Before Abigail could say another word, Kevin's voice interrupted her. "Josh is really foolish. He's been with Luna for so long. How can he still not understand how temperamental she is?""There's really nothing wrong, Kevin," Abigail insisted, defending herself.Since she had already collaborated with Simond, there was no reason to involve Kevin in this mess. The weight of her debts to Sean and Luna burdened her, and she knew she could never fully repay them.At this point, she just wanted to stand by Simond's side alone.If any future issues arose, the people she loved and cared about would remain unaffected.All the causes and effects stemmed from her actions and Vincent's greed. If there were any issues to be addressed, the Pearsons should handle them themselves.Upon hearing her words, Kevin sighed. "You really...""Kevin, it's not that I don't trust you. I'm really okay. I'm in Eastbay dealing with the pearl business. Ronaldo has a batch of pearls he wants to sell at the end of the year. He helped me before, so I'm returning the favor," Abigail said to Kevin with a smile.Kevin simply responded with an "Oh."She tactfully avoided mentioning Luna, neither confirming nor denying Luna's presence. He thought, Is it possible that Luna isn't really with her?After a brief conversation, Kevin hung up the phone.Just as he was about to turn around, he noticed Josh leaning against the door of the private room, quietly observing him."Why are you awake? Are you feeling unwell?" Kevin approached Josh."Is Luna with Abigail?" Josh, now clear-headed, showed no signs of a hangover."I'm not sure. I asked her, and she didn't strongly deny it. She just said she wasn't with her and that she was in Eastbay doing business. It didn't seem like she was lying to me," Kevin responded seriously. Then, he asked Josh, "Do you still want to find her?""No, it's just that I haven't heard from her for a long time. It's as if she's disappeared," Josh said quietly.As he turned around to open the door of the box, Josh asked Kevin, "Why did Abigail call him?""Maybe she feels too busy and hasn't been taking care of him, so she feels a bit embarrassed about it," Kevin replied with a smile.The two of them entered the private room and found Sean still sound asleep. Walking over to him, they sat down and leaned back on the couch, staring blankly at the TV screen.Kevin checked the time on his wristwatch. "It's getting late. I'll take you guys back to the hotel so you can rest.""Okay." Josh raised his hand to massage his temples.As they helped him out, Kevin couldn't help but gossip with Josh. "He's really heartbroken.""Abigail has only been with him for less than a week since he came back. She doesn't tell him anything and is very secretive. Can he not be heartbroken?" Josh expressed, considering their six-month relationship during treatment.When Sean first came back, Josh heard him talk about his experiences with Abigail for half a year. Sean mentioned that their relationship was different from before and had made significant progress.Given the current situation, this statement seemed ironic in light of Sean's feelings."Well..." Kevin hesitated, unsure of what to say in that moment.Josh fell silent. It seemed like he had a lot on his mind, but ultimately, he chose to remain silent."If you want me to help find Luna, I can do that. Since Abigail won't tell us, it's not like we can't find out." Kevin raised an eyebrow at Josh.Josh didn't respond.Kevin understood that Josh's lack of denial was equivalent to admission.The next morning, Abigail called Sean again.After a night of heavy drinking, Sean, feeling like his head was about to explode, answered the call and mumbled, "What's the matter?"He believed it was work-related."Are you upset?" Abigail's voice carried a hint of uneasiness.Sean's drowsiness immediately diminished. He ran his fingers through his hair, gazing outside to observe the brightening surroundings."I'm not upset. I went out for a drink last night. What's going on?" Squinting at the brightness outside the window, he lay on the pillow, gradually adjusting to the new day."I'm sorry. I called you yesterday but had to hang up due to an emergency. I intended to talk to you later in the evening, but you didn't answer, and Kevin picked up. I've been neglecting you because of my busy schedule lately." Abigail sincerely apologized to Sean over the phone.Sean felt a pang in his heart, ultimately sighing softly. "If it's not work-related, what have you been really busy with?""It is work-related. I'm dealing with Marimora pearls. Mr. Fernandez's Marimora pearls have produced another batch, and I'm here to purchase them," Abigail explained, having coordinated the story with Ronaldo the previous night. When they called, Ronaldo would assist in covering up the lie.Although Sean was aware that Abigail was not being entirely truthful, he still responded, "Then, you're busy. I'll sleep a little longer. I have a headache.""Sean..." Abigail softly called out, a tone that seemed to touch Sean's heart, causing it to beat a bit faster."What's wrong?" His tone unconsciously softened."Nothing. I just miss you," Abigail said with a smile.The corner of Sean's lips curled up slightly. Propping himself up, his heart seemed to melt into a puddle. "Even if you're busy with work, take care of yourself. You don't have to worry about me.""I know. But I was hoping you could do me a favor," Abigail began, feeling a bit embarrassed.
