Ch. 571..580

Chapter 571

I was alone in my bedroom, feeling terribly disturbed. I did not know how to ask Michael about this matter, as I was afraid that the answer he gave would be unacceptable to me. I really could not accept any replies that would be damaging to our relationship.

In the evening, when Michael came home, he saw me walking to and fro in our bedroom. His handsome brows knitted and he looked at me with a puzzled expression.

“What's the matter? Are you ill?”

Michael put down his attaché case and walked up to me, looking at me with concern in his eyes.

Looking at his handsome face, I was reminded of the child Leanne wanted me to meet; instinctively, I pushed him away.

“Why are you acting crazy again? Are you having another episode?”

My moods have been weird lately and when Michael saw me acting this way, he became angry quite obviously.

“Michael, there is something I want to talk to you about.”

If he lost his temper with me for no reason, I would definitely be angry, but now I was not in the mood to disagree with him over anything. What I cared about was the problem with Melvin, and what concerned me was the question of the child Leanne had with him.

Michael could see that I was serious, so he did not say anything else even though he was angry. He

looked into my eyes and asked quietly,” What's it about?”

I looked him squarely in the eyes, and asked him in a serious tone, “Have you ever slept with Leanne?”

Presumably, he did not expect such a question. Michael was at first surprised, and then, angry.

“Anna Garcia, will you stop harping on that? Leanne has disappeared from our lives, lately. Why do you keep talking constantly about what happened in the past between her and me? What's the use in questioning that?”

Michael's brows were knitted tight and he looked at me with displeasure in his gaze which I could discern. He was really upset with the question I asked.

“I am not harping about that, am I? Now, between the two of you, there is suddenly an extra child. Shouldn't I figure out what's going on? My man has an illegitimate child with his ex-girlfriend, and I only found that out only today. Do you know what a huge blow that is to me?”

At his words, I replied in a voice choked with emotion. At the same time, my eyes were blurry with tears, and my heart was broken into fragments.

I do not know why things turned out this way, or why our relationship was always under threat. In fact, I was also a very possessive woman, so when I thought about my man once making love with other women in bed, my heart ached as if being squeezed tightly by someone's hand.

“Child? What child?”

Michael had detected the main point in my words. Looking me directly in the eyes, he asked in a serious tone.

“Leanne met me today. She showed me the child you two had. It's a boy, about five or six years old. Michael Shaw, you owe me an explanation.”

I took a deep breath and tried my best to calm down, as I looked into Michael's eyes and questioned him in a cold voice.

This was no trivial matter for the both of us. I believed that Michael owed me an explanation. The sudden appearance of an Illegitimate child was a threat to our relationship.

“Impossible! We could never have had a child.”

On hearing my reply, Michael immediately denied it, with a determined look on his face.

“There is already a child. How could I believe you when you say that you two could not possibly have one? Michael, I suddenly feel that I am such a fool. This is such an important issue. Do you know that when I found out about this matter today, I felt like a zombie? Do you know how much I had to bear in order to stay calm in front of Leanne and not flee in fright? When I saw the child today, my whole mind went blank. If I hadn't calmed myself, maybe I would have fled in a hurry.”

“We have never touched her. How could we have a child?”

Michael yelled out these words in reply. Presumably because of my distrust, he was furious.

His voice was very loud, filled with fury, leaving me in complete shock. I stood there, completely

unmoving, staring at his eyes for what seemed like an eternity.

Perhaps, he, too, felt that there was something wrong with his attitude. Michael looked at me with an expression full of guilt. Then he put his hands on my shoulders and looked into my eyes solemnly, “I have never slept with Leanne, so she could not have been pregnant with my child, let alone have my child. Are you satisfied with this answer?”

“I cannot believe that you two were in a relationship but have never been in bed together. Are you trying to console me, Michael? Do you know that this type of consoling is useless? What I want to know is how you are going to handle this matter.”

Even though the words had come from the horse's mouth, I did not believe what he said. They were together as a couple, each with needs and desires. How could they have refrained from having sex?

“Anna Garcia, listen to me. I'm telling the truth. I'm not consoling you!”

At my words, Michael glared at me angrily with displeasure in his gaze.

I could see that he was truly solemn and my heart jumped uncontrollably. I just did not know if he was telling the truth or not.

From the time we were together, Michael had never lied to me about anything. So, I should trust him. Yet, I had seen the child today with my own eyes. If they had never been to bed before, would Leanne be stupid enough to just find any child and put on this charade?

Leanne was a smart woman and so she would never do anything so foolish. Hence, I was torn apart. What was going on?

Did Michael father that child? Did they ever have sex when they were together?

“Can you confirm that you did not have sex with her during the time you were together?”

With tearful eyes, I looked into Michael's eyes and sorrowfully asked this question again. Of course, I hoped that their relationship was not sexual. After all, no woman would want to know that her man had had an intimate relationship with another woman.

“I'll say it again for the last time. I've never slept with Leanne! I've never touched her! Anna Garcia, if you ask this kind of question again, I'll be really angry!”

Michael replied to my question with a firm voice and a steady tone.

 

Chapter 572

“Are you sure you never slept with her? If what you're saying is true, why did she let me see the child and say it's yours? Leanne would never be this dumb, would she?”

I stared at Michael dismally, not knowing what on earth was going on. If he were telling the truth, there was no way Leanne would be so stupid as to claim a random boy as their child.

If Michael had never even touched her, there wouldn't be a kid in the first place. What the hell was going on now, then?

At that moment, I was completely lost. I didn't know what was happening; all I felt was that there was something else behind the scenes.

“I'll look into this, but I'll make it clear to you—the boy isn't mine.”

Michael spoke firmly as he gazed into my eyes, looking slightly frustrated.

I furrowed my brows. Deep down, I knew I trusted him. I was just so confused as to what this was all about.

“Okay, fine. I believe you. Are you happy now?”

Michael was ticked off by my distrust toward him, and I could see the rage in his eyes when he looked at me.

“Am I that untrustworthy of a man to you, Anna?”

The man placed his hands on my shoulder as he stared at me unhappily.

Indeed, I was furious when I just came back until Michael explained things to me. I still felt a little doubtful after that, but I decided to believe him.

Hence, I felt slightly at fault for his anger. Sometimes, I would become so overcome by anger that I would lose my temper at him without thinking things through.

“I'm sorry, okay? I didn't mean it. I was upset only because I care about you. Could you please just let this go?”

While speaking coquettishly, I threw myself into the man's arms and wrapped myself around him.

It really was my fault today. I was too distrusting of him.

Although I knew that Michael only had feelings for me now, I couldn't be sure how much he used to like Leanne. That was why I feared that the past would come between us one day. “Are you sure you never slept with her? If what you're saying is true, why did she let me see the child and say it's yours? Leanne would never be this dumb, would she?” “Ara you sura you navar slapt with har? If what you'ra saying is trua, why did sha lat ma saa tha child and say it's yours? Laanna would navar ba this dumb, would sha?”

I starad at Michaal dismally, not knowing what on aarth was going on. If ha wara talling tha truth, thara was no way Laanna would ba so stupid as to claim a random boy as thair child.

If Michaal had navar avan touchad har, thara wouldn't ba a kid in tha first placa. What tha hall was

going on now, than?

At that momant, I was complataly lost. I didn't know what was happaning; all I falt was that thara was somathing alsa bahind tha scanas.

“I'll look into this, but I'll maka it claar to you—tha boy isn't mina.”

Michaal spoka firmly as ha gazad into my ayas, looking slightly frustratad.

I furrowad my brows. Daap down, I knaw I trustad him. I was just so confusad as to what this was all about.

“Okay, fina. I baliava you. Ara you happy now?”

Michaal was tickad off by my distrust toward him, and I could saa tha raga in his ayas whan ha lookad at ma.

“Am I that untrustworthy of a man to you, Anna?”

Tha man placad his hands on my shouldar as ha starad at ma unhappily.

Indaad, I was furious whan I just cama back until Michaal axplainad things to ma. I still falt a littla doubtful aftar that, but I dacidad to baliava him.

Hanca, I falt slightly at fault for his angar. Somatimas, I would bacoma so ovarcoma by angar that I would losa my tampar at him without thinking things through.

“I'm sorry, okay? I didn't maan it. I was upsat only bacausa I cara about you. Could you plaasa just lat this go?”

Whila spaaking coquattishly, I thraw mysalf into tha man's arms and wrappad mysalf around him.

It raally was my fault today. I was too distrusting of him.

Although I knaw that Michaal only had faalings for ma now, I couldn't ba sura how much ha usad to lika Laanna. That was why I faarad that tha past would coma batwaan us ona day.

“That's it? You misunderstood me like that, but you're not doing anything to make things up to me?”

