Ch. 1981..1990

Chapter 1981

“Larry has a fever. Do you want to come home and care for him?”

Fever? He never learns how to take good care of himself! For a fleeting moment, Joan’s eyes were

filled with sadness.

However, she was in a dilemma when she saw the woman in front of her.

“We’ll talk again when I’m back. For now, I have something to attend to. Bye.” Joan ended the call.

Meanwhile, Gabriella’s phone never rang. Perhaps, no one in this world really cares for me.

How ironic! My family disowned me because of the incident with Larry. After leaving the family for so

long, I’ve not made any significant success… Now that I am pregnant, yet the child isn’t even Larry’s!

“Do you have anything else? I need to go home.” Joan sipped her coffee.

She was puzzled as to why Gabriella was holding her up for such a long time. No matter what her

agenda was, Joan was certain it wasn’t good.

“Joan, after so long, don’t you ever feel the least bit remorseful?” Gabriella glared at her.

Joan was dumbfounded.

What did I do wrong? Why should I be remorseful? If there was anyone who should be apologizing,

that’s you!

“I’m not the one in the wrong. If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave first.” Just as she spoke, Joan

stood up to leave.

“Joan, if you dare leave without my permission, you will regret it,” Gabriella asserted coldly before

taking a sip of coffee.

Despite pausing for a few seconds, Joan continued her way out.

The moment she arrived at the door, danger approached.

It appeared that Gabriella was stalling for time until her henchmen arrived. They were occupied earlier

and could only come when night fell.

“Wow, look who we have here. She’s really gorgeous!” A man suddenly appeared in front of Joan.

“Excuse me, I don’t know you.” Joan tried to distance herself from the men.

“Come on, it’s not safe at night for a lady like you. Why don’t I send you home? Come with me. Don’t

be afraid.” Just as he spoke, the man grabbed her waist as he breathed in her bodily scent.

Meanwhile, Gabriella watched intently what was unfolding before her.

Joan, oh Joan, today will be the end of you.

“What are you doing?” Joan glared at the group of men.

They surrounded her in a tight circle, leaving no room for her to escape.

“Us? We just like to have some fun with you.” One of them lifted her chin and let out a devilish grin.

This can’t be a coincidence, can it? Is this what Gabriella was planning? Turning around, Joan looked

in Gabriella’s direction and saw her sipping coffee as if nothing had happened.

“Who are you? Did Gabriella send you?” Joan demanded.

The man in front was stunned but collected himself quickly. As he approached Joan slowly, a cold glint

flashed in his eye.

“We’re just inviting you to have some fun and yet you’re just spewing nonsense about some Gabriella

or whoever that is. We don’t know her,” the man hissed with disdain.

However, the momentary change in his expression had confirmed her suspicions that Gabriella was the

mastermind.

She is really ruthless. Even at this time, she isn’t willing to let me go. Gabriella, when will you even

stop?

“There isn’t any grudge between us and I don’t want any trouble. I may be a woman but for those who

do harm me, I will have my revenge. If you lay a finger on me today, Larry’s men will be knocking on

your door tomorrow. Of course, you can choose not to believe me.” Joan pretended to be calm.

Is this the last time I use Larry’s name to protect myself?

Suddenly, the group of men exchanged glances, unsure of what to do next.

Given how famous Larry was, everyone was aware of how ruthless he could be. However, Gabriella’s

instructions were as good as those of their boss.

 

Chapter 1982

The group of men were in a dilemma.

“How long more do you need to think about it? If I’m not home on time, Larry would send his men out in

search of me. If you don’t believe me, let’s just wait and see,” Joan asserted.

“Bro, let’s just let her go, it’s not worth the trouble. We can just give Ms. Ward an excuse. However, if

we offend Larry, it would really be the end of us,” one of the younger men within the group suggested to

the older man.

Meanwhile, the rest of the men furrowed their eyebrows slightly, deep in thought.

“Mrs. Norton, I’m sorry. We have made a mistake thinking that you were a thief. Why don’t you let us

send you home as an apology?” the older man suddenly asked.

At that moment, Joan heaved a sigh of relief.

Fortunately, Larry’s reputation was still powerful enough.

“There’s no need. I can go home myself. Don’t worry, I will keep what happened today a secret.”