Chapter 692 Rarely Coquettish
Sean let out a sigh.No wonder she suddenly started acting flirtatious. It turned out she was waiting for him here."What's the matter? Tell me." Sean reclined on the bed and took a sip of water from the side."It seems like there's a lot of chaos within my company. Can you help me stabilize the situation for a while? I'll gather some information for you, mainly from the design department. There have been several plagiarism controversies, and our reputation has significantly dropped this year." Abigail immediately brought up the topic to Sean.Sean felt a headache coming on. He pressed his temples and responded with a grunt."If you're busy, I can find Josh instead," Abigail reproached herself in a low voice."Even if I'm busy, I'll still help you, don't you think?" Sean's tone was filled with indulgence.Abigail's voice immediately carried a sense of joy. "Thank you so much!""But there are conditions," Sean added."I can definitely promise to do it as long as you tell me!" she replied cheerfully. She was truly overwhelmed with the situation at the company.Sean fell silent for a moment, then he continued, "Take good care of yourself. Even if you're busy, remember to eat. If there's really something bothering you, don't try to handle it alone, okay?"Abigail's throat tightened. "Okay.""Alright, you focus on your work. I'll rest for a while and then head back to Capitalis," Sean said with a smile.Abigail didn't want to hang up the phone. After hesitating for a few seconds, she softly said to Sean, "I want to talk to you about something on my mind. Will it disturb your sleep?""Not at all. It's the same even if I sleep after hearing it." Sean reclined on the bed as he squinted his eyes and enjoyed the brief moment of communication."I've been thinking, if I continue like this, should we break up? Will you feel so impatient that you always have to wait?" Abigail knew very well that Sean had been slightly moody, but he was different from before.He wouldn't easily check her whereabouts; otherwise, she wouldn't even take a plane.It was precisely because this trust couldn't be betrayed that Abigail repeatedly lied to him, and the guilt in her heart had made her somewhat emotionally unstable.Sean trusted her unconditionally, but she lied to him time and time again.Last night, when she found out that Sean had been drinking, she didn't sleep much all night as she thought about confessing to him this morning. However, the events in the Golden Triangle made her calm down again."Maybe I haven't done enough, so you are so busy and separated from me," Sean comforted Abigail. No matter what prevented her from being with him and kept them apart, he would convince himself not to blame Abigail.Abigail was deeply moved by Sean's words, and her tone became more relaxed. "You have done well. It's my fault.""Alright, let's not blame anyone now. We are still young, and we have to be busy for a few more years. After we settle down, you can't be like this anymore." Sean's tone suddenly became serious."Okay," Abigail immediately agreed as she smiled and hardly hesitated.The two chatted for a while, and Sean hung up the phone. The smile on his face slowly disappeared.Happiness was only temporary; he just disguised it well, and he constantly convinced himself.He wondered what Abigail was doing now, but she preferred to bear it herself rather than speak up....Abigail hung up the phone as she leaned on the sink and looked at her deteriorating state in the mirror. She realized that Simond was right last night.Being with a depressed person for a long time could also affect oneself.The biggest impact she was currently experiencing was insomnia... The incident of Sean drinking last night had been lingering in her mind all night. She felt that their relationship was falling apart, but she had no way to fix it.On one side stood Abigail, teetering on the edge of life and death, while on the other side was the lover she longed to hold onto tightly...She felt overwhelmed by the pressure.After sorting through her emotions, Abigail left the room and made her way to the kitchen.Her culinary skills had recently improved due to Luna's high food demands. Luna often experienced physiological issues that caused her to vomit, so Abigail sometimes had to prepare a variety of dishes to cater to Luna's stomach.By the time she finished making breakfast, it was already half past eight in the morning.Luna had yet to wake up.Abigail had no choice but to eat alone first. Then, she tidied up the kitchen and began sketching design ideas.At half-past nine in the morning, Luna emerged from her room, looking lifeless. She glanced at Abigail, who was engrossed in her drawings, before aimlessly wandering into the kitchen."Did you brush your teeth, Luna?" Abigail immediately inquired, paying close attention.Sometimes, Luna ate without brushing her teeth or went to bed without doing so, and Abigail had to remind and coax her into doing it."I did it last night..." Luna muttered, somewhat displeased."Brush your teeth and wash up in the morning and evening." Abigail set down her tablet and stood up. Then, she walked over to Luna, took her hand, and guided her toward the bathroom."I overheard you talking to Sean on the phone. Do you find me annoying?" Luna abruptly asked as they entered the bathroom."Don't overthink it; just freshen up," Abigail reassured her and smiled."I'm getting tired of you acting like this. I don't want you constantly meddling in my life. Sometimes, I just don't feel like doing anything. Why do you always expect me to live according to your wishes?" Luna threw her water cup to the side, frustration evident on her face.Abigail licked her lips and gazed at Luna. "You weren't like this before."