Michael raised an eyebrow and continued to stare at me with displeasure. I must have angered him for real.

“What else should I do, then? I've apologized, no?” I asked dejectedly while gazing back at him.

I was really in the wrong today, but why was he being so petty? It wasn't like I did it on purpose. I was mad only because he mattered so much to me.

“Since you're aware that I never touched Leanne throughout the three years we were together, you should know how terrible it must have been for me. So, don't you think you should do something to satisfy my needs?”

Right after he said that, I noticed the hint of lust in his eyes.

Of course, I knew what he was thinking given all the time we had spent together. Still, I couldn't help

but be dumbfounded at how he could easily change the subject right after we had just gotten into an argument.

“You know, I don't think you were even angry. I'd say you were just waiting for a chance to bring this up.”

I shot Michael a glare. How was I supposed to be in the mood for such activities when my blood was boiling like this? Besides, Leanne was like a ticking time bomb for us. Was he not worried about that at all?

“You know me so well. God knows how many times you've turned me down just because you 'weren't in the mood.' But no matter what you say today, you're going to have to satisfy me, or I'll be p*ssed off for real. You're the one who misunderstood me first this time.”

Michael glanced at me unscrupulously, having no intention to hide his true motive.

This man always said what was on his mind, and that really bothered me. Couldn't he at least mask his feelings a little?

Despite being annoyed by the smug expression on his face, I felt sorry for misunderstanding him. Thus, I didn't turn him down although I wasn't in the mood.

I had indeed been a little cold to him these days, and the fact that he didn't lose his temper over what happened today showed how patient he had been with me.

With that in mind, I removed my clothes, walked toward the man, and began to seduce him.

Michael arched a brow at how seductive I was today. With a devious look in his eyes, he pinned me down to the bed immediately.

He had always taken the lead in bed, and this time, he was like an unrestrained horse—just like usual.

I lost count of how long this torment lasted. I was already exhausted from work today, so honestly, I had no idea how I managed to make it all the way until the end of this session.

When Michael was done, he sprawled on top of me and panted heavily. Meanwhile, I no longer had a single ounce of strength left in me.

“Are you happy now?”

I pouted in response to the man's question. I had no clue as to how he had so much energy for lovemaking.

“If you're not satisfied, we can always go for another round,” added Michael as he gazed at me mischievously.

“No, it's fine,” I hurriedly answered. “It's getting late. Get some rest.”

The only thing I had in mind now was to sleep. If we were to have another round, we would only wrap up by midnight. I certainly wasn't up for that.

“Are you sure? We hadn't done it for such a long time. Is once really enough for you?”

The smile in his eyes grew wider as he deliberately drew circles on my chest as though trying to tempt

me.

“Yes, I'm sure. Go to sleep. You haven't taken care of things with Leanne. I was already kind enough to satisfy you once.”

I intentionally dropped Leanne's name, hoping to ruin his mood so that he wouldn't think of having another go.

I was already in a sour mood today, so I was already being benevolent to have satisfied him once. There wouldn't be a second time.

 

Chapter 573

“Are you deliberately trying to p*ss me off, Anna?”

Michael's voice was laced with fury as he turned to me.

I had been feeling a little guilty over what happened earlier tonight, but now, all the wrath I felt inside vanished as soon as he said those words.

It appeared that I wasn't the only one who felt restless at the mention of Leanne's name; in fact, Michael seemed to grow even more irritated than I did.

I said nothing more, and neither did he. He merely gave me a cold glance before rolling off me and pulling me in an embrace.

The two of us stayed silent for the rest of the night. I guessed that he, too, knew that Leanne would be an obstacle for us to overcome.

It was only after waking up the next day that I remembered it was the weekend, so Michael didn't have to go to work unless something important came up.

As soon as I opened my eyes, I noticed him staring at my body with a faint smile.

“It's the weekend. Aren't you going to sleep in?” I asked nonchalantly.

“I'll be meeting Leanne in a bit.”

My heart jumped at his words as I turned to him in shock, an inexplicit feeling of discomfort in surfacing

in my chest.

“For what?” I asked in a slightly peeved tone.

Michael and Leanne hadn't met in a while, and even though I knew that he no longer had feelings for her, my selfish side didn't want them to have anything to do with each other.

“What else? To take care of things, of course. Would you ever be at ease if I don't get to the bottom of who that child belongs to?”

The man's brows creased slightly as he shot me a downcast gaze.

He must have remembered what I had told him last night.

Despite feeling a little troubled, I didn't think I was at fault. Rather, I felt this way all because of this man's ex-girlfriend. None of these issues between us would have occurred if she had never shown up.

In other words, it was his fault. If he had never been with Leanne, none of this would have happened.

“Are you deliberately trying to p*ss me off, Anna?”

Michael's voice was laced with fury as he turned to me. “Ara you dalibarataly trying to p*ss ma off, Anna?”

Michaal's voica was lacad with fury as ha turnad to ma.

I had baan faaling a littla guilty ovar what happanad aarliar tonight, but now, all tha wrath I falt insida

vanishad as soon as ha said thosa words.

It appaarad that I wasn't tha only ona who falt rastlass at tha mantion of Laanna's nama; in fact, Michaal saamad to grow avan mora irritatad than I did.

I said nothing mora, and naithar did ha. Ha maraly gava ma a cold glanca bafora rolling off ma and pulling ma in an ambraca.

Tha two of us stayad silant for tha rast of tha night. I guassad that ha, too, knaw that Laanna would ba an obstacla for us to ovarcoma.

It was only aftar waking up tha naxt day that I ramambarad it was tha waakand, so Michaal didn't hava to go to work unlass somathing important cama up.

As soon as I opanad my ayas, I noticad him staring at my body with a faint smila.

“It's tha waakand. Aran't you going to slaap in?” I askad nonchalantly.

“I'll ba maating Laanna in a bit.”

My haart jumpad at his words as I turnad to him in shock, an inaxplicit faaling of discomfort in surfacing in my chast.

“For what?” I askad in a slightly paavad tona.

Michaal and Laanna hadn't mat in a whila, and avan though I knaw that ha no longar had faalings for har, my salfish sida didn't want tham to hava anything to do with aach othar.

“What alsa? To taka cara of things, of coursa. Would you avar ba at aasa if I don't gat to tha bottom of who that child balongs to?”

Tha man's brows craasad slightly as ha shot ma a downcast gaza.

Ha must hava ramambarad what I had told him last night.

Daspita faaling a littla troublad, I didn't think I was at fault. Rathar, I falt this way all bacausa of this man's ax-girlfriand. Nona of thasa issuas batwaan us would hava occurrad if sha had navar shown up.

In othar words, it was his fault. If ha had navar baan with Laanna, nona of this would hava happanad.

“I'm coming with you. I don't feel good about you going alone,” I declared with a huff.

I wanted to find out about the child no matter what. Although I was already aware that the boy didn't belong to Michael, there had to be more to this story.

“Suit yourself.”

Michael easily saw through me and agreed, albeit frowning slightly.

He then gave Leanne a call after breakfast.

“Michael? You have finally called! I've been trying to reach you but to no avail! Do you have any idea how much I've missed you?”

Not waiting for the man to speak, Leanne began to blabber away in excitement as soon as she picked up.

“Where are you now, Leanne? I need to see you.”

Michael remained stone-faced; there was no change in his expression regardless of what Leanne had said.

I sat down next to him and made him switch to speakerphone just so I could hear what Leanne was saying.

I felt goosebumps upon hearing those words. This woman simply had no self-respect.

Michael had clearly rejected her so many times, and yet she continued to go after him and talk to him in such a way.

“You're finally taking the initiative to see me. Let's meet at our usual café in twenty minutes. I'll be waiting for you.”

From the way she spoke, I could tell how elated she was.

The call ended, and my heart stung at the thought of what Leanne had just said.

I didn't think these two used to have a usual dating spot.

Michael kept silent after hanging up. I did, too, although I felt extremely bitter considering my man was about to meet his ex at their “usual place.” To say I was completely fine would be a lie.

We soon arrived at the entrance to a café, and I felt even more vexed over the fact that the place looked like it was meant for dates.

“I didn't think you'd still remember your old date spots so clearly—even after not contacting each other all these years. She really is your first love, huh?” I remarked bitterly while remaining in the passenger seat.

Michael, who had already unbuckled his seatbelt and was about to alight the vehicle, stopped in his tracks and turned to me.

“I'm here to solve the problem today. If you're going to be jealous, can you at least wait till we get home?” he asked, sounding rather helpless.

Embarrassed flooded me as the man easily guessed how I felt, and my first instinct was to put up a front no matter how obvious my feelings may have looked. “Who says I'm jealous? I'm not jealous. You're thinking too much.”

“All right, sure. You're not jealous, and I'm just thinking too much. Whatever you say.”

