterday? Is divorce really the only option? As he pondered, he
turned to look out the window, with a trace of sadness in his eyes.
He had originally thought that they would be together forever. However, right then, it seemed unlikely.
Ring, ring, ring…
Larry glanced at his phone screen, then immediately picked up the call.
“What’s the matter?” he asked, his voice a little tired and languished.
Caspian hesitated for a while, then replied in a low voice, “Larry, something feels wrong.”
What’s Caspian up to again?
“What’s wrong?” he asked as he flipped through the document.
“While I was following Gabriella today, I noticed a strange man going to her house. She looked very
flustered when she opened the door, and he was there for a very long time before he left…” explained
Caspian.
Instantly, Larry’s eyes lit up.
Gabriella was not someone who would just allow any strange man into her home. Therefore, there
seemed to be a hidden secret behind it.
“Go investigate that man and what his relationship is with her. Maybe we’ll find some useful evidence,”
said Larry coldly.
Then, after they made some more plans, they hung up.
If they didn’t have some special relationship, there’s no reason for her to have such an unusual
expression. Gabriella, you’d better not let me find out anything. Otherwise, I can’t guarantee that I won’t
do anything to you!
Chapter 1975
A cold look flashed across Larry’s eyes as he continued to contemplate the situation.
“Hey, Joan, why are you back again?”
“Yeah, did you miss us?”
“Look at you. You became the supervisor as soon as you come back…”
Several women had gathered around Joan when she arrived at the supermarket, chatting happily about
Joan’s return.
Although they were all women, compared to those in the city, women in the village were more
enthusiastic and warmer, and there was no scheming and deception amongst themselves.
Perhaps it was because people in the village rarely went to the city. Thus, they did not know of such
schemes and traps and only occasionally joked around with one another.
“Yeah, I’ve missed all of you,” replied Joan.
The manager broke into a satisfied smile as he watched the scene in front of him. In the past, he had
already wanted to promote Joan since most store employees really supported and liked her. However,
she had rejected him. Therefore, right then, things were going great. He was able to promote her, and
work would be able to start normally again for everyone.
“Hey, remember the man from that day? Do you have his contact information?” asked a woman in a
low voice as she looked at Joan anticipatingly.
Judging by the shyness in her expression, Joan realized that she must have fallen for Dustin.
“Come on, what are you doing? Why are you getting his contact number? He’s Joan’s friend,” said
another older woman as she patted her shoulder lightly.
Instantly, the woman who had asked for Dustin’s contact dulled, her face full of disappointment.
“But Joan already has Larry,” she replied, pouting.
Right away, sadness flashed across Joan’s eyes.
Soon, he won’t belong to me anymore. I wonder what’s his decision about the divorce?
“You brat, come over here and start working!” the older woman said, walking over to grab the pouting
lady.
“Don’t overthink it, okay? She doesn’t have any bad intentions,” said another woman in a low voice.
Joan knew that none of them really had any malicious intent. She was the one who had overthought it.
Moreover, she also clearly knew that even if she divorced Larry, she would not choose to be with
Dustin. He was only suited to be a friend, not a lover. For this reason, she had constantly refused his
past confessions and was not about to accept it then.
“Do you know what happened the day Ms. Brooks had an accident?” asked Joan seriously as she
stared at the woman in front of her.
She would not let Freya suffer in vain, having to lie in bed in a vegetative state while the culprit got
away scot-free.
The older woman shook her head and sighed. “It was actually quite tragic. The manager didn’t even
need her to go on a business trip, but she requested it by herself. We’d all thought that she was dealing
with something upsetting and wanted to take a breather, so we didn’t stop her either. Who would’ve
known that she’d meet with an accident…”
Hearing the woman’s words, Joan’s eyes dulled instantly.
When it came to something like fate, unexpected things could happen since no one was able to predict
the future. Some people could be rich one day but end up a beggar the next. Others could be beautiful
but disfigured by the next day.
Maybe, as humans, we needed to have such experiences.
“Joan!” Suddenly, a familiar male voice rang out.
At the same time, everyone around her sighed in amazement.
“Wow! He’s so handsome. Where’s he from?”
“You only know it now? I’d already seen him when I went to the hospital that day…”
As the women spoke among themselves, Dustin slowly walked over to Joan with a slight smile on his
face.
“Why are you here?” she asked softly.
She could not figure out why he had arrived at the supermarket at that time.
“I heard you were back at work,” he replied casually as he looked around.
How did he know about it? Was someone in the supermarket on his side? Feeling curious, Joan looked
suspiciously at the man in front of her.
“How’s it going? How’s your first day of being a supervisor? Tiring?” Dustin lightly patted her on the
shoulder.