Chapter 693 Intentional Torture
Luna's current condition was a result of her illness, causing her body to stiffen and her loss of interest in everything around her.As Luna gazed at Abigail, she expressed her concern. "You've already taken care of me enough. Don't waste any more of your time. I understand that you're busy and didn't get much sleep last night. I know you've been under a lot of pressure because of me, and I'm feeling the pressure too. I don't want to continue burdening you."Abigail's eyes turned red as she responded, "What do you mean by burden? When someone is sick, it's necessary for someone to take care of them. You only want to talk to me, and you trust only me. If I were to leave, what would you do?"She continued, "Yes, I may feel a little uncomfortable and tired, but I'm willing to endure it for your recovery. As long as you get better, my tiredness and discomfort don't matter.""You and Sean have come so far. Are you going to break up with him because of me? I don't want our relationship to be affected like this. Please go back. I'll take care of myself." Luna took two steps back. "I don't want to waste your time anymore.""Can you really take care of yourself? Every time you eat a lot, you end up vomiting and getting angry. Then, you refuse to eat. You hardly eat anything. How long can you continue like this? Go wash up!" Abigail's tone became serious.Luna burst into tears once again. "Living is so painful.""Luna, think about Larry. He's getting better. Think about how he's doing, and remember that he's your child. You promised to recognize him in two years." Abigail stepped forward and gripped her shoulder.Luna suddenly calmed down."Larry..." she whispered softly. After that, she felt a mix of sadness and tears welling up at the thought of him."It's okay. Freshen up and eat something. You need to get better. We have to catch those who did this to you," Abigail reassured her.With Abigail's reassurance, Luna freshened up and had breakfast.Abigail turned on the TV and selected a movie she had prepared. "Let's watch this movie today. I heard it's pretty good."It was a monster movie that had been released many years ago. Luna had always wanted to watch it but never found the time and eventually missed its theatrical release until today.Halfway through the movie, Abigail noticed that Luna had fallen asleep.Even her favorite things couldn't hold her interest anymore.Abigail decided not to turn off the TV and continued watching it herself.After a while, Simond sent a message.'If things don't work out, come back to Capitalis to relax. Don't involve yourself further if Luna isn't better by then.''I'm not as fragile as you think,' Abigail replied to the message.'You asked me to investigate this old man, but I haven't found any issues so far. However, we will continue to monitor. Also, regarding the sleeping pills I gave you, don't give them to her all the time. She doesn't have ordinary depression; her body has developed some resistance to medication.'She also sensed it.In the past few days, Luna had started to become mentally and physically exhausted, unlike before.'It's strange that no suspicious person has appeared around her for so long.'Abigail read the message but did not reply.Every day without finding any clues was torture for her.'Could we be going in the wrong direction?' After a moment, she replied to Simond.'I will approach it from a different angle. If you really can't handle the pressure, don't force yourself. Living with someone who has depression is unbearable for a normal person.'Even though Abigail was mentally strong, she was still human with emotions. How could she not be affected?Simond withdrew his binoculars as his brows furrowed."Mr. Simpson, what if... we have been wrong about Luna's case?" Zack suddenly spoke up.Simond glanced at him and said, "Please continue.""Now that Abigail is facing her own challenges, her relationship with Sean might also be subtly affected. Could it be that the mastermind behind all this wants to drive them apart?" Zack, a psychologist, observed the situation alongside Simond.He had noticed cracks in the relationship between Abigail and Sean, and Abigail herself was starting to experience psychological issues.It was like a ripple effect."But even if they break up, Sean and Abigail will still pose a threat. They won't become irrelevant like Luna just because their relationship is in trouble," Simond remarked as he considered this possibility.However, upon further reflection, he found it too simplistic.If their goal was to seek revenge on Sean and Abigail simply to separate a couple in love, it would be laughable."The true purpose remains to be seen," Zack replied.Simond's expression tightened. "We've been investigating for so long, and there's still no result. These people are incredibly patient. Your point does make some sense. In any case, Abigail has indeed been affected to some extent. If necessary, let's bring her back to Capitalis first. We can discuss Luna's situation later."Dealing with one case of depression is already challenging enough, and now we have another one. It seems that uncovering the truth of the matter will be a distant prospect.All the crucial clues lie with Luna."Hmm." Zack nodded."Luna... I believe she is intentionally tormenting Abigail. Let's make an assumption. Suppose she holds a grudge against something related to Abigail's family, and that's why she has driven her to this state. When individuals are tormented by pain, they naturally question who is causing their suffering and eventually develop hatred towards that person." Simond looked at Zack with a malicious smile playing on his lips.