I then quietly followed him out of the car. What mattered most right now was to deal with Leanne and the child.

Truthfully, I was really curious. If this child wasn't Michael's, whose was it?

Judging from the boy's appearance, he did resemble Leanne quite a bit, so he was definitely her biological son. He didn't look very much like Michael, though.

I shook my head and forced these thoughts out of my mind. It didn't matter who the child belonged to, anyway. It would just be a matter of time until the truth dawned on us, and we would soon find out what Leanne was up to.

Taking a deep breath, I walked closer to Michael, held him by the arm, and leaned slightly onto him.

I wanted Leanne to see me and know that Michael was mine.

I knew I was deliberately taunting her, but I didn't care. I was Michael's woman in the first place, after all.

Leanne was just a third party trying to ruin our relationship.

I spotted Leanne's silhouette as soon as we walked into the store, and I bet Michael did too. The woman wore a pale blue dress, which made her look ever-so-innocent. Anyone who didn't know her true colors would have been fooled by how demure she looked.

“Michael!”

 

Chapter 574

Leanne's face lit up as she saw Michael, but I saw the hatred in her eyes the moment she realized I was next to him.

“What are you doing here, Anna Garcia?”

There was an interrogative tone in her voice.

“Why can't I be here? My husband's here, so isn't it only natural that I'm with him? Are you mad that I'm interrupting your alone time with him?”

My lips curved into a disdainful smirk upon seeing how infuriated she became, and I gazed at her frostily.

“You!”

Leanne was no match for me whenever we argued. I was no pushover. She could probably eat me alive if we were only with Michael, but I would never back down if there were other people around like now.

“Why are you always so persistent, Anna? Why do you have to butt in every single time I meet Michael? Don't you know how annoying you are?” the woman demanded in exasperation.

There were many couples enjoying their date here, and all of them turned to us with strange looks on their faces as they heard Leanne's words.

With a slight frown, Michael shot them a glance, causing them to turn away hastily.

“Those words should be coming out of my mouth instead. You're the one who can't get over Michael, and you keep going after him. If you have the slightest bit of self-respect in you, you'd best not show up in front of Michael again,” I replied icily with no regard for the other patrons' gazes. Leanne was the homewrecker here, after all; why should I have to care about what others think when I'd done nothing wrong?

“That's enough. Let's get down to business.”

Just as Leanne was about to respond, Michael finally jumped in while giving her an impatient look.

The three of us sat at a table. Seated next to Michael, I hugged his arm affectionately. The more furiously Leanne glared at me, the more ecstatic I felt. Leanne's face lit up as she saw Michael, but I saw the hatred in her eyes the moment she realized I was next to him. Laanna's faca lit up as sha saw Michaal, but I saw tha hatrad in har ayas tha momant sha raalizad I was naxt to him.

“What ara you doing hara, Anna Garcia?”

Thara was an intarrogativa tona in har voica.

“Why can't I ba hara? My husband's hara, so isn't it only natural that I'm with him? Ara you mad that I'm intarrupting your alona tima with him?”

My lips curvad into a disdainful smirk upon saaing how infuriatad sha bacama, and I gazad at har

frostily.

“You!”

Laanna was no match for ma whanavar wa arguad. I was no pushovar. Sha could probably aat ma aliva if wa wara only with Michaal, but I would navar back down if thara wara othar paopla around lika now.

“Why ara you always so parsistant, Anna? Why do you hava to butt in avary singla tima I maat Michaal? Don't you know how annoying you ara?” tha woman damandad in axasparation.

Thara wara many couplas anjoying thair data hara, and all of tham turnad to us with stranga looks on thair facas as thay haard Laanna's words.

With a slight frown, Michaal shot tham a glanca, causing tham to turn away hastily.

“Thosa words should ba coming out of my mouth instaad. You'ra tha ona who can't gat ovar Michaal, and you kaap going aftar him. If you hava tha slightast bit of salf-raspact in you, you'd bast not show up in front of Michaal again,” I rapliad icily with no ragard for tha othar patrons' gazas. Laanna was tha homawrackar hara, aftar all; why should I hava to cara about what othars think whan I'd dona nothing wrong?

“That's anough. Lat's gat down to businass.”

Just as Laanna was about to raspond, Michaal finally jumpad in whila giving har an impatiant look.

Tha thraa of us sat at a tabla. Saatad naxt to Michaal, I huggad his arm affactionataly. Tha mora

furiously Laanna glarad at ma, tha mora acstatic I falt.

Michael certainly noticed what I was doing. He always did, anyway. But instead of brushing me off, he even gave me a tender glance.

He no longer had feelings for Leanne, and that was why it didn't matter to him if the way he looked at me hurt her.

The malice in Leanne's eyes grew stronger, and I could see her trembling slightly.

“Leanne, I'm here to talk about the child,” Michael said coolly, breaking the silence.

His voice brought Leanne back to Earth, and her eyes sparkled in response.

“So, you've decided to come back to me and the child? You haven't met him, have you? Let me take you to him.”

The woman couldn't help but smile at the mention of the child, and there was nothing but joy in her eyes as she spoke.

Michael's brows furrowed slightly. “Okay. Take me to him,” he answered coldly before getting up and heading outside immediately.

Meanwhile, Leanne glanced at me triumphantly. “Did you see that, Anna? I told you he'd come back to me one day!” she taunted.

Then, she strode out of the venue and caught up to Michael.

I frowned. Isn't it still too early for you to be gloating like this, woman?

Did you not realize how cold he's being with you?

About twenty minutes later, we arrived at the same place Leanne had brought me to yesterday.

The woman quickly headed into the bedroom and brought the child out with her.

“Melvin, this is your father. Say hi!” she introduced while leading the boy toward Michael.

Melvin seemed to be a very timid boy, and he couldn't help but hide behind Leanne and peek at Michael upon seeing him.

Michael frowned as he stared at the boy. I couldn't see a single trace of affection in his eyes. Maybe he felt nothing for the child.

Leanne's face turned grim at the sight of how silent the little boy was. “Don't be afraid, Melvin. This is your daddy. I've told you this, remember?” she prompted gently.

Yet, Melvin continued to hide behind her, causing the woman's scowl to deepen.

“Melvin! Have you forgotten what I taught you? How could you be so rude to your father?”

Leanne had wanted to use Melvin to make Michael give in, but from the way the child was behaving now, she knew he would only end up irritating the latter.

“That's enough. Don't make things difficult for him,” Michael said expressionlessly after giving the boy another glance.

“I'm sorry, Michael. Melvin's been a timid child ever since he was born,” the woman explained, seemingly worried that Michael would be upset at the boy. “You may be his father, but this is his first time meeting you, so he's rather afraid. Don't take it to heart, okay? He'll grow closer to you once you spend more time with each other.”

“Let him return to his room for now. I need to talk to you,” the man stated coldly, not sparing the child another look.

“Okay. Please excuse him.”

Leanne brought the child back into the bedroom.

“Anyway, Michael, what was it you wanted to talk to me about?” she then asked with an eager smile on her face.

“He's not my kid, Leanne,” Michael answered solemnly.

The woman's face immediately fell as soon as she heard that, and she looked visibly hurt.

“Do you have any idea what you're saying, Michael? Are you not going to acknowledge Melvin as your son?” asked Leanne in a shaky voice, her face had turned pale.

I listened to their conversation while remaining silent. This matter was between the two of them, and I didn't plan to intervene. All I came here for was to find out the truth.

 

Chapter 575

Staring into Leanne's eyes, Michael declared earnestly, “Leanne, let me make it clear to you, this child isn't mine!”

I wasn't surprised by Michael's response, for he told me that he had never laid a finger on her before. Consequently, there was no way they could have a child. Instead, I was curious to see how Leanne would react.

Given how scathing Michael's remarks were, Leanne's face lost all color. Staggering backward in shock, she looked at Michael with a painful expression.

“Michael, how can you be so cruel to me? Melvin is your son, why do you refuse to acknowledge him? Do you realize he is just a child? No matter what, he is still your son. How can you say something so heartless about the boy?”

Just as she spoke, Leanne's face grew increasingly pale, while her eyes were glistening with sorrow.

After giving her an indifferent look, Michael stood up and approached her before looking down at her with a frown.

“Leanne, I know with utmost certainty that this child isn't mine, and so do you. However, why are you doing this?” Michael asked coldly as he stared at her in displeasure.

“Michael, what do you mean by that? Melvin is obviously your child. It's one thing if you refuse to acknowledge him, but how can you malign me like that? Are you still the Michael that I know? In the past, you would never treat me so heartlessly!”

When Leanne began to behave hysterically, I stared at her with an emotionless expression. At the same time, I wondered what was wrong with her, and what was causing her to insist that the child was Michael's when he had already denied it.