Watching what happened at the entrance, Gabriella noticed that something was amiss. She had

ordered them to capture Joan by whatever means necessary. But she was surprised to see Joan

leaving. What’s going on?

Gabriella quickly stood up and headed for the entrance.

Damn it, what is Joan up to!

By the time she reached the door, Joan was already nowhere to be found.

“Where’s Joan?” Gabriella screamed aloud.

“Ms. Ward, that woman wasn’t feeling well and looks to be in pain. Hence, she has gone to the

hospital.” One of the men tried to cover up.

“All of you are useless!” Gabriella scowled.

At that moment, Joan had hopped into a cab and ordered it to drive to the village.

“Miss, are you alright? Do you need to call the police? I just saw that group of men surrounding you,”

the driver suddenly asked.

“It’s fine, don’t worry. Let’s go.” Joan was breathing heavily.

Luckily I managed to escape. Gabriella is truly capable of anything.

Ring! Ring!

“Hello? Joan, where are you? Why aren’t you home yet?” Dustin sounded concerned.

“I’m on my way. I’ll be home soon,” Joan quickly replied.

However, she didn’t expect the driver to be one of Gabriella’s men.

Gabriella knew that Hubert’s men were not reliable. Realizing that they were cowards, she had a

backup plan.

As Joan leaned back into the seat and closed her eyes to rest, an insidious smile appeared on the

driver’s face.

Sensing that the journey was taking longer than expected, Joan suddenly awoke and looked at her

surroundings.

That’s strange. Why am I not home yet? Furrowing her eyebrows, she looked out the window.

Oh no! This isn’t the way home.

Suddenly, fear seized upon Joan.

Who is this driver? Is he also one of Gabriella’s men? Does she really hate me so much that she had to

keep setting up traps repeatedly?

No, I can’t let the driver know that I have realized his agenda. Clenching her fists, Joan began to rack

her brains.

“Mister, can you stop the car, please? I need to use the ladies,” Joan suddenly asked.

A cold glint flashed in the driver’s eye.

Has she realized what’s going on?

“Miss, we’re almost there. You can ease yourself at home as there are hardly any toilets along the

way,” the driver coldly asserted.

“Argh, Mister, I can’t hold it anymore. My stomach really hurts.” Joan held onto her stomach, pretending

to be in pain.

Why is she so much trouble! The driver banged the steering wheel forcefully.

He wouldn’t be paid if he didn’t take Joan to the destination.

“Miss, please bear with it. We will be reaching soon. I’ll drive faster,” replied the driver anxiously.

 

 

Chapter 1983

“No, Mister, I don’t think I can hold it…” Joan slumped on the backseat.

Finally, the driver stopped the car.

“Quick! I’m charging you more for this!” The driver glared at her.

After scanning her surroundings, Joan ran into one of the washrooms.

Taking out her phone, she quickly made a call.

“Hello, Dustin? Come and get me, hurry.” Joan kept her voice down.

“What? You have been kidnapped? Where are you? Send me your location now!” Dustin roared.

He was almost driven crazy by anxiety.

“Quick, come out right now!” the driver yelled fiercely as he banged on the door.

“Alright, almost there!” Joan turned on her GPS at once.

Ring! Ring!

Suddenly, her phone rang again and it was Larry.

“Come out right now! If you don’t, I’ll barge right in!” the driver roared when he heard her phone ringing.

It’s over! This time, it’s really over.

Joan gradually got up and walked out of the washroom awkwardly.

Caspian was previously following Joan to protect her. However, he was called back after receiving a

call from Larry. Hence, he wasn’t aware of what had happened to her.

Slap! The driver hit Joan on the face forcefully. Immediately after, Joan’s eyes reddened as she glared

angrily at the driver.

“How dare you make a call!” The driver kicked her in a fury.

What do you expect? Am I to do nothing in the face of death? Joan sneered in response.

At that moment, all hope seemed to have been beaten out of her.

“Did Gabriella send you? How much is she paying you? One million? Two million?” Joan bellowed.

The driver didn’t reply as he dragged Joan toward the car.

Thump! Suddenly, she tripped and fell to the ground. Landing on her knees, blood began to ooze out of

them. Hugging her knees tightly, Joan was in excruciating pain.

“Stand up right now! Hurry!” the driver roared again.