Chapter 694 Can't Hold It Anymore
Zack knew that Simond always had suspicions about people's malicious intentions.And most of the time, his suspicions were accurate.Human nature, often fragile, couldn't withstand the trials of hardship and the allure of fame and fortune."That's also a possibility. She relies on Abigail but doesn't treat her well. She allows her negative emotions to affect Abigail and never considers what's best for her. This is inconsistent with her previous behavior." Zack never denied Simond's suspicions."If Luna is on the enemy's side, what Abigail is doing now may be meaningless. Perhaps revenge is not as complicated as we think." Simond narrowed his eyes, his expression cold. "Wouldn't it be a success if everyone is miserable?""I just hope Ms. Quinn's perseverance pays off." Zack still believed in Abigail's determination.Simond let out a mocking laugh. "If perseverance alone guaranteed success, then everyone who persists would succeed. We need to be prepared. Once Luna is no longer useful, we must immediately remove Abigail from her. We can't waste any more time on a sick person.""Yes," Zack immediately responded....When Abigail went out alone to buy groceries, she didn't head straight to the supermarket. Instead, she stood at the entrance, her gaze unfocused as she drifted off.She needed a moment to quietly release her inner frustration.Abigail wasn't blaming Luna for making her feel bad; she simply felt as if a heavy weight was pressing down on her chest, making it difficult to breathe."Hey... aren't you Alana?" Mr. Horton's voice suddenly rang out beside her.Abigail turned to look at him and immediately smiled. "Hello, Mr. Horton.""You seem upset. Do you want to come to my yard?" Mr. Horton could sense what Abigail was going through."No. I need to go to the supermarket to buy groceries." Abigail didn't want too much interaction with him, whether he was good or bad."I'm going to the supermarket too. Let's go together." Mr. Horton was incredibly enthusiastic.She couldn't refuse and could only agree with a nod.As they walked, Mr. Horton introduced her to the local customs of Saraville. Suddenly, he said, "You shouldn't frequent those antique streets. The items there are all fake. A few years ago, I heard that someone was selling radioactive stones, which made many people sick. They were all arrested. Ordinary people like you can't tell the difference.""Can't we even buy them for fun?" Abigail couldn't help but click her tongue. Nowadays, people would do anything for money, even at the cost of their reputation."It's best to test them when you get home," Mr. Horton said, hunching over.Abigail thanked him for the reminder.At the supermarket, she selected expensive ingredients, and Mr. Horton helped her choose."If you truly want fresh ones, go to the market. These are all frozen. No matter how carefully you choose, they've been stored for a long time," he whispered to Abigail after the shopkeeper left.She nodded. "You're right. But I can't go to distant markets."After saying this, she felt she had said too much and immediately fell silent.Mr. Horton said, "If you need something next time, you can tell me. I go to the market at six o'clock every morning when I jog. The produce there is very fresh.""That would be too much trouble for you." Abigail immediately waved her hand.The product might not be the best, but she could put more thought into it.If she had to consider so much, she would have to be like Sean's family, having the best ingredients delivered every day, never keeping leftovers, and being meticulous about everything."It's no trouble at all," Mr. Horton said with a smile.Abigail thanked him again.After purchasing the groceries and returning home, she felt much better.Perhaps chatting with Mr. Horton had helped alleviate her inner frustration.She brought the groceries and snacks back home to find Luna reclining on the couch, resting. She suspected that Luna had probably not slept well the previous night.Abigail placed the snacks and fruits on the coffee table and went into the kitchen to start cooking.Her daily responsibility now was to attend to Luna's needs, which kept her occupied from morning till night.This was even more tiring than taking care of a child.Abigail spent nearly three hours preparing a meal.Upon waking up, Luna settled in the living room, indulging in snacks and watching TV."Don't eat so much. We'll be having dinner later," Abigail had reminded her multiple times.Luna disregarded her, as if she was lost in her own world.This was a regular occurrence—frustrating for Abigail, yet she knew that getting angry wouldn't help.Since arriving, Luna's actions seemed designed to raise one's blood pressure.Abigail often found herself seething in solitude in the bathroom, trying to regain composure before facing Luna again.Mentally preparing herself, she returned to the kitchen before venturing out once more.Approaching Luna, Abigail gently took the snacks from her hands.Luna's hands were suddenly empty, and she stared blankly before expressing impatience, "What are you doing?!""I've told you not to eat so much. Dinner is almost ready. You were so absorbed in your show that you ignored me, so I had to come over and assist you," Abigail explained while tidying up the coffee table.