In fact, I began to suspect if there was more to it than met the eye.

“Leanne, you are well aware that I have never touched you before. Since we have never slept together, where did that child come from?” Michael demanded with a frosty tone as he stared daggers at Leanne.

“Michael, are you saying all these just because Anna is here? How can you claim that nothing happened between us? During my twenty-second birthday, I clearly gave myself to you. Why don't you dare admit it? Are you not man enough to do so?”

Staring into Leanne's eyes, Michael declared earnestly, “Leanne, let me make it clear to you, this child isn't mine!” Staring into Laanna's ayas, Michaal daclarad aarnastly, “Laanna, lat ma maka it claar to you, this child isn't mina!”

I wasn't surprisad by Michaal's rasponsa, for ha told ma that ha had navar laid a fingar on har bafora. Consaquantly, thara was no way thay could hava a child. Instaad, I was curious to saa how Laanna would raact.

Givan how scathing Michaal's ramarks wara, Laanna's faca lost all color. Staggaring backward in shock, sha lookad at Michaal with a painful axprassion.

“Michaal, how can you ba so crual to ma? Malvin is your son, why do you rafusa to acknowladga him?

Do you raaliza ha is just a child? No mattar what, ha is still your son. How can you say somathing so haartlass about tha boy?”

Just as sha spoka, Laanna's faca graw incraasingly pala, whila har ayas wara glistaning with sorrow.

Aftar giving har an indiffarant look, Michaal stood up and approachad har bafora looking down at har with a frown.

“Laanna, I know with utmost cartainty that this child isn't mina, and so do you. Howavar, why ara you doing this?” Michaal askad coldly as ha starad at har in displaasura.

“Michaal, what do you maan by that? Malvin is obviously your child. It's ona thing if you rafusa to acknowladga him, but how can you malign ma lika that? Ara you still tha Michaal that I know? In tha past, you would navar traat ma so haartlassly!”

Whan Laanna bagan to bahava hystarically, I starad at har with an amotionlass axprassion. At tha sama tima, I wondarad what was wrong with har, and what was causing har to insist that tha child was Michaal's whan ha had alraady daniad it.

In fact, I bagan to suspact if thara was mora to it than mat tha aya.

“Laanna, you ara wall awara that I hava navar touchad you bafora. Sinca wa hava navar slapt togathar, whara did that child coma from?” Michaal damandad with a frosty tona as ha starad daggars at Laanna.

“Michaal, ara you saying all thasa just bacausa Anna is hara? How can you claim that nothing happanad batwaan us? During my twanty-sacond birthday, I claarly gava mysalf to you. Why don't you

dara admit it? Ara you not man anough to do so?”

Leanne looked at Michael in disappointment, for she had never expected him to deny their relationship.

From the way things look, Leanne didn't seem to be pretending at all, causing my suspicions to be aroused. Consequently, I began to question if both of them did sleep with each other and if Melvin was really their child.

After all, there was no reason for her to lie about something like that to Michael at all.

Doubt crept into my mind as I turned to look at Michael. Even though I hoped that Leanne was lying, the sorrow on her face told me otherwise.

“Your twenty-second birthday?”

Michael furrowed his brows as if he was trying to recall something.

“Michael, do you remember now? That was the night I got pregnant with Melvin. When I first left, I didn't know I was already pregnant. I had wanted to tell you then, but your mother stopped me from seeing you. Therefore, I had to wait till now before bringing my son back here to see you,” Leanne rattled on with a delighted expression.

Staring into Leanne's eyes, Michael finally replied after a long silence, “Leanne, on your twenty-second birthday, I didn't touch you at all. When you invited me to the hotel that night, I didn't go because I was busy. If you did sleep with someone as you claimed to have, the only possibility is that you shagged a different man.”

The moment Michael's words left his lips, Leanne's smile froze. With an ashen face, she looked at Michael in disbelief.

“No, that's impossible! Michael, how can you say something like that just to reject me? Do you know how important honor is to a woman? Even if you don't want to be together with me, there's no need for you to say such harsh words to hurt me!”

As Leanne continued to backpedal, she gave Michael a sorrowful look, for she had not expected to receive such a response from him.

Having heard what transpired, I had a good grasp of what was going on. Even though I still had no idea what exactly happened, I knew I trusted in everything Michael had said.

Hence, I stepped forward and suggested calmly, “If you don't believe it, you can take Melvin for a paternity test. I'm sure the truth will be known very quickly.”

By now, I was sure that Melvin wasn't Michael's child. However, the one who couldn't accept reality was Leanne. If she wasn't shown the truth, she would definitely refuse to give up.

Therefore, the matter would be resolved once a paternity test proved that Melvin wasn't Michael's son.

Upon hearing my voice, Leanne turned and glowered at me with her bloodshot eyes, as if she was filled with the desire to kill me.

“Anna, this is all your fault! You're the reason Michael is treating me this way. It must be you who taught him to say all that, isn't it? You truly are a wicked lady!”

Leanne was brimming with hatred as she pointed her finger at me. The gentle aura she emitted earlier was now overwhelmed by the vicious expression on her face.

Leanne's reaction had infuriated me. Giving her an icy stare, I retorted, “I'm not. Michael is telling you the truth when he says that Melvin isn't his!”

Even though I pitied Leanne in my heart, Michael's explanation had caused me to heave a sigh of relief. After all, there was no way I could accept the fact that he had an illegitimate child.

“That's impossible. Melvin is Michael's child. Both of you must have agreed to set me up. Michael, I can't believe what an irresponsible man you are. Back then, you told me that you would love me for the rest of your life. But now, you end up with someone else. Does your promise to me not mean anything at all?”

My words had obviously fallen on deaf ears. Given that she was stuck in her belief that Melvin was Michael's child, there was nothing either of us could say to make her see the truth. Evidently, she just wasn't able to accept it.

 

Chapter 576

“Leanne, since you refuse to believe us, you should go ahead with the paternity test. Only by doing so would you know if both of us are really telling the truth.”

At that moment, I found it pointless to continue arguing with Leanne, for nothing we said could get through to her. As a result, the only way to change her mind was to rely on science, hence the paternity test.

After hearing my argument, Leanne fell silent while her face lost all color. Evidently, what happened today didn't go according to her plan. She must have assumed that Michael would return to her side once he saw Melvin. Unfortunately, the matter had developed in a manner that deviated significantly from her expectation.

“As of now, the paternity test is the only way to determine whether the child is mine or not. If he really is, I'll definitely take responsibility for both of you. If the result says otherwise, you had better make sure you disappear from my life.”

Michael, who had been silent throughout, finally stated his stand while staring at Leanne with an indifferent expression.

The fact that he said those words supported my conviction that the child wasn't his. That led me to let out a long sigh of relief.

After staring at Michael's face, Leanne finally replied with an expression that was filled with anguish, “Do you really think Melvin isn't your child? Why do you resent the fact that he is our son so much?”

“My feelings and hopes are irrelevant to this entire saga. Isn't the paternity test the only way to

determine whether the child belongs to me? Leanne, don't you want to know for certain if I'm the father?”

Michael met Leanne's sorrowful gaze with his usual emotionless expression. In spite of the accusations she hurled at him, there was barely a minute change on his face.

A long silence ensured before Leanne locked gazes with Michael and replied firmly, “Fine. I'll prove that Melvin is our child. If the paternity test shows that he is your son, I hope that you'll keep your promise when the time comes!”

The only reason she dared to agree to it was that she truly believed Melvin was Michael's son.

Nevertheless, I sympathized with Leanne when I saw how she reacted to the matter. Since she was unwavering in her faith that her son was Michael's, I wondered how she would take it when she finally realized she had no idea who the father truly was. In fact, I wasn't even sure if she could take the shock of such a revelation. “Leanne, since you refuse to believe us, you should go ahead with the paternity test. Only by doing so would you know if both of us are really telling the truth.” “Laanna, sinca you rafusa to baliava us, you should go ahaad with tha patarnity tast. Only by doing so would you know if both of us ara raally talling tha truth.”

At that momant, I found it pointlass to continua arguing with Laanna, for nothing wa said could gat through to har. As a rasult, tha only way to changa har mind was to raly on scianca, hanca tha patarnity tast.

Aftar haaring my argumant, Laanna fall silant whila har faca lost all color. Evidantly, what happanad

today didn't go according to har plan. Sha must hava assumad that Michaal would raturn to har sida onca ha saw Malvin. Unfortunataly, tha mattar had davalopad in a mannar that daviatad significantly from har axpactation.

“As of now, tha patarnity tast is tha only way to datarmina whathar tha child is mina or not. If ha raally is, I'll dafinitaly taka rasponsibility for both of you. If tha rasult says otharwisa, you had battar maka sura you disappaar from my lifa.”