Chapter 1976
He even knows about the promotion? What exactly is with this guy?
Just then, the several women standing around them covered their mouths as they giggled, their gazes
filled with interest.
“Are you here for something?”
Dustin was stunned for a moment before he composed himself again.
“Nothing. I just came to see you,” he replied, shrugging.
“Hi there, handsome. Can you give me your contact number?”
“Yeah, me too…”
Suddenly, the women rushed toward Dustin, asking for his contact number with both shyness and
courage.
“Sure, we’re all friends, aren’t we?” he replied with a smile.
Since when did they become friends? Joan watched the people as they interacted with Dustin.
“Okay, thanks, handsome!”
“Do you want my autograph?” Suddenly, Dustin turned around to look at Joan with a playful smirk on
his face.
He’s really quite bewitching. He’s handsome and has a good personality…
“No thanks, I have to get to work. You should go if you have no business here,” she replied bluntly, not
wanting the others to misunderstand. At least at that moment, her husband was Larry, not Dustin.
“I just arrived, but you’re already trying to drive me away. You’re so cruel.”
“Don’t leave. You can stay here as long as you like, handsome,” a woman hastily replied.
Joan was stunned.
We’re at work right now. Are you sure we should be doing this?
Just then, the manager walked over and said, “Mr. Silverman, I’ll be heading off first. You can take over
from here.”
The women, including Joan, were taken aback by his words.
Even the manager was speaking to him so politely?
“What exactly is happening?” she asked, nudging Dustin on the arm.
What else could be going on? The supermarket had to be his!
Originally, the manager had been extremely reluctant to hand over the supermarket to Dustin.
However, Dustin had made use of his own connections during the negotiations with him. Therefore,
since he was only a normal villager, he did not want to cause more trouble and could only obediently
invite Dustin in.
“Why don’t you have a guess?” Dustin said with a smile, keeping her in suspense.
When the others saw that scene, they started to grin and gossip amongst themselves.
“He’s so charming. He actually took over the entire supermarket for a girl.”
“Of course he did. Who wouldn’t do it for Joan?”
“He’s handsome, rich, has a good personality, and is even responsible. Oh my god, he’s basically
perfect.”
The women continued to whisper to one another, their eyes full of admiration as they stared at Dustin.
“Don’t be a fool, Joan. It’s so obvious. Can you not tell?” a woman said as she stepped forward to pat
her on the shoulder.
Of course, Joan could tell. However, she did not want to admit it.
“Dustin, come outside with me for a while,” she said, pulling him out.
The crowd then slowly dispersed when they left.
“What’s wrong?” The man gave her a suspicious look, not knowing why she had dragged him out.
However, Joan was only filled with anger then.
“Why did you come here?” she asked coldly as her eyes flickered with anger.
Upon hearing her tone, his eyes instantly dimmed with sadness. Does she not like me? Larry had just
cheated on her, and the pair were on the verge of getting a divorce. All Dustin wanted was to care for
her and accompany her when she felt the most helpless. But, she…
“You don’t want me here, do you?” he asked in a low voice, with a hint of disappointment in his tone.
Having witnessed a confident man suddenly become so depressed, Joan instantly felt sorry for him.
Forget it. Let him do whatever he wants then. He’s not hindering me anyway.
“It’s fine. I was too impulsive just now. Don’t mind me. But this is still a supermarket. It’s our workplace.
I hope you…” Joan looked as if she had something else to say but held herself back.
Chapter 1977
Since Joan knew what was on Dustin’s mind, it was all the more reason she could not let him show it in
front of others.
“I know what you’re thinking. Don’t worry,” Dustin said as he lightly patted her on the shoulder.
Subsequently, they headed back into the store.
Soon, the workday had passed, and most of the supermarket employees had gone home. Only Joan
and Dustin were left behind, still busy. As it happens, the others had purposely left both of them some
alone time. Ever since the incident at the hospital, they had been indifferent toward Larry and were
instead anticipating Dustin’s actions.
“Joan, let me send you home,” he suddenly shouted.
It was only then that Joan realized it was already time to get off work.
However, she did not want to go home and face that man.
“You can go off first. I’ll head home soon,” she hurriedly replied.
At that moment, she wanted to be alone and have nothing to do and think about. She wanted to stare
into the sky, with only the moon to accompany her as she counted the stars.
“What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?” he asked as he walked over to her.
“No,” she replied coldly.
In reality, Dustin had known all along that she was in a bad mood. She was either constantly worrying
about something or had her thoughts occupied with something else. The issue with Gabriella was
probably a big blow to her, wasn’t it? As he watched her, Dustin felt heartbroken.