Chapter 695 Fear Of Losing Control
Luna's expression changed, her brow furrowing with discontent."I want you to know that I don't intend to harm you," Abigail reassured, busying herself with clearing the remnants on the tea table."Just when I finally have an appetite, you're telling me I can't eat too much..." Luna sighed, frustration evident in her voice."If you were consistently having proper meals, do you think I would stop you? Luna, I understand you're not feeling well, but it's crucial for you to maintain a healthy diet. Neglecting your body's needs could have consequences for your future, especially considering your disrupted sleep patterns," Abigail carefully arranged the snacks in the lower layer of the coffee table before rising and making her way to the kitchen.Luna frowned, watching the television with a displeased expression. After a while, she turned it off.While Abigail was sulking in the kitchen, she heard Luna slam her bedroom door shut.At that moment, it felt as if Abigail's emotional defenses had crumbled.She let out a sigh of frustration, tears welling up in her eyes. She truly wanted to cry and tell Luna that she was also exhausted, but she knew she had no right to do so.Luna behaves this way because of me. If Vincent hadn't taken Luna to the Golden Triangle, she wouldn't be in this situation. What right do I have to complain to Luna?After preparing the meal, Abigail knocked on Luna's door.Luna's room remained silent."Luna, if you don't want me to take care of you, I'll go back to Capitalis after this meal. There's something at the company that I need to attend to," she calmly stated from the doorway.Luna still didn't respond."I've already contacted Dr. Mason. He'll make sure you take your medication. I've also found a nanny to take care of your daily needs, so you don't have to worry about meals or cleanliness," Abigail finished, then turned to go to the living room to eat.As Simond had mentioned, Luna didn't appreciate anything she was doing at the moment.If she stayed here, their relationship would only deteriorate. Even though Luna's actions were influenced by her illness, she wasn't making an effort to improve. It seemed more like a punishment for both of them.Abigail had barely started eating when Luna opened her door. She stood in the doorway, her eyes filled with tears. "Do you find me annoying?""Your current situation is because of me, and I feel guilty and remorseful. I've been taking care of you for so long, hoping that you would get better, but... Have you ever thought about moving forward?" Abigail asked bluntly, sitting at the dining table.Luna was taken aback."Luna, if you're tired of me taking care of you and want to continue being friends, I'll go back to Capitalis and let someone else take care of you for a while," Abigail finished, then lowered her head to eat."Do you think that what I'm doing is hurting you? Do you think that because you've done all this for me, I should strive to get better, to live?" Luna walked over to her and continued to question."Luna, how many times have I told you not to eat so many snacks? Have you ever counted?" Abigail stood up, looking directly at Luna. "Are you so engrossed in the TV that you can't hear me, or do you resent me?"Luna looked at her, her lips trembling slightly."I understand that you're sick. But do you think it's right to ignore me even when I've called you over a dozen times to stop eating snacks? If you're doing this on purpose because you blame me, I'll accept it," Abigail said, then sat down and sighed quietly. "If you hate me, I'll stay away from you.""I don't hate you... Can you please not leave?" Luna grabbed her hand.Abigail gazed at Luna and spoke sincerely, "You requested that I conceal the fact that you are expecting a baby, register the baby under my name, and keep it a secret from everyone. I followed your instructions faithfully. You mentioned that you would recover in two years and then acknowledge Larry, but have you been demonstrating a genuine desire to get better?"She continued, "If my presence here is not beneficial to you, then let's find someone who can help. I feel guilty and remorseful. I believe that my actions have had an impact on you, which only strengthens my determination to save you by any means necessary," Abigail concluded, then averted her gaze.Luna opened her mouth, but no words escaped. Eventually, she settled into a seat, appearing somewhat hurt.After lunch, Zack arrived with a nanny who had a very serious expression.The moment Luna laid eyes on them, she quickly reached out and grabbed Abigail's hand. "Abigail... Can you please not leave? I won't ignore you anymore.""I need to return to handle the company's affairs. Moreover, if I stay here for too long, Sean will become suspicious. Once he grows suspicious, he will uncover everything with a little investigation," Abigail spoke softly, providing rational reasons.While Luna understood Abigail's explanation, she couldn't bear the thought of Abigail departing."I'm sorry... I truly realize that I was wrong. I will listen to you," Luna said earnestly, tightly clutching Abigail's hand.Abigail also felt a reluctance to part ways, but her responsibilities compelled her to return.After spending nearly a month in Saraville, she observed no signs of improvement in Luna's condition. There were moments when Luna's actions nearly pushed her to the brink of emotional collapse.Furthermore, Luna seemed increasingly resistant to Abigail's advice in recent days, which added to Abigail's distress.