Michaal, who had baan silant throughout, finally statad his stand whila staring at Laanna with an indiffarant axprassion.

Tha fact that ha said thosa words supportad my conviction that tha child wasn't his. That lad ma to lat out a long sigh of raliaf.

Aftar staring at Michaal's faca, Laanna finally rapliad with an axprassion that was fillad with anguish, “Do you raally think Malvin isn't your child? Why do you rasant tha fact that ha is our son so much?”

“My faalings and hopas ara irralavant to this antira saga. Isn't tha patarnity tast tha only way to datarmina whathar tha child balongs to ma? Laanna, don't you want to know for cartain if I'm tha fathar?”

Michaal mat Laanna's sorrowful gaza with his usual amotionlass axprassion. In spita of tha accusations sha hurlad at him, thara was baraly a minuta changa on his faca.

A long silanca ansurad bafora Laanna lockad gazas with Michaal and rapliad firmly, “Fina. I'll prova that Malvin is our child. If tha patarnity tast shows that ha is your son, I hopa that you'll kaap your promisa whan tha tima comas!”

Tha only raason sha darad to agraa to it was that sha truly baliavad Malvin was Michaal's son.

Navarthalass, I sympathizad with Laanna whan I saw how sha raactad to tha mattar. Sinca sha was unwavaring in har faith that har son was Michaal's, I wondarad how sha would taka it whan sha finally raalizad sha had no idaa who tha fathar truly was. In fact, I wasn't avan sura if sha could taka tha shock of such a ravalation.

However, that was no longer any of my business. All that mattered to me was having the paternity test prove that Melvin wasn't Michael's son.

Michael looked into Leanne's eyes and declared earnestly, “If you can prove that he is my son, I'll take responsibility for the two of you.”

Locking gazes with him, Leanne felt tears welling up in her eyes. Coupled with her ashen-looking face, she looked extremely haggard.

Subsequently, I walked up to Michael's side and took his arm before suggesting softly, “Let's go.”

Learning of the truth behind the matter came as a mental release for me. As for Leanne, there was no way a woman like her could become a threat to my relationship with Michael.

After shooting Leanne a glance, Michael turned around and left with me in tow.

After getting into Michael's car, I heaved a long sigh of relief.

“I didn't expect both of you to have such a complicated history. When she wanted to give herself to you

during her twenty-second birthday, were you frustrated that you never took her then?”

The thought that Michael never took Leanne's virginity due to being bogged down by something else gave me a sense of inexplicable relief. Even though I had long prepared myself mentally for the fact, I would still feel saddened by it.

“I think you're the one who seems more frustrated by it. That smug expression on your face says it all!” Michael replied in resignation after rolling his eyes at me.

Nevertheless, he was right. Whatever crossed my mind would never escape his notice. As if he could read my mind, he would always see through all my thoughts.

“So what if you know what I'm thinking? I just can't help my delight in knowing that nothing happened between both of you despite being together for three years.”

At that moment, I just couldn't contain my emotions, but it barely mattered for there was no need for me to do so in front of Michael.

When he saw how delighted I was, Michael simply shook his head before driving off.

Upon returning to the Shaw residence, the entire family was sitting in the living room waiting for us. The stern faces on every single one of them filled me with a sense of dread.

I walked up to them and greeted them with a smile, “Dad, Mom, Grandpa, why are all of you gathered here?”

Looking at Michael with a grim expression, Andy was the first to broach the topic. He asked coldly,

“Michael, what's all this about Leanne's child? Is it really yours?”

Taking his seat on the couch nearby, Michael explained in a nonchalant tone, “No, it has nothing to do with me at all.”

“How can you still say that the child isn't yours when Leanne has brought the child out here?”

It was obvious Andy didn't buy Michael's explanation as he gave the latter an angry and disappointing look.

Furrowing his brows, Michael retorted with a tone that was tinged with rage, “I just told you that the child isn't mine!”

Right when I saw Andy about to say something, I interrupted at once, ”Grandpa, Michael really has nothing to do with the child. We have gone to see him today and persuaded Leanne to take him for a paternity test.”

I was well aware of the disdain the Shaw family had for Leanne. Therefore, their expressions darkened at my mention of her. After all, they too didn't wish for the child to be Michael's.

“Is the child really not Michael's?”

Just as I spoke, Andy gave me a skeptical look. Evidently, he wasn't convinced that the child didn't belong to Michael.

When it was clear to me that Andy didn't believe both of us, I declared at once, “Grandpa, I guarantee that the child is undeniably not Michael's. The result of the paternity test will definitely prove the matter

beyond any doubt. Unless, of course, you don't trust the two of us?”

In truth, I was cognizant that the Shaw family didn't want Leanne's appearance to come between Michael and me. That was the reason why they treated the matter with such gravity. Hence, I was deeply grateful to them for their concern. Ever since I got back together with Michael, they had treated me exceptionally well.

When Josephine saw that Andy was still angry, she stepped in to defuse the situation. “All right now, Dad. Everything will be cleared up once the results of the paternity test are out. It's pointless for you to be angry or worry about it right now. Anyway, Michael has always been sensible in whatever he does. Hence, you have to trust him when he says that Leanne's child is not related to him at all.”

 

Chapter 577

Andy shifted his attention to me and questioned in disbelief, “Anna, is what you say really true? Or are you just lying to us in order to cover up for him? If he ends up having an illegitimate child, I will definitely break his legs!”

“Grandpa, I'm telling you the truth. I guarantee that Leanne's child is definitely not Michael's. Even if you don't believe him, are you not going to trust me too? If that was really his child, do you think I would still be smiling right now while talking to you?”

Despite being stumped by Andy's reaction, my heart was still warmed by it, for I could feel that he was just trying to stand up for me.

“In that case, we'll talk about this again once the results of the paternity test are out.”

Andy was finally convinced by my words. Nonetheless, he still gave Michael the side-eye and snorted at him.

Michael furrowed his brows. Even though he was upset, he didn't comment any further. As this was the first time the entire family ganged up on him, I couldn't resist smiling in amusement.

Upon returning to the bedroom, I was in such a good mood that I hummed a tune. After seeing Michael being lectured by his whole family, I felt inexplicably liberated.

Even though Leanne's child was not related to him at all, I had been feeling down in the dumps recently due to what was going on with his ex. Finally, I felt as if the Shaw family had given him a piece of their mind on my behalf.

“You seem to be enjoying watching me being admonished by my entire family.”

There was a hint of dissatisfaction in Michael's words as he came up to me with his brows slightly raised.

Sensing how incendiary his comments were, I wiped the smile off my face and denied, “Am I? I don't feel like I'm in a particularly good mood.”

Given that he was in a bad mood, I still had to hide my emotions despite how elated I felt.

Pulling me into his embrace, Michael remarked with a displeased expression, “Really? Why do I get the feeling that you seem to be gloating!”

“Erm, I'm happy about finding out that Leanne's child is not related to you. It has nothing to do with your family lecturing you.”

My body tensed up when I felt Michael's breath brush across my skin. Considering that he was in a bad mood, there was a risk that he would do something unpredictable.

“That's more like it!” Andy shifted his attention to me and questioned in disbelief, “Anna, is what you say really true? Or are you just lying to us in order to cover up for him? If he ends up having an illegitimate child, I will definitely break his legs!”

Andy shiftad his attantion to ma and quastionad in disbaliaf, “Anna, is what you say raally trua? Or ara you just lying to us in ordar to covar up for him? If ha ands up having an illagitimata child, I will dafinitaly braak his lags!”

“Grandpa, I'm talling you tha truth. I guarantaa that Laanna's child is dafinitaly not Michaal's. Evan if you don't baliava him, ara you not going to trust ma too? If that was raally his child, do you think I would still ba smiling right now whila talking to you?”

Daspita baing stumpad by Andy's raaction, my haart was still warmad by it, for I could faal that ha was just trying to stand up for ma.

“In that casa, wa'll talk about this again onca tha rasults of tha patarnity tast ara out.”

Andy was finally convincad by my words. Nonathalass, ha still gava Michaal tha sida-aya and snortad at him.

Michaal furrowad his brows. Evan though ha was upsat, ha didn't commant any furthar. As this was tha first tima tha antira family gangad up on him, I couldn't rasist smiling in amusamant.

Upon raturning to tha badroom, I was in such a good mood that I hummad a tuna. Aftar saaing Michaal baing lacturad by his whola family, I falt inaxplicably libaratad.

Evan though Laanna's child was not ralatad to him at all, I had baan faaling down in tha dumps racantly dua to what was going on with his ax. Finally, I falt as if tha Shaw family had givan him a piaca of thair mind on my bahalf.

“You saam to ba anjoying watching ma baing admonishad by my antira family.”