At that moment, she refused to comply with the driver’s instructions no matter what, just like a

rebellious child. That was the first time she was so defiant.

“Damn it! Stand up!” The driver grabbed her arm violently.

Sensing how defiant she was, he bent down to carry her instead.

“Joan!” Suddenly, a familiar voice rang out.

A smile broke out on Joan’s face in response. He is finally here.

“Stand right there!” Dustin pointed at the driver and shouted.

At that moment, the driver panicked.

“Put me down and I’ll guarantee your safety,” Joan coldly declared.

“Also, who sent you?”

The driver hesitated for a moment before putting Joan down and dashing toward his car. However,

before he could start the engine, Dustin had got in with him.

“Who ordered you to do this?” Dustin grabbed the driver by the throat.

“Wait, it was a lady,” the driver replied meekly.

“What’s her name?” Joan asked at once.

“I don’t know her name. She only paid me to take you to the agreed venue.” The driver pointed at Joan.

What the hell? Dustin looked at the driver skeptically.

“I’m telling you the truth.”

Bam! Right when Dustin wasn’t looking, the driver threw a punch at him, causing him to stagger toward

the ground.

“Dustin!” Joan yelled.

Holding his head, he could feel it spinning while his vision turned blurry.

What’s going on? Fumbling around, Dustin tried to steady himself, but his body just wouldn’t listen.

“Are you alright?” Joan quickly supported him.

“Joan?” That was the last thing he said before losing consciousness.

By the time Dustin awoke, it was the next day afternoon. Joan was sprawled on the bed beside him,

looking haggard and exhausted. As Dustin gently stroke her hair, a smile of relief broke out on his face.

All that matters is that she is safe.

Chapter 1984

Sensing Dustin’s movements, Joan gradually opened her eyes.

“You’re awake. I’ll go get you some water.” She stood up.

Suddenly, Dustin grabbed her hand forcefully, not allowing her to leave.

“I’m not thirsty. So, don’t go.”

Joan could feel the compelling strength behind his words. As she gradually took her seat, she stared at

him with a sympathetic expression.

“I’m really sorry about yesterday. Luckily, your injuries weren’t serious. Or else, I wouldn’t know how I’ll

ever be able to face you again.” Joan gave him a guilty look.

However, he had hoped that something bad actually happened to him so that she would remember him

for life.

“I’m fine, don’t worry. As long as I’m here, no one will dare harm you.” Dustin’s voice was raspy.

Joan looked at Dustin without saying a word. Larry is the man I love the most. However, Dustin is the

one I’m supposed to treasure. He has changed a lot and is now more matured.

“How are things between you and Larry?” Dustin asked.

How else can it be? In the end, the only choice is divorce. She had made up her mind. Once they were

divorced, Larry could move out of Ms. Young’s house and they would never see each other again.

“Joan, perhaps the matter isn’t what we imagine it to be. I used to detest the fact that both of you are

together because of my feelings for you. But now, I feel that you will only be happy when you’re with

him. There must be a misunderstanding,” Dustin replied softly.

He had long accepted that Joan only loved Larry, but he still held a grudge over the car accident

previously.

Suddenly, a cold glint flashed in Joan’s eyes.

The truth was right in front of her in the form of Gabriella’s bulging stomach. How is that a

misunderstanding?

“Let’s drop the topic. Don’t worry, the matter will be resolved soon. I know you are concerned about me.

However, some things are beyond our control.”

Sometimes, all we can do is resign ourselves to fate. If it’s meant to be, then there will be no point

defying fate. Just go with the flow. Every day is filled with surprises. They can either be good or bad. As

time goes by, we will just be desensitized to all these shocks.

When her phone suddenly rang, she ended the call after she saw who it was. Looking at her, Dustin

wanted to say something but decided against it.

Forget it, I’ll just let her be. He then looked away and out of the window.

“Haven’t you found her yet?” Larry roared as if his eyes could spit fire.

“Larry, don’t worry. Joan will be fine,” Caspian quickly reassured him.

“Mr. Norton.” Suddenly, a man barged into the room with an anxious look on his face.

“Yesterday, Mrs. Norton was seen with Ms. Ward,” the man reported softly as he looked at Larry

fearfully.

“Where?” Larry turned around and walked up to the man.

“At the restaurant. Both of them met for a long while before Mrs. Norton left.”