Although the situation with Gabriella was considered a good thing for him, he did not want to see Joan
disappointed and upset.
Sometimes, it was magical to fall in love with someone. When they laughed, so would you. Similarly,
when they cried, you would be sad too. Without rhyme or reason, one would be happy about their loved
one’s happiness and worry about their sorrows. In the past, Dustin had once thought that as long as he
loved Joan, he had to have her for himself and would not ever let her go. Only now then did he realize
how stupid he was when he was young.
Over time, he had come to understand that as long as he could see her smile, it was the greatest
source of happiness and satisfaction for him. However, at that very moment, her face no longer held a
smile.
It’s all because of Larry!
He clenched his fist tightly, and there was a fierce look in his eyes.
If it weren’t for that man, Joan wouldn’t be this disheartened and wouldn’t have been so upset all day
long.
“Let’s go. It’s getting late. I’ll send you home,” he said.
“I don’t want to go home,” she suddenly replied.
What does she want to do then? He looked at her curiously, waiting for her to continue.
“I want to go for a drink,” she muttered.
“Sure, I’ll bring you there.” He then pulled her away.
She willingly followed along since she knew that regardless of whether or not she got drunk, the man in
front of her would not take advantage of her.
“Let’s go to a bar,” he said as he gently pushed her into the car.
With a trace of fatigue in her eyes, Joan quickly took out her phone to make a call.
“Hi Ms. Young, don’t wait up for me tonight. I’ll be out. Yeah, I have my keys. Right…”
After they exchanged a few words, Joan then hung up.
Throughout the car ride, none of them spoke. Dustin kept his focus on the road while Joan looked out
the window, enjoying the scenery along the way.
“Hey, are you going back today?” he suddenly asked.
A flicker of sadness crossed her face.
Go back and do what? Look at that man’s face? I’ve looked at him for so many years. It’s about time I
let go. There was a cold look in Joan’s eyes.
“I’ll see how it goes. If we have a good time, I’ll stay out overnight. If not, we’ll go home,” she replied
bluntly.
As Dustin sped toward the bar, several people on the roads were taken back by his speed and cursed
at his leaving car, calling him a lunatic.
The bar was filled with many people when they entered it. Everything looked exceptionally energetic
and exciting, from the flashing lights, colorful drinks, music… However, Dustin had found them a table
near a corner by the wall. Since he knew that Joan had never liked crowds, he found them the most
remote seat away from the main crowd.
“Mister, bring me some alcohol!” Joan suddenly shouted.
“Coming right up!”
Soon, their table was filled with bottles and bottles of alcohol in various colors, causing Dustin to be
dumbfounded by the variety.
Chapter 1978
Wow, he even took out all his signature alcohols. How rare.
“Cheers, Joan. I know you’re in a bad mood. You’ll feel better after this glass,” Dustin said in a low
voice.
Immediately, Joan quickly raised her glass and downed the alcohol.
“Hey, hey, this is not how you’re supposed to drink,” he scolded, quickly removing the glass from her
hands.
Has she gone crazy? No one drinks like this!
“Hey, Joan. Wake up!” Dustin shook her hard as he shouted.
However, Joan was already lying on the table, not moving at all. It was impossible for her not to get
drunk so quickly from drinking alcohol as if it were water.
“Larry, you b*stard. How dare you cheat on me.” Even in her dazed drunkenness, Joan continued to
mutter endlessly.
Sometime later, even when the bar slowly began to clear out, the pair in the corner still remained at
their table. Although Dustin wanted to send Joan home, she refused to leave the bar.
“It’s time to go home,” he said, gently stroking her hair. His gaze was filled with distress and heartbreak
as he watched her.
For a very long time, he had been restraining himself and had to endure everything silently. However,
at that moment, he no longer wanted to continue like that. He wanted to be with her forever.
“What on earth do you want, Larry!” Joan suddenly stood up, pointing her finger at the man in front of
her as her eyes filled up with anger.
“Why’d you have to do such a thing with Gabriella? You even got her pregnant? Is it because I’m not
good-looking enough?” she said as she staggered forward, grabbing onto his waist.
Instantly, he felt the heat rise in his body.
Her mind’s always filled with that man’s face!
“Look at me. I’m Dustin!” he shouted.
However, it was as if Joan had not heard anything, for she continued to lament about Larry.
Although Dustin longed to take her for himself, he knew that once she was sober, she would hate him
forever.
“Hi, sir, do you need a room prepared?” a waiter suddenly asked in a low voice.
He hesitated, but eventually nodded.
“Joan, Wake up. Go back to the room and sleep,” he said, shaking her arm.