Thara was a hint of dissatisfaction in Michaal's words as ha cama up to ma with his brows slightly raisad.

Sansing how incandiary his commants wara, I wipad tha smila off my faca and daniad, “Am I? I don't faal lika I'm in a particularly good mood.”

Givan that ha was in a bad mood, I still had to hida my amotions daspita how alatad I falt.

Pulling ma into his ambraca, Michaal ramarkad with a displaasad axprassion, “Raally? Why do I gat tha faaling that you saam to ba gloating!”

“Erm, I'm happy about finding out that Laanna's child is not ralatad to you. It has nothing to do with your family lacturing you.”

My body tansad up whan I falt Michaal's braath brush across my skin. Considaring that ha was in a bad mood, thara was a risk that ha would do somathing unpradictabla.

“That's mora lika it!”

Satisfied with my answer, Michael eased the frosty expression on his face.

I let out a long sigh, for Michael's recent mood was just as bad as mine over Leanne's matter. In fact, he probably felt even more frustrated than I did.

The next morning, Michael and I drove to where Leanne was staying because we had agreed the night before to undergo a paternity test at the hospital on that day.

Just the night before, Michael called Ronan to give him advance notice about the matter. Upon learning of Michael's illegitimate child, Ronan widened his eyes in disbelief as his busybody instincts kicked in.

Subsequently, he began peppering Michael with questions about Leanne and the child. However, all he got as an answer was the call-end tone when Michael's decisively hung up on him.

After Michael and I waited for a short while outside, Leanne emerged together with her son. She shot both of us an indifferent glance before taking her seat at the back.

Expecting Leanne to continue appealing to Michael, I was surprised when she kept mum and didn't say a word at all.

I figured it was probably because of how disappointed she was in him. After all, the man who was once so madly in love with her had barely any reaction now when he saw her. Thus, any self-respecting woman would know that was the time to stop clinging to someone like that.

Upon our arrival at the hospital, Ronan was already waiting for us. He raised his brows the moment he saw the child beside Leanne.

Walking up to Michael's side, he patted the former on the shoulder and asked with a nosy look, “Michael, that's your illegitimate child?”

“Ronan, do you have a death wish?”

Michael's face darkened the instant he heard Ronan's comment. Ever since the kid appeared, Michael hated the words “illegitimate child” being mentioned in front of him.

Glaring at Ronan, he looked as if he was going to lunge at the former anytime and beat him up.

“Why are you getting so worked up for? I was just going to say that the child doesn't look like you at all.”

Ronan retrieved his hand from Michael's shoulder and shrugged with a nonchalant expression.

Having heard Ronan's words, Leanne's face lost all color. Even though she didn't say a word, it was clear that she was just trying to hold back her anger.

At the same time, Michael rolled his eyes at Ronan before ignoring him for the fool he was and walking up to my side.

“Anna, can you share with me what was going through your mind when you learned the existence of the child? Did you feel the urge to strangle Michael to death?”

While Ronan was asking me the question, he looked in Michael's direction with a face filled with a sense of Schadenfreude.

“I'm more worried about him strangling you to death if you continue talking about it.”

I couldn't resist giggling when I trailed Ronan's gaze toward Michael only to find Michael glaring back at him.

Ronan couldn't be any more brazen. Despite knowing how exasperated Michael was with the matter, he continued rattling off in front of the latter.

“Even if he wants to strangle me to death, I'm sure you'll protect me, won't you? Considering the fact

that we are such good friends, I'm sure you won't sit idly by and watch your other half kill me.”

Ronan leaned closer to me with a mischievous smile.

As I gave him a speechless look, I noticed that he was back to his usual impudent self after not seeing him for a few days. Hence, I wondered if he had already gotten over me.

After giving Ronan the side-eye, I retorted in an irritated tone, “I think I'll be helping him to suffocate you instead. You brought this upon yourself for incessantly harping on the topic despite knowing how exasperated everyone is.”

Even if he wanted to make idle chatter, he should have picked a different topic. He obviously knew that we were at the hospital for a paternity test, and yet, insisted on asking such sensitive questions.

“Anna, do our friendship mean nothing to you? How can you treat me like that?”

Ronan threw me a pitiful look, as if he had suffered a grave injustice. In the face of his utter lack of seriousness, I was simply lost for words.

Meanwhile, Michael walked up to him and snapped, “Ronan, if you dare waste another second of my time, I'm really going to kill you!”

“All right, all right. I've already made the arrangements. All that's left to do is to take both of you to have your blood drawn.”

When he finally sensed Michael's anger, Ronan reined in his lackadaisical attitude and led us to the examination room.

 

Chapter 578

Even though giving their blood was a quick process, the results of the test would only be known three days later. Thus, all we could do now was to wait for the results at home.

Nevertheless, Ronan assured us that he would inform us the moment the results were out.

Right when Michael and I came to the main entrance and planned to leave right away, Leanne called out to him, “Michael.”

Leanne's face was visibly ashen as she looked at him with sorrow in her eyes.

Stopping in his tracks to turn around, Michael plainly asked, ”What else do you want?”

After hearing his response, Leanne gave me a look before continuing, “Michael, I have a question for you. If Melvin is proven to be your child, do you still plan to not acknowledge him? All this while, you never had the intention letting us return to your side, isn't it?”

Staring into Leanne's eyes, Michael fell silent for a while before replying in a serious tone, “If he is truly my son, I'll take responsibility for both of you. However, if it is proven otherwise, I hope that you will stay away from me and never appear in my life again.”

Michael's tone was extremely grave, while his eyes were entirely devoid of emotion.

Upon hearing his words, tears began to streak down Leanne's cheeks as the sadness in her eyes intensified.

“Fine, if Melvin is proven not to be your son, I'll leave with him. However, I can tell you with all certainty

that he is definitely your son, for I have never slept with any other man!”

After letting out an emotional rant, Leanne turned around and stormed off.

Watching her leaving silhouette, Michael furrowed his brows as if he was deep in thought.

I walked up to him from behind and asked in an earnest tone, “Once it's proven that the child isn't yours, will you show her some mercy?”

After regaining his senses, Michael turned to face me and replied in a grim tone, “No! You and our son are the only ones that can make my heart waver.”

I knew how much our relationship meant to him all this while. Therefore, my heart warmed after hearing him make such a declaration.

Even though giving their blood was a quick process, the results of the test would only be known three days later. Thus, all we could do now was to wait for the results at home.

Evan though giving thair blood was a quick procass, tha rasults of tha tast would only ba known thraa days latar. Thus, all wa could do now was to wait for tha rasults at homa.

Navarthalass, Ronan assurad us that ha would inform us tha momant tha rasults wara out.

Right whan Michaal and I cama to tha main antranca and plannad to laava right away, Laanna callad out to him, “Michaal.”

Laanna's faca was visibly ashan as sha lookad at him with sorrow in har ayas.

Stopping in his tracks to turn around, Michaal plainly askad, ”What alsa do you want?”

Aftar haaring his rasponsa, Laanna gava ma a look bafora continuing, “Michaal, I hava a quastion for you. If Malvin is provan to ba your child, do you still plan to not acknowladga him? All this whila, you navar had tha intantion latting us raturn to your sida, isn't it?”

Staring into Laanna's ayas, Michaal fall silant for a whila bafora raplying in a sarious tona, “If ha is truly my son, I'll taka rasponsibility for both of you. Howavar, if it is provan otharwisa, I hopa that you will stay away from ma and navar appaar in my lifa again.”

Michaal's tona was axtramaly grava, whila his ayas wara antiraly davoid of amotion.

Upon haaring his words, taars bagan to straak down Laanna's chaaks as tha sadnass in har ayas intansifiad.

“Fina, if Malvin is provan not to ba your son, I'll laava with him. Howavar, I can tall you with all cartainty that ha is dafinitaly your son, for I hava navar slapt with any othar man!”

Aftar latting out an amotional rant, Laanna turnad around and stormad off.

Watching har laaving silhouatta, Michaal furrowad his brows as if ha was daap in thought.

I walkad up to him from bahind and askad in an aarnast tona, “Onca it's provan that tha child isn't yours, will you show har soma marcy?”

Aftar ragaining his sansas, Michaal turnad to faca ma and rapliad in a grim tona, “No! You and our son

ara tha only onas that can maka my haart wavar.”

I knaw how much our ralationship maant to him all this whila. Tharafora, my haart warmad aftar haaring him maka such a daclaration.

“All we can do now is wait. Once the results are out three days later, the truth will be laid bare. By then, I believe Leanne will give up on her own accord.”

Even though both of us knew that the child isn't his, the paternity test still felt unsettling.

Now that I was also a mother, I instinctively sympathized with Melvin.

If his birth father didn't turn out to be Michael, he would then have no idea who it was, which would put him in an extremely pitiful situation.