Gabriella again…

Bam! Larry slammed his fist into the wall, causing his knuckles to bleed.

“Larry, give Gabriella a call.” Caspian handed Larry his phone.

“Hello, Lars?” Gabriella’s coquettish voice sounded.

“Gabriella! What have you done to Joan? She better be safe or else I’ll never forgive you!” Larry’s

thundering voice stunned Gabriella.

“Lars, what are you talking about? Both of us only shared a meal and reminisced about old times. What

can I possibly do to her?” Gabriella explained in an innocent tone.

“Joan, where have you been? You’ve frightened us!” Delilah grumbled.

“Oh, something came up.” Joan smiled awkwardly.

 

Chapter 1985

When she went into her room, there was no sign of Larry. After checking the bathroom, she didn’t find

him there either.

Isn’t he back yet?

“Larry had a fever yesterday. The moment he reached home, he lay on the bed without even having

dinner. This morning, when he realized that you hadn’t come home, he headed out quickly in search of

you. Hence, you’d better give him a call,” Delilah plainly explained.

Joan took out her phone and called him.

“Hello, let’s meet up for a talk and get it done.” Joan sounded disappointed.

At that moment, Larry’s eyes darkened. He didn’t expect Joan to be calling him first thing in the

morning over that issue.

“Joan, it’s not what you think. Give me some time and let me get to the bottom of this,” Larry pleaded.

Joan scoffed. What else is there to investigate?

“Larry, I don’t want to see either of you anymore. Let’s just get it done and over with.” Joan ended the

call at once.

As Delilah watched on, she couldn’t help but sigh.

Love is a torturous feeling. No matter what one does, it will never be perfect, especially when it involves

a third party.

“Joan, have you really thought it through?” Delilah asked softly as she looked at Joan in a probing

manner.

She didn’t want to interfere in their affairs, but neither did she want Joan to make a decision she would

come to regret.

“Mmm-hmm. What I want is simple. I’ll work at the supermarket in the day and spend the evenings with

you and Lucius. That’s all.”

Such a life was more than enough to satisfy her. Delilah turned around and walked into the kitchen.

All that matters is that she is happy.

But is she really? She has only chosen to live a simpler life.

Ring! Ring!

“Joan, come to the hospital quickly. Ms. Brooks is awake!”

Joan widened her eyes in delight when she heard the news.

“Ms. Young, I’m heading out!” Joan quickly grabbed her bag and ran out of the house.

Inside the hospital ward, a few other colleagues surrounded the bed, looking relieved.

“Ms. Brooks, please take plenty of rest. Don’t worry, we’re all here with you.”

“That’s right, Ms. Brooks. Get well soon.”

As the ladies comforted Freya, she was moved to tears.

“Joan is here!” one of them exclaimed all of a sudden.

Freya was visibly excited at the sight of her.

“Cough…” Freya wanted to say something but choked.

“Calm down. It’s alright. We have time.” Joan gently patted Freya on her shoulders.

She wanted to tell Joan that someone ruthless wanted to harm her, but the words just couldn’t come

out.

Nevertheless, she had made a significant recovery. When Freya was first sent to the hospital, the

doctor advised that she might not regain her consciousness for life. Nevertheless, her mom stayed by

her side every day, telling her stories and talking about their lives. She did everything she could to help

her daughter wake up.

“Doctor, there’s something I need to discuss with you,” Joan whispered to the doctor.

“Let talk outside.” The doctor ushered her aside.

“My friend became paralyzed because someone sabotaged her. It was definitely not an accident.

Hence, I hope that you can protect her…” Joan gave the doctor a stern look.

“You have to tell that to the police as we are only responsible for treating her. Other than that, there’s

little we can do about it,” the doctor replied apologetically.

“What I meant was I hope you can keep the fact that she is awake under wraps. I will liaise with the

police,” Joan explained.

If news got out that Freya was awake, there might be a second assassination attempt. After all,

Gabriella was as vicious as a demon.

 

Chapter 1986

The girls from the village were all extremely loyal. Hence, they would definitely keep their mouths shut.

After all, they were constantly visiting Freya at the hospital. Hence, their actions would not raise any

suspicions.

“Don’t worry, Joan. We know what to do.”

“That’s right. We must bring the culprit to justice,” the girls chorused.