Chapter 696 I Don't Know How To Love You
"Luna, I'm at a loss as to how to get you to take your medicine, eat properly, and live a healthy life. I understand that it's challenging for you to find interest in life and maintain a positive mindset. But it hurts me that you don't even consider these things," Abigail choked out, her emotions welling up.She added, "So many people are waiting for you, including Josh. It's been two years, and he hasn't stopped loving you. He's not doing well, and my parents are also worried about you. Everyone is thinking about you. Do you realize that?"Upon hearing these words, Luna's expression underwent a complete transformation.Zuck observed the scene, committing every detail to memory."I understand... You can go back; I'll think about it." Luna released Abigail's hand.After discussing with the nanny and Zuck about what to pay attention to, Abigail picked up her suitcase and left without looking back, despite Luna's reluctant gaze.Once she was gone, Luna turned around and slowly walked into her room.Zuck instructed the nanny to keep an eye on Luna and then turned around to follow Abigail.Abigail, standing not far away, was wiping her uncontrollable tears with a tissue."Luna's behavior is a bit strange. When you mentioned Josh and your family earlier, her response to your kindness was different from before. It seemed like she was playing the victim," Zuck said seriously to Abigail."Actually, I've slowly realized that she's deliberately trying to make me angry," Abigail whispered.Zuck was a bit surprised. "Do you mean that she did this on purpose, just to drive you away?""Maybe she also knows that I'm very upset. I really need some time to calm down. Otherwise, I'm afraid I'll argue with her," Abigail said, wiping her tears. She valued her relationship with Luna, so she had been trying to tolerate it."Then, go back and sort out your feelings," Zuck said softly.Abigail nodded and left with her suitcase.Upon returning to Capitalis, Abigail didn't go home immediately. Instead, she sat alone at the airport for a long time until her mood slowly calmed down.She didn't know if her actions today could be considered desertion. Luna gave her an opportunity to leave, and she took it because of her own emotions."Abigail?" Suddenly, a familiar voice sounded behind her.Abigail turned around and felt a bit uncomfortable when she saw Josh. "Josh, why are you here?""I just got back from a business trip. You don't look well. Is the Marimora pearls business not going well?" Josh approached Abigail with his suitcase.Abigail looked at him but didn't answer. She was tired and in pain.She could return to Sean and her family, but Luna couldn't.A sense of guilt overwhelmed her, knowing that she had left Luna in the care of the unfamiliar Zuck and a nanny.Tears suddenly rolled down Abigail's eyes, and her nose turned red. "Josh...""What's wrong?!" Josh fumbled for a handkerchief from his pocket in a panic."Nothing. I'm just happy to see you." Abigail wanted to tell him that Luna was not doing well. She wanted Josh to go visit Luna, but she didn't know if Luna still had feelings for Josh.Josh gently pulled her into his arms and patted her back. "If work pressure is truly overwhelming, consider taking a break. Sean has been eagerly awaiting your relaxation for quite some time."Abigail sniffed and nodded."Have you eaten? If not, come home with me. Dinner is ready." Josh let her go and wiped the tears from her face."No, not yet." Abigail didn't know how long she had been sitting there."Let's go." He took her hand, and they left the airport together."Don't tell Sean that I was crying. It will make him worry." Abigail couldn't help but tell Josh as they got into the cab.Josh smiled. "Are you shy?""Well... let's not bring it up!" She shook his hand."I won't." Josh nodded, his voice filled with resignation. "If you're feeling stressed, just relax. Don't always be so tense. Money can't be earned forever, so why work so hard at the expense of your own happiness?""You don't understand," Abigail whispered. She now felt that designing and dealing with company matters were much simpler than taking care of Luna.No wonder people with a positive outlook on life avoided spending time with emotionally draining individuals. It truly did affect them.The car fell into silence for a while. Then, Josh suddenly spoke up, breaking the quiet atmosphere, "Has Luna stopped contacting you?""What happened?" Abigail immediately asked, feeling a little anxious."It's nothing major. She just changed her phone number, and I have no idea how she's doing. After all, we used to date, and I still think about her from time to time," Josh answered calmly.Abigail responded with a simple "Oh" and added, "We talk occasionally. She seems to be doing well."Josh acknowledged her comment but said nothing more.Abigail lapsed into silence.The cab slowly pulled up outside the Pearsons' complex.Josh and Abigail got out together, collected their luggage, and strolled into the complex."Josh, if you still miss her, you should try to find her." Abigail finally couldn't help but say to Josh.Josh looked at her in surprise. "Do you think we still have a chance?"