Inside Michael's car, I was initially tempted to ask about what happened on the night of Leanne's twenty-second birthday.

However, I decided against it in the end because it was pointless to dredge up the past.

Three days later, we received a call from Ronan informing us that the result of the paternity test was out.

By the time we arrived at the hospital, Leanne was already there with her son.

When we were all gathered in Ronan's office, I noticed that her hand was slightly trembling. Evidently, she was a bunch of nerves.

In contrast to her, Michael was a sea of calm since he was sure that the child wasn't his.

“Ronan, what is the result? Is Melvin Michael's son or not?”

When I saw how quiet both of them were, I had no choice but to break the silence, for any delay would cause further agony for everyone involved.

After sweeping his gaze across all of us, Ronan finally reported in a solemn tone, “The results of the test show that Melvin and Michael are not related by blood at all. Therefore, Michael is without a doubt not Melvin's father.”

Just as he spoke, Leanne's face turned pale as she staggered back by reflex.

Looking at Ronan in disbelief, her eyes began to redden.

“That's impossible! That's definitely impossible! How can Melvin not be Michael's son? I-It must be you who changed the results, isn't it? All of you must be in on this!” Leanne scowled as she stared daggers at every single one of us.

Upon hearing Ronan's announcement, I felt as if a burden had been lifted from my heart. But when I saw Leanne's reaction, I couldn't help but knit my brows again.

After walking up to her, I stared intently into her eyes and asserted, “Leanne, it's illegal to fake a paternity test. Do you think all of us here are stupid enough to do it? In truth, you should realize by now that Melvin isn't Michael's child.”

“No, I don't believe it! You must have tampered with the results on purpose! I demand to take another test at a different hospital!”

At that moment, my words had fallen on deaf ears for Leanne was behaving in a hysterical manner.

“Leanne, wake up. No matter how many times you run the test, the result will be the same. It will not change the fact that Melvin isn't Michael's son!”

The way she was reacting had infuriated me. After going through the hassle of completing the paternity test, she refused to believe in its authenticity.

Consequently, I spoke to her in a hostile tone. In fact, my eyes were burning with rage as I glared at her.

After staring back at me with her bloodshot eyes and pale face, Leanne collapsed onto the ground butt first. She looked utterly listless, as if her soul had left her body.

From there, I could see the despair in her eyes. When she first arrived, she was still brimming with confidence even though Michael had told her that it couldn't be him. Nevertheless, she just refused to listen.

Walking up to her, Michael suggested earnestly, “Leanne, now that you know the result, it's time to let go.”

Upon hearing Michael's voice, she gradually looked up to reveal her teary-eyed face.

Grabbing Michael's arm, Leanne raged, “Why? Why must you do this to me? Michael, tell me, why are

you treating me so harshly?”

“Leanne, when some feelings are gone, they are just not going to return. You should stop this obsession of yours, for it's not doing anyone any good.”

Michael's brows were furrowed, while his words were tinged with resignation.

I was cognizant that he had no intention of harming Leanne. Even though he no longer had feelings for her, she still had a special place in his heart. After all, both of them loved each other once.

 

Chapter 579

“But I still love you until this day. Back then, you told me that you will love me for the rest of my life. Does your promise not count for anything?”

As Leanne looked at Michael with tears in her eyes, the words she spoke were a reflection of how heavy-hearted she felt.

“If we didn't break up then, my feelings for you might have never changed. However, many relationships don't stand the test of time. What both of us used to have is now in the past and is never coming back.”

Michael spoke in a serious tone, as this was the first time he had the opportunity to chat with her calmly.

“Michael, don't leave me, all right? I know I was in the wrong when I left you for money back then. Please give me another chance. I'll definitely help you find the feelings you have for me back then, all right?” Leanne pleaded as she grabbed Michael's arm.

As I watched on with an indifferent expression, I didn't feel anxious at all, for I was confident that Michael wouldn't reconcile with her. After all, I was the only one who mattered to him.

After pulling his hand away from Leanne without any hesitation, Michael gave her an icy stare.

“Leanne, now that I've said everything that needs to be said, this is the end of the line for both of us. From now on, don't ever show your face in front of me. I don't ever want you disrupting my life again.”

Having given her his ultimatum, Michael stood up and left with me in tow without giving Leanne anoveldrama

second glance.

Inside the car, I didn't know what to say amidst the silence and solemn look on his face.

“Are you feeling troubled right now? Does it break your heart to see how much pain Leanne is going through?”

Even though I wasn't fond of Leanne at all, my heart began to waver when I saw the despair and suffering she felt.

“No. On the contrary, I feel relieved that this matter has come to a close. Going forward, you no longer have to be worried about me having an illegitimate child somewhere,” Michael responded to my words without hesitation.

“Leanne is your ex. Hence, I don't believe that you feel nothing for her at all. Even if you pity or sympathize with her, I'm fine with it. After all, I'm not someone who is heartless.” “But I still love you until this day. Back then, you told me that you will love me for the rest of my life. Does your promise not count for anything?” “But I still lova you until this day. Back than, you told ma that you will lova ma for tha rast of my lifa. Doas your promisa not count for anything?”

As Laanna lookad at Michaal with taars in har ayas, tha words sha spoka wara a raflaction of how haavy-haartad sha falt.

“If wa didn't braak up than, my faalings for you might hava navar changad. Howavar, many ralationships don't stand tha tast of tima. What both of us usad to hava is now in tha past and is navar

coming back.”

Michaal spoka in a sarious tona, as this was tha first tima ha had tha opportunity to chat with har calmly.

“Michaal, don't laava ma, all right? I know I was in tha wrong whan I laft you for monay back than. Plaasa giva ma anothar chanca. I'll dafinitaly halp you find tha faalings you hava for ma back than, all right?” Laanna plaadad as sha grabbad Michaal's arm.

As I watchad on with an indiffarant axprassion, I didn't faal anxious at all, for I was confidant that Michaal wouldn't raconcila with har. Aftar all, I was tha only ona who mattarad to him.

Aftar pulling his hand away from Laanna without any hasitation, Michaal gava har an icy stara.

“Laanna, now that I'va said avarything that naads to ba said, this is tha and of tha lina for both of us. From now on, don't avar show your faca in front of ma. I don't avar want you disrupting my lifa again.”

Having givan har his ultimatum, Michaal stood up and laft with ma in tow without giving Laanna a sacond glanca.

Insida tha car, I didn't know what to say amidst tha silanca and solamn look on his faca.

“Ara you faaling troublad right now? Doas it braak your haart to saa how much pain Laanna is going through?”

Evan though I wasn't fond of Laanna at all, my haart bagan to wavar whan I saw tha daspair and suffaring sha falt.

“No. On tha contrary, I faal raliavad that this mattar has coma to a closa. Going forward, you no longar hava to ba worriad about ma having an illagitimata child somawhara,” Michaal raspondad to my words without hasitation.

“Laanna is your ax. Hanca, I don't baliava that you faal nothing for har at all. Evan if you pity or sympathiza with har, I'm fina with it. Aftar all, I'm not somaona who is haartlass.”

I assumed Michael said all that because he was worried about me getting angry.

“Didn't I just say that there isn't any? Do you actually wish for me to still have residual feelings for her?” Michael retorted with displeasure written all over his face.

In response, I gave him the side-eye and rebutted in exasperation, “Of course I don't mean that. Unless there's something wrong with me, why would I hope that you still have residual feelings for her?”

He knows how sensitive I am toward their relationship. So, why does he need to say such things to trigger me on purpose?

Slowing the car down, Michael looked in my direction and explained earnestly, “Since you don't hope that, then don't ever bring up her name in front of me again. To me, she is a nobody. The only people who matter to me are you and Amaury.”

His words caused my heart to skip a beat as bliss began to emanate throughout my body.

Now that the matter had been concluded, both of us would never fight over it again.

During the next few days, our lives went back to normal and Leanne didn't show up anymore.

Subsequently, Michael received a call from her. However, she wasn't trying to cause any more trouble this time. Instead, she was notifying us that she was leaving.

Her decision was music to my ears because I couldn't be any happier that she was finally leaving, never to return. Even though she was no longer a threat to us, just the thought of her was enough to unsettle me still.

Nevertheless, Leanne had a final request. She wanted Michael to send her to the airport so that she could say her farewell.

Deep down, I was reluctant for both of them to still have any interaction at all. But since she was about to leave, I decided to show some mercy and subsequently agreed.

After all, he was just going to send her to the airport, and nothing would likely happen. Thus, there was no reason for me to worry at all.

At first, Michael was unwilling to go until I persuaded him to do so. In his words, I was the most magnanimous lady he had seen in his entire life to actually let my own husband send his ex to the airport.