To prevent the news from being leaked, Joan arranged for Freya’s ward to be changed. Leveraging on

Dustin’s connections, Freya was moved to a luxurious VIP room on the top floor.

“Ms. Watts, I don’t know what else to say other than thank you.” Freya’s mom held her hand tightly.

Joan’s gaze darkened in response. In truth, she was partly responsible for what happened to Freya.

“Mrs. Brooks, don’t worry. This place is safe. If you need anything, I’m just a phone call away. Also, if

anyone asks, it’s better that you tell them Freya has gone back to her hometown to recuperate. Or else,

I fear…”

“I understand. Don’t worry,” Freya’s mom replied resolutely.

Everyone knew how important this was to Joan. Hence, they didn’t want her efforts to be in vain.

Ring! Ring!

“Hello? Joan, are you alright? I heard that you’re in the hospital.” Dustin sounded concerned.

“Oh, I’m fine. I’ll explain when I’m back.” Joan ended the call right away.

Before that, the police had discovered that there was more to the case than it met the eye. However, it

was subsequently suppressed by someone influential.

Nevertheless, there were still some honest policemen who would pursue the truth and bring the

perpetrator to justice.

“Don’t worry. This is our duty anyway. As long as she is in the hospital, we will guarantee her safety.”

Now that everything was in place, all that was left was for Freya to recover.

Joan could not allow her to be hurt again. Clenching her fists, a cold glint flashed in her eye.

“Again? They must be really free to visit the hospital every so often. I don’t even know what’s so

wonderful about Ms. Brooks. She obviously has a terrible temper and yet, many of them still care about

her,” Gabriella grumbled in the living room.

“I heard they were going to bid farewell to the vegetable…”

Suddenly, Gabriella’s gaze became alert.

“What happened?” she asked coldly.

“Oh, the vegetable’s mom has run out of money. Hence, she has decided to take her back to her

hometown to recuperate. Given that they aren’t rich, they would likely have spent all their savings after

such a long stay in the hospital.

Is that all there is to it?

“Go to the hospital and verify it. Pretend to be a relative while doing so. Also, remember to dress less

conspicuously,” Gabriella instructed.

“Hi, Ms. Watts. She has a visitor today that claims to be a relative,” the doctor reported carefully.

“I’ll be right over.” Joan got up at once.

At the hospital, the doctors and nurses were all busy while the corridor was filled with patients. They all

had helpless looks on their faces.

“When did he come?” Joan asked the doctor with a serious expression.

“He just left a short while ago. You can check the security footage.” The doctor led her to the security

control room.

The police and doctor she was in contact with were people whom she could trust. Hence, she believed

that they wouldn’t leak the matter out.

After watching the screen for a long time, she was sure she didn’t know the person as she couldn’t

recognize who it was.

It seems she has found someone new. A cold glint flashed across Joan’s eyes.

Gabriella’s modus operandi is to only use someone once.

She really is a sly one indeed. Clenching her fists, Joan’s gaze turned icy cold.

Someone new will most likely appear next time.

“Alright, doctor. Thanks for all that you’ve done.” Joan patted him on the shoulder.

 

Chapter 1987

“No problem. I will try my best to help.” The doctor smiled cordially.

After all, there was nothing to fear in helping the police.

After chatting a while longer, Joan left the security control room.

“Well, well, isn’t it Joan?” Suddenly, a familiar voice rang out from behind her.

There was only one person she knew that spoke with such a domineering tone. Joan turned around

and squinted her eyes at the woman approaching her.

She didn’t believe that it was a coincidence for Gabriella to be there right after the man who came to

see Freya had just left.

“What are you doing here?” Joan glared at her suspiciously.

Gabriella pretended to rub her stomach while her eyes were filled with contempt.

“Why can’t I be in a hospital? I’m here for a checkup.”

Joan glanced at the doctor beside her, signaling him to leave. The man quickly understood and

returned to his office.

Joan couldn’t allow Gabriella to harm anyone else.

“In that case, I’ll be taking my leave.” With that, Joan turned and left.

“Hey, Joan, when are you going to divorce Larry?” Gabriella’s icy tone caught everyone’s attention.

What a joke. Larry is the one who is unwilling to go through the divorce. Instead of looking for him,

she…

“Gabriella, let me tell you. Whenever Larry is free, we can file for divorce anytime. I’m not the one

holding it up.” Not wanting to hear her voice further, Joan left right away.