“No, I don’t want to go back!” she shouted, continuing to scold him. He felt heartbroken at the sight.
Eventually, he had to carry her bridal-style. As soon as she was carried, Joan immediately quietened
down. Her hands hugged him, and she had a satisfied expression on her face.
Once they entered the room, he placed her gently on the bed and stroked her face. Dustin’s gaze was
filled with endless tenderness and sorrow as he stared at her. Soon, Joan fell into a deep sleep.
Why are you still so obsessed over Larry? Because he’s handsome? Rich? Capable? Or is it because
he’s born into a good background? His eyes then flickered with coldness.
A long while later, Dustin tucked Joan into bed and left the room. He had never done anything that
Joan did not like, and he would continue that way. Although he loved her, he would only express his
love the correct way.
Sunlight shone brightly into the room when the next morning came. However, the woman on the bed
still had her eyes closed, looking very tired. The rays of sunlight slowly shifted as time passed,
eventually shining directly onto her face. Instantly, Joan felt the heat and woke up.
She stretched, slowly opening her eyes with a content look on her face.
Then, as she rubbed her eyes, she glanced around at her surroundings. Abruptly, she froze.
Where am I? What happened yesterday? What time is it?
Just then, she noticed the clock. It’s already eight! Hurriedly, she threw off the sheets and ran out of the
room.
Ring, ring, ring…
“I’ve helped you take leave for today. You don’t have to come to work.” Dustin’s voice was clear when it
rang out.
“How did you… know that I’m going to be late?” she asked softly.
Although the supermarket employees always reported for work at 8:30 a.m., it was already eight when
she woke up, so she would definitely be late even if she rushed over.
“You were so drunk last night. Did you forget?” he said, laughing lightly.
Chapter 1979
When she heard those words, Joan instantly recalled everything.
Damn it! Why did I have to go to the bar for no reason? She then hit her own head in frustration.
“Okay, I can’t talk anymore. I have work to do. Take a break and relax today. I’ll let you have a day off.”
Then, when he was done, he hung up.
Joan understood that Dustin had wanted to let her relax and allow her to vent her worries and sorrows
that she held in her heart.
However, she was really bored. Unconsciously, she had walked over to Gabriella’s house. Yet, staring
at the familiar house only caused her to feel more irritated and sadder.
What exactly was it that caused us to become like this? Men?
Joan laughed to herself coldly.
If she had known from the beginning that Gabriella liked Larry, she would never have associated
herself with him.
Some people were able to give up love for friendship. However, others would sacrifice friendship for
love. For instance, Gabriella.
Relationships were the most fragile. A relationship of many years could perhaps end only because of a
single word or a look.
Gabriella, as women, why do we have to make things difficult for each other and set each up other?
A long time later, she slowly turned around and left.
This is it, then. Larry’s going to give her everything. I hope she doesn’t pester me ever again. I want to
live my simple life well and forget all about this.
Perhaps Joan had gone through too much, for she suddenly felt very tired. All she wanted was to have
a good rest and not have to struggle unnecessarily any longer. Spending time together with Delilah and
Lucius every day was what made her the happiest.
“Joan?” She suddenly heard a familiar voice, and looked up.
The man was standing on a pavement not too far away from her.
“Why are you here?” Caspian asked as he walked over. He looked at Joan, then at Gabriella’s house.
“Oh, I’m just taking a walk. Don’t mind me. Go do what you have to do,” she replied, turning to leave.
“Joan!” Hearing her name, she stopped, waiting for him to continue.
“Don’t blame Larry about the issue with Gabriella. There’s something strange going on, and we’re still
investigating. Don’t worry about it for now,” he said, patting her on the shoulder.
He knew that she must have been dealt a huge blow recently. Furthermore, she was looking haggard
then.
“It’s fine, Caspian. You don’t have to comfort me. I’ll be going off first then,” she replied, then
immediately left.
Caspian stood in place as he watched Joan leave, then shook his head and sighed.
Meanwhile, on a balcony somewhere nearby stood a woman. As she watched the scene on the
pavement unfold, she smirked coldly to herself, her gaze filled with contempt.
You want to go against me, Joan? You’re too weak! I’d told you long ago that Larry would be mine
sooner or later, so why make yourself struggle so much? You still won’t get anything in the end!
Gabriella clenched her fists tightly as her gaze turned cold.
Was Larry not tired of sending people to track me every single day? It’s already been so many days.
What exactly have you found? As she continued to ponder, the cold look in her eyes never faded.
All of you are just messing around with me! She then turned around and walked into the living room to
make a call.