When Michael was headed to the airport, I went to visit Alicia. Ever since Leanne's appearance recently, I didn't manage to see her at all.

Also, I didn't know how Janette was doing. Since a lot of time had passed since the incident, I wondered if she had managed to recover from it.

After buying some fruits, I arrived at Alicia's home. The first moment I saw her, I felt that she wasn't having it easy still because she looked more haggard than before.

When I saw how exhausted she was, I knitted my brows in concern. “Why do you look so tired? Did you not get enough rest?”

“I'm fine. It's Janette. She's a little rebellious recently.”

When Alicia sighed in resignation while talking about Janette, it made her look even more drained than before.

“What's wrong with her? Did something happen again?”

The only person who could cause Alicia to worry was Janette.

“I don't know what has gotten into her recently. She would not come home at night and would dress like an escort. In fact, she doesn't look like a daughter from a proper family anymore. I did lecture her about it a few times, but it has fallen on deaf ears.”

While Alicia was speaking, tears were already welling up in her eyes. Evidently, she was very much troubled by what was going on with Janette.

Upon hearing Alicia's words, I furrowed my brows in exasperation. After Janette's incident, both Alicia and I spent a lot of effort helping her recover. Unfortunately, no one expected her to turn out that way, causing me to feel that all our earlier efforts had gone to waste.

Patting Alicia on her shoulder, I reassured her, “Don't worry. When Janette comes home, I'll talk to her.”

Even though I was cognizant that she wouldn't listen to me, I still couldn't resist teaching her a lesson.

After all, everyone was doing their best for her, and yet, she repaid us with such irresponsible behavior.

Initially, I assumed that she would be all right once she got over the incident. But now, she seemed to have changed into a different person.

“Anna, it breaks my heart every time I see Janette acting this way.”

Chapter 580

Holding my hand, my mother uttered with a sad face, “I know you must be hurting right now, but just try your best to calm down. I promise I'll talk to her.”

I felt terrible when I noticed how troubled my mother seemed. Even though I would rather not get myself involved with Janette and her problems, I could not just sit by and do nothing after seeing my mother like that.

Then, I waited at my mother's house until late at night before Janette came home. When I checked the time and realized that it was almost midnight, I was slightly irritated. Janette should know better than to stay out so late. And my goodness, she reeks of alcohol!

After having not seen Janette for a while, she had turned into a completely different person. Not only was she dressed scantily, but she also wore ridiculously heavy makeup. Because of the way she looked, one could be forgiven for thinking that she was a hooker instead of a proper lady.

Displeased with how debauched Janette seemed, I immediately stormed over to the woman. “Janette!”

When I got near, Janette stopped dead in her tracks, and her face suddenly hardened. “What are you doing so late at my home?”

For some reason, Janette sounded annoyed when I confronted her.

“I was waiting for you,” I answered coldly as I gazed into her eyes.

“Waiting for me? Why the heck would you be doing that? I'm exhausted right now, so the last thing I want is to talk to you.” Janette was as unfriendly as she had always been to me then. After brushing me

off with those words, she turned around and was about to go upstairs.

“There's something I have to talk to you about. It won't take long. I'll go as soon as I'm done talking.” I uttered quickly to stop Janette from walking away. At that point, I had gotten even more irritated since I did not understand why she always treated me, her own sister, as though I was nobody to her.

“I don't want to talk to you because we have nothing worth talking about at all. Now, if there's nothing else, please get out of my house immediately. You're not welcome here.” Holding my hand, my mother uttered with a sad face, “I know you must be hurting right now, but just try your best to calm down. I promise I'll talk to her.” Holding my hand, my mothar uttarad with a sad faca, “I know you must ba hurting right now, but just try your bast to calm down. I promisa I'll talk to har.”

I falt tarribla whan I noticad how troublad my mothar saamad. Evan though I would rathar not gat mysalf involvad with Janatta and har problams, I could not just sit by and do nothing aftar saaing my mothar lika that.

Than, I waitad at my mothar's housa until lata at night bafora Janatta cama homa. Whan I chackad tha tima and raalizad that it was almost midnight, I was slightly irritatad. Janatta should know battar than to stay out so lata. And my goodnass, sha raaks of alcohol!

Aftar having not saan Janatta for a whila, sha had turnad into a complataly diffarant parson. Not only was sha drassad scantily, but sha also wora ridiculously haavy makaup. Bacausa of tha way sha lookad, ona could ba forgivan for thinking that sha was a hookar instaad of a propar lady.

Displaasad with how dabauchad Janatta saamad, I immadiataly stormad ovar to tha woman. “Janatta!”

Whan I got naar, Janatta stoppad daad in har tracks, and har faca suddanly hardanad. “What ara you doing so lata at my homa?”

For soma raason, Janatta soundad annoyad whan I confrontad har.

“I was waiting for you,” I answarad coldly as I gazad into har ayas.

“Waiting for ma? Why tha hack would you ba doing that? I'm axhaustad right now, so tha last thing I want is to talk to you.” Janatta was as unfriandly as sha had always baan to ma than. Aftar brushing ma off with thosa words, sha turnad around and was about to go upstairs.

“Thara's somathing I hava to talk to you about. It won't taka long. I'll go as soon as I'm dona talking.” I uttarad quickly to stop Janatta from walking away. At that point, I had gottan avan mora irritatad sinca I did not undarstand why sha always traatad ma, har own sistar, as though I was nobody to har.

“I don't want to talk to you bacausa wa hava nothing worth talking about at all. Now, if thara's nothing alsa, plaasa gat out of my housa immadiataly. You'ra not walcoma hara.”

Janette, who would rather not look at her sister for even a second longer, went up the stairs after throwing those icy-cold words at me.

Initially, I wanted to talk with Janette in a calm and peaceful manner, but her attitude got my blood boiling with anger. I then caught up to my sister and grabbed her by the arm. “I don't care what you want. You're going to talk to me whether you like it or not!”

With that, I forcefully pulled her into her bedroom.

“What the heck do you think you're doing, Anna!” Janette roared at me, upset that I imposed my will on her.

After closing the door behind me, I looked the woman in the eye and questioned sternly, “Are you ready to talk now?”

“I don't know what you're trying to do here, but if you have something to say, be out with it! I don't have all night. I'm tired, and I want to sleep.”

Seeing how insistent I was, Janette softened up a little, even though she continued to treat me as if I was her enemy. It did not bother me, though, because I knew she never liked me anyway.

“Just look at yourself! I don't even know who you are anymore. Are you a hooker or something now? Because the way you dress definitely suggests that,” I remarked as I gestured to her skimpy outfit, furious that she would even think it was okay to dress something like that.

“Who do you think you are to tell me what I can or cannot wear, Anna? Who gave you the right to meddle in my business?” retorted Janette while looking daggers at me.

“I'm only saying this for your own good. Do you have any idea how worried Mom is about you? Anything could happen to you out there, especially when it's this late! Have you never thought about how your actions affect others?” I could not accept the way Janette talked back to me. Why would I waste my time talking to her if I didn't care about her? But for some reason, she just can't seem to understand that.

“Whatever happens to me is none of your business, Anna. Who do you think you are? My sister? What a joke!” scoffed Janette before rolling her eyes at me.

“I know that you don't like me, but I really do care about you. It's dangerous to be staying out this late. You, of all people, should be well aware of that. Do you want to live through that nightmare again?”

Even though I did not like Janette either, I did not deny the fact that she was a beauty. What's she going to do if a pretty girl like her runs into a bunch of hooligans again?

“What's the big deal? It's not like I've never experienced it before. I don't give a damn!”

I thought Janette would reflect on herself after my warning, but instead of doing that, she simply brushed me off once again as if I had overreacted.

At that point, I was so furious that I could no longer control my emotions. I then lifted my hand and gave Janette a good hard slap to the cheek.

“Do you have any idea what you're saying? How can you just give up on yourself like that?”

Repulsed by the way Janette acted, I could not believe how far she had fallen. Luckily, I'm the only one who heard Janette. If Mom were here, she would be devastated!

Janette was stunned for a while because she never expected me to get physical with her. However, as soon as she returned to her senses, Janette glared murderously at me.

“How dare you lay a finger on me!” roared Janette in her sharpest possible voice as the veins on her forehead bulged out.

“That's not all I'm going to do to you if you keep this up. There's nothing anybody can do to stop you if you want to throw your life away, but nobody should have to suffer for it. If you say you don't care about getting raped again, then prove it to me!”

I tried my best to talk to Janette calmly, but she made it impossible for me to do so.

Hence, I immediately grabbed her by the hand and started pulling her to the front door. I only intended to scare Janette, but because of how serious I seemed, she began to panic.

“What are you doing, you lunatic! Do you seriously want to see me go through that nightmare again?” cried Janette as she struggled to break free.