Gabriella slammed the medication in her hands onto the floor.

“Hey Baby, who has gotten on your nerves? Why are you angry?” the man quickly approached and

asked softly.

Damn you, Joan. How dare you treat me that way!

Gabriella clenched her fists tightly as flames burned in her eyes. When the man saw her expression, he

instinctively retreated a few steps.

What happened? Who infuriated her? He looked at her quizzically.

“Alright, Gabriella. Don’t be angry. It’s bad for the baby. Let me send you home.” The man held her

hand and walked out of the hospital together.

As it was easy for a pregnant woman to feel insecure, Gabriella called for the baby’s real father to

accompany her when she didn’t receive any assurances from Larry.

“Next time, just get me to take care of whatever you need. After all, it’s getting increasingly difficult for

you to move around,” the man suggested with concern.

Suddenly, Gabriella leaned her head on his shoulder while her eyes were filled with sadness. At that

moment, he was suddenly stunned. But, he quickly regained his composure.

In truth, all Gabriella wanted was a husband that loved her, an adorable child, a day job, and a loving

family to return to. However, the husband had to be Larry.

In contrast to her feelings for Larry, the resentment she felt against Joan for stealing Larry away from

her was even stronger, to the extent it was now about revenge. No matter what, she just had to steal

Larry back from Joan.

“I’m so tired,” Gabriella murmured.

That was the first time the man heard Gabriella sound disheartened. At that moment, he was filled with

sympathy for her.

She was just an ordinary woman, who also needed love and protection from a man.

“Gabriella, do you want a complete family?” the man lifted her chin and asked seriously.

How can I not? Who doesn’t want to have a happy family?

“What are you trying to say?” Gabriella asked softly.

“What I mean is that if you’re willing, we can…”

“I’m tired. I just feel like sleeping for a while,” she interrupted him.

Naturally, she wasn’t willing.

The man didn’t understand why she was being so stubborn. Larry doesn’t love her and yet, she

desperately tries to cling onto him, to the extent of fabricating such a lie.

In life, there are many sorts of people. There are some who would choose to let go for the sake of love,

while others that go astray in their pursuit of it. As time passed, the love they have would lose its purity.

Gabriella is the best example of this.

 

Chapter 1988

Perhaps, she just doesn’t fancy me.

Turning his head away, the man looked out the window with his eyes filled with anguish. Once upon a

time, he too had wanted to be with Gabriella because of her wealth and status. But as time went on, he

had subconsciously fallen in love with her. Until then, he still couldn’t believe how things had turned out.

With that thought in mind, he sneered at himself.

Ring! Ring!

When Joan saw who it was calling, she quickly answered.

“Please help me tidy up my office as I will be coming back tomorrow,” Dustin remarked softly.

“You should rest for a few days as there’s nothing major going on at the supermarket,” Joan replied.

“I’m fine. Don’t forget, I’m a doctor myself,” Dustin quickly reminded.

After relaxing for a few days, he was beginning to feel bored. He would prefer to do some work at the

supermarket and perhaps chat with the employees.

“Alright, I understand.” Joan ended the call.

Ever since the incident with Gabriella, she had changed into a different person. Her actions were now a

lot more efficient and decisive. After all, she wanted to busy herself with work so that she could forget

that pain that she was going through.

“Hey, did you notice that Joan seemed to have changed recently?”

“Mmm-hmm, she seems a lot quieter and is smiling lesser. Nowadays, all she does is work.”

“Can it be that Larry bullied her again?”

The group of women stared at Joan and discussed with concern.

“Mmm, I can see that all of you have been working tirelessly recently. Hence, I will treat everyone to

dinner tonight. Please bear with it for another then minutes and we will be able to get off work,” Joan

proclaimed suddenly.

At that moment, the supermarket went into a frenzy.

“Wow, Joan, what are we going to have tonight?”

“I want to have pizza!”

“I want grilled fish!”

“Joan, what’s going on? You don’t seem to be in a good mood recently,” one of them asked all of a

sudden.

At that moment, the other ladies turned to stare at her. Realizing her mistake, she quickly held her

palms to cover her mouth.

“Come, have some more food, or it will go to waste.”

“That’s right, let’s eat…”

Only then did the atmosphere ease significantly.