Chapter 697 Everything Depends On Human Effort
Abigail gazed at the dark sky, searching for stars but finding none. She couldn't help but sigh."Doesn't everything depend on human effort?" she murmured softly.If Josh sided with Luna, would things turn out differently?Josh didn't respond to Abigail, but his grip on the handle of his suitcase tightened slightly."By the way, I heard something while I was out this time. Ronaldo even asked me for advice, but I didn't know what to suggest," Abigail said, trying to sound casual."What did you hear?" Josh gathered his thoughts and looked at her."Ronaldo has a close friend who is still in love with a girl despite breaking up because of an accident. He's reluctant to let go and wants to reconcile, but then the girl becomes pregnant. The problem is, no one knows who the father is," Abigail explained slowly, improvising a story on the spot."So, his friend is unsure whether he should get back together with the girl?" Josh quickly grasped the situation."No, his friend doesn't even know that the girl was taken advantage of and became pregnant. What do you think? If we tell his friend, would he still choose to be with the girl and accept the child?" Abigail asked, feeling like she had just set a trap by suggesting that Josh go find Luna."I believe any decent man wouldn't accept this situation. If the child is aborted, that's a different story. Of course, I'm not advocating for abortion. The man responsible for getting her pregnant should take responsibility." Josh calmly expressed his opinion.Abigail felt uneasy upon hearing his words.She shouldn't have said that. Who would want to be the second choice?"But if I were in his friend's shoes, I would confront the man who took advantage of the girl and see how she handles the situation. I think that would be the best solution," Josh added, considering Abigail's feelings. As a woman, she would naturally sympathize with the girl in this situation."In that case, let's not tell his friend. If they've already broken up, it's best to leave it at that," Abigail suggested.Now, she hoped that Josh wouldn't go looking for Luna; even if he did, he wouldn't be able to find her.After returning home, Abigail took a shower and came downstairs to find Sean sitting in the living room, organizing several documents.Sensing someone's gaze, he looked up and met Abigail's eyes."You didn't even inform me when you returned." He put down the documents, wearing a reproachful expression.Abigail walked over and sat down next to him, smiling. "I wanted to surprise you. Did someone tell you I was back?""Yes." Sean held her hand and quickly assessed her appearance before expressing his unhappiness. "You've lost a lot of weight. Weren't you supposed to buy those Marimora pearls? Couldn't Ronaldo even take care of your meals?""That's not his fault. I just haven't had much of an appetite lately," Abigail explained hurriedly. She looked at herself in the mirror every day and didn't think she had lost weight."Do you feel unwell? Let's go for a check-up tomorrow." Sean immediately became concerned."No, it's probably because I'm not accustomed to the food. I'll be fine once I settle back in," Abigail reassured Sean while leaning against him. She glanced at the documents on the coffee table and realized they were from her company. Awkwardly, she picked them up and asked, "What are these?""We've hired some new designers. These are their new contracts. Take a look." Sean leaned back on the couch, watching Abigail with a smile in his eyes.He had missed Abigail a lot.Abigail picked up the contracts and found them to be quite strict. Anyone caught plagiarizing would face severe consequences."You would have been a great ruler in ancient times!" Abigail couldn't help but comment after reading the contracts."If the top management is not firm, individuals with even a slight talent would consider engaging in unethical practices. Your previous contracts were too lenient; plagiarism only resulted in a report and a small fine. By making those who plagiarize lose everything and have no future in the industry, they would think twice before engaging in plagiarism," Sean explained.He was always generous to his employees. However, his contracts were also strict, ensuring that his company never had employees who betrayed or harmed its interests."The contracts are excellent. I agree with your approach," Abigail said, placing the contracts down."How long will you be staying this time?" Sean held her hand, looking at her expectantly."I plan to stay for a while. I will return to the company tomorrow," Abigail replied. She couldn't go to Luna's side right now. Moreover, dealing with Sean was challenging. If she ran away again, Sean would investigate things.On the other hand, Simond had asked her to stay away from Luna for a while to see if there were any new developments."Aren't you overworking yourself?" Sean couldn't help but ask."I have worked hard to get where I am today. It wouldn't make sense if I weren't busy. Do you want me to quit?" Abigail narrowed her eyes suspiciously, looking at him."How could that be possible? I wouldn't want to quit my job, so why should you?" Sean had no intention of confining her to the house as a stay-at-home wife.However, he always felt that there needed to be a balance. Otherwise, once they got married and had a family, the children wouldn't be happy if they did not spend time with them."I will only be busy for a year or two, and things won't be as hectic," Abigail replied. She was indeed feeling exhausted from work.