“Hi, Lars. I need to have a pregnancy checkup soon. When are you free? Come with me to the
hospital…” Gabriella said coquettishly as she chewed on a cookie.
What’s she trying to do now?
Larry’s gaze was full of disgust when he heard her voice.
“I’m not free. I’m busy with work,” he replied, then immediately hung up.
What the hell! He’s ignoring me just like that? I’m a pregnant woman! She threw her phone onto the
ground as a flicker of coldness crossed her face.
They say that pregnant women had to regulate themselves and try not to get angry. Otherwise, it might
affect the fetus. However, at that moment, Gabriella was lying on the bed and tossing around in anger.
Maybe I need to have a chat with that witch, Joan. She then tightened her clenched fists.
Gabriella knew Joan too well. She was soft-hearted, kind, and generous. This time, she’ll probably
finally let go!
Ring ring ring… Looking at the name on her phone screen, Joan immediately hung up.
Chapter 1980
Since Dustin had let her take time off that day, she did not want certain people to ruin her good mood.
Damn it, Joan! How dare you not answer my call. I’ll have to keep pestering you then. Gabriella
continued to call Joan.
After several calls, Joan had gotten very annoyed and eventually picked up the phone.
“What are you trying to do?” she asked coldly.
There’s definitely nothing good about this.
“I want to meet you,” replied Gabriella through gritted teeth.
What for? What do you want to talk about? The fact that you’re pregnant with Larry’s child?
Joan sneered and replied in a displeased tone, “If there’s anything, tell me about it over the phone. I’m
too busy to meet you.”
Busy? As if. You didn’t even go to work today, so why are you trying to pretend right now? What a
hypocrite. I bet you’re afraid of facing me! Gabriella snorted coldly as a sly smirk formed on her face.
“It’s about the three of us. I think we need to have a proper talk about it.”
“Okay,” Joan replied. Thereafter, she immediately hung up.
She was curious to see what Gabriella was up to.
Perhaps it was time for them to set things straight once and for all.
At the same time, Caspian was on a call with Larry. “What? Joan went to Gabriella’s place?” Larry
asked, his eyes cold.
Did she get hurt? Gabriella’s not an easy opponent to deal with. Once she gets an opportunity, she
won’t give it up that easily.
“Larry, Joan’s fine,” Caspian hurriedly replied.
“Go find out what they’re doing right now and where they are,” ordered Larry before he hung up the
phone.
At that moment, the two women in question were sitting in a café, at a table in the corner. Their
expressions made it clear that they were nemeses.
“Just say what you want to,” said Joan as she took a sip of coffee.
What else could this be about? Of course, it’s about me getting a divorce from Larry.
“Joan, considering that we used to be close friends, can you let Larry and I off this time?” asked
Gabriella, pretending to be pitiful.
Joan was instantly stunned by her words.
Exactly who’s the one who needed to let go? She’s the one that has been entangling herself in all this
and refusing to leave. She stole my husband and even got pregnant. Isn’t that something a mistress
would do? Is she not embarrassed to say something this shameless?
“Resolve the matter between you and Larry by yourselves. I’ve got nothing to do with it.” As soon as
she was done speaking, Joan turned around to leave.
However, Gabriella suddenly grabbed tightly onto her hand and threw her forcefully onto the sofa. She
gave Joan a cold stare, giving off a threatening aura.
“Right from the beginning, you were the one who stole Larry from me. It’s only natural that you give him
back to me now!” Gabriella shouted as she pointed at Joan.
Instantly, everyone else around them looked over, their gazes filled with doubt and contempt.
However, Gabriella did not care about the looks they were receiving. That day, her only goal was to
convince Joan to divorce Larry, regardless of whatever method she had to use.
“What exactly are you afraid of? Larry’s a responsible man and will take responsibility for you. But
you’ve constantly been coming to me to make me get a divorce. What exactly are you trying to do?”
Joan replied fiercely.
Naturally, what Gabriella wanted was for Larry to return to her side as soon as possible.
She tightened her clenched fist as she glared at Joan with a furious look in her eyes. B*tch, you still
refuse to get a divorce?
“I know how Larry is, but you’re still there in his heart!”
At that very moment, Joan scoffed at her words.
So what? He still cheated on me!
They then remained in the café for some time, and even when the sky had darkened, Gabriella still did
not let Joan leave.
Ring ring ring…
Joan quickly answered her phone.
“Joan? Why aren’t you back yet? They said you didn’t go to work today,” asked Delilah with a hint of
worry in her tone.
“I’m still out now, Ms. Young. Don’t worry. I’ll be back soon,” she hurriedly replied.
“Um…” Delilah wanted to continue, but hesitated.