“Let me explain,” Joan suddenly remarked.

Instantly, everyone became quiet as they turned their attention to her with concerned looks on their

faces.

“I am planning to get a divorce,” Joan remarked nonchalantly.

The silence that ensued was terrifying as no one knew what to say in response. A few of them sighed

sympathetically, while others clashed their fists in anger.

“Joan, did Larry do something to you? Tell us if he did, we will help you.”

“That’s right, we will teach him a lesson. Don’t be afraid. Anyway, you’re so pretty. You definitely

wouldn’t lack suitors at all!”

Bam! Suddenly, the door to the private room opened and a dashing man entered.

“Oh? What’s going on? Why am I not invited to the dinner treat? Are you discriminating against me?”

A familiar voice rang out behind their ears, causing an uproar within the private room.

Although Dustin had just joined the supermarket, his character and looks had charmed everyone there.

“Mr. Silverman is here. Quick, take a seat. We’ve just begun.”

“Mr. Silverman, please sit here.”

“Hey, why are you trying to steal him? You’re already married.”

At that moment, the private room’s atmosphere livened up. After glancing at Joan, Dustin gradually

took the seat beside her.

“Oh! It seems Joan is really popular.” Her colleagues began to gossip.

“Come, Mr. Silverman, we want to make a toast to you for being the knight in shining armor who saved

Joan.”

That night, everyone had a blast. They chatted happily about their kids at school, debated the latest TV

dramas, and argued who the most handsome actor was.

Joan beamed in satisfaction, knowing that everyone had enjoyed their time. She liked the feeling she

had then. At work, everyone would put their best foot forward. After work, they would then gather

happily and chat over a meal, just like a family.

 

Chapter 1989

After wiping her mouth, Joan walked out of the private room.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” Dustin gently patted her on the shoulder.

With her dreamy eyes, Joan looked up at the pitch-black sky.

“Dustin, do you think I should go through the divorce?” Joan sounded lost.

After so many years of being together, wouldn’t it be a waste? However, if I don’t let go, how will

Gabriella ever stop? Joan suddenly sneered.

It appears that love can be very fragile. Just one thought alone can end a bond that lasted for years.

“Joan.” Dustin turned her around and looked straight at her.

“All that matters is that you are happy. But don’t do something you will regret. If you need me by your

side one day, I will gladly be there for you.” Dustin looked at her tipsy expression intently.

“Gabriella is pregnant with Larry’s child. The child cannot be without a father. That just won’t do,” Joan

mumbled.

The only reason she tolerated Gabriella was that Joan was a kind woman. Dustin sighed in response.

“Ah…” Suddenly, Joan staggered into his arms.

“Larry,” Joan murmured.

“Joan?” Dustin gently shook her by the arms.

As a cold breeze blew past them, Dustin hugged Joan to keep her warm. However, Larry was watching

from afar and saw everything that had happened.

Clenching his fists tightly, rage filled his eyes.

What’s the real reason she wants a divorce? Is it really because of Gabriella’s child? Or has it always

been about Dustin?

He had arrived exhausted to pick Joan up from work but ended up seeing them in such a shocking

scene.

As his expression darkened, Larry turned away and left.

“Oh, did I fall asleep?” Sounding exhausted, Joan suddenly awoke and rubbed her eyes.

“I’ll send you home.” Dustin gently stroked her hair.

“What about them? Have they left?” Joan quickly returned to the private room.

“Joan, we’re here. We’re about to leave as we don’t want to be in the way,” one of the women yelled

from downstairs.

Joan quickly ran to the balcony and saw that they had gone downstairs.

What sort of friends are they? Why didn’t they tell me they were leaving? Joan gave them the side-eye

and pretended to be upset.

“Come on, don’t be angry. You should continue sleeping in Mr. Silverman’s arms. We’re going off now.

Bye!” With that, the group of women left hand in hand.

At that moment, Joan was suddenly embarrassed. Due to the alcohol, she had accidentally fallen

asleep in Dustin’s arms.

“Dad, you’re back,” Lucius exclaimed in delight and threw himself into Larry’s arms.

However, Larry avoided him and went straight back into his room. “Lucius, I’m tired today. I’ll play with

you another day instead.”

Delilah was shocked to see what happened. After all, Larry had never treated Lucius so coldly before.

What’s wrong with him today?

“I have tidied up your office,” Joan remarked softly while standing by the door.

“Alright.” Dustin looked awkward.

“Mmm, I want to thank you for today.” Joan felt embarrassed.

He understood what she meant. But he couldn’t stop his imagination from running wild after thinking

about what happened earlier and the teasing comments her colleagues made.

After saying goodbye to Dustin, Joan entered the house.

“Lucius, why haven’t you slept yet?” Joan picked him up.

“Mom, where did you go? Why did you come back so late? Let me tell you a secret. Dad is in a bad

mood today,” Lucius whispered into her ear.

Suddenly, Joan’s gaze darkened.

“Lucius, go to bed now as you still have school tomorrow. Joan, there’s some medication on the table

for Larry. Don’t forget to give it to him.” Just as she spoke, Delilah led Larry back into his room.

 

Chapter 1990

Should I bring up the divorce with him? Joan was hesitant about it.

“Ms. Young told me that you are having a fever,” Joan remarked when she entered the room.

Larry didn’t respond to her.

Is he asleep? She approached him slowly.

“Larry.” Joan gently patted him on his arms.

However, he didn’t move at all.

When she put her hand on his forehead, she was shocked.

“Larry, wake up. Quick, take your medication before you sleep.” Joan panicked.

This fool of a man! Why isn’t he taking his medicine despite having a fever?

“Joan,” Larry mumbled as he pulled her into his embrace.

“I’m here. Take your medication.” Joan gently stroke his hair.

“Don’t leave me.” Larry buried his head into her collar bone.

At that moment, Joan’s heart wavered.

I don’t want to leave him. But, I don’t have a choice.

The next day, the morning sun shone through the windows. Larry was hugging Joan tightly with a

blissful expression on his face.

When he opened his eyes and saw Joan in front of him, he was shocked to realize it wasn’t a dream at

all.

He subsequently grinned in satisfaction.

“Urgh…” Turning around, he rubbed his eyes as it was already daylight.

“You’re awake. Have some soup first, and here’s your medication,” Joan uttered softly as she walked

toward the bathroom.

Both of them were feeling awkward but pretended to be calm instead.

Breakfast was quiet as both of them hardly said a thing. Once they were done, Lucius went to school

while Delilah tended to her garden. As for Joan, she grabbed a piece of bread before heading out.

Finally, Larry felt lonely after he was the only one left in the small dining room.

She hasn’t forgiven me. His gaze darkened at that thought.

Wait, that’s not right! Suddenly, his eyes flashed with anger when he remembered seeing her hugging

Dustin last night.

Suddenly, rage welled up within him when he realized everything was real and he wasn’t dreaming at

all.

“Joan, what are you going to do about it?” Suddenly, a colleague approached and looked at her noisily.

What is she talking about? Joan looked at the woman quizzically.

“Come on, what are you being shy about? We’re all ladies here. We understand.” The woman patted

her on her shoulder.

Joan was increasingly puzzled.

“What are you talking about? I really don’t understand.”

The woman was surprised but quickly recovered her composure.

“Last night, didn’t Dustin send you home?” the woman asked curiously.

“That’s right.” Joan nodded.

“Did he just leave after that?”

How else did she expect it to be? I can’t let him stay, can I? I am not that liberal. Besides, he is just a

friend.

“Joan, is something wrong with your brain? Dustin is such a good man. Why don’t you treasure…”

Suddenly, the woman became furious.

“I’ve already told you not to concern yourself with this. We have told her the same but she just doesn’t

listen.”

“That’s right, let’s get back to work,” the other women urged.

“What are you ladies talking about?” Suddenly, a familiar voice rang out from behind.

“What else other than your marriage?” One of the ladies giggled.

Dustin blushed at once.

As there weren’t many employees at the supermarket, Dustin treated them more like friends than

subordinates.

“My goodness, it’s still too early for that.” Dustin laughed awkwardly.

“Hey, Mr. Silverman, what kind of girls do you like? Let me introduce one to you.”

“That’s right. It’s best if we can keep the good stuff within our circle.”

The group of ladies burst into laughter.

When Dustin looked at Joan, he saw her focused on reading the documents she had on hand. She

didn’t take notice of the surrounding noise at all.

Bam! Suddenly, the doors to the supermarket were busted open.