Chapter 698 A Beautiful Vision
Luna's circumstances prevented her from devoting all her time to work."That's it, then. I'm also working on developing the company's management team. When we get married again, we'll have more time for our family!" Sean spoke optimistically about his future with Abigail.Abigail looked at the anticipation on his face and smiled, but she couldn't help but wonder if all of this could be achieved within two years."Let's take a walk after dinner, Sean. I have something to tell you," Abigail said, holding his hand tightly."Okay." Sean began to sense that Abigail had something weighing heavily on her mind.While they were sitting down to eat, Lawrence suddenly said, "You went on a business trip to Saraville, right? I don't think we have any business there, though."His words made both siblings at the table tense up.Josh didn't dare look at Abigail and instead replied, "I went to visit Mr. York. His granddaughter just returned from studying abroad, and he wanted me to meet her.""Why didn't you tell me about this?" Lawrence muttered with a puzzled expression.Scarlett seemed worried. "You're not going to be with his granddaughter, are you? I like Melanie York as a person, but I wouldn't want her to be a part of the Pearsons.""Why not?" Abigail asked instinctively.Sean looked at her but didn't say anything."I'm someone who goes by first impressions. Mr. York's granddaughter is exceptional in every way, and I think she would be a good match for anyone. I just don't really like her. She seems too serious at times, and she wouldn't gel well with an introvert like Josh." No matter what, Scarlett still preferred Luna. Luna had a lively personality and a quick temper, but most importantly, she could bring out the best in someone as reserved as Josh."Is that so? What do you think, Josh?" Abigail looked at Josh curiously.She originally thought that Josh had gone to Saraville because of her. Her heart thumped nervously, but she was eager to hear his answer.When she heard that he went to meet someone, Abigail felt a bit disappointed.She didn't want Josh to find out, but at the same time, she wanted him to know as well."I don't have any feelings for her. Our families were pretty close when we were younger, but they moved to Saraville, and we lost touch," Josh explained to Abigail.Abigail felt a little relieved, but soon, she felt like she was being selfish. Given Luna's situation, Josh would never accept her, even if she was the victim.After finishing their meal, Abigail went for a walk with Sean.The Pearsons lived in the bustling area of Capitalis. As soon as they left the residential area, there were various shops and supermarkets along the way.Sean held Abigail's hand, and he had many questions in his mind, which eventually turned into a sigh. "Well, what do you want to ask me?""Why do you sound so melancholic?" Abigail looked at him sideways.Under the streetlights, there seemed to be a flickering flame inside Sean's eyes. He looked at Abigail and shook his head slightly. "It's not melancholy, just contemplation. What do you want to ask me?""Why is there still no news about Vincent?" Abigail was eager to know the forces behind Vincent, whether they were foreign or domestic."I suspect that even if we find out, Vincent will just be a scapegoat," Sean said. He had asked the police department; as long as the money didn't flow into domestic accounts and remained overseas, they couldn't investigate the case.Abigail frowned and asked, "So, the money hasn't returned to the country yet?"Sean didn't answer this time. "I'm not sure," he replied."Is that so?" Abigail immediately became nervous. "What does that mean?""I haven't figured it out yet, so don't worry. Is that the question you wanted to ask me?" Sean wondered if Abigail had suddenly brought this up because of their recent discussions about work."More or less. I just feel like Vincent has been excessively arrogant for a long time," Abigail replied."He doesn't have much reason to be arrogant now. His daughter and child have been gone for almost two years since they were expelled. What a hopeless marriage," commented Sean with a raised eyebrow. "He can't even leave the country, you know. Someone is keeping a close watch on him.""It's better to closely monitor him. If we gather enough evidence, he'll have to go to jail," Abigail said in a hushed voice. After what he did to Luna, if he didn't end up in prison, Abigail would be shocked."He'll be arrested if there's evidence," Sean replied.Abigail leaned on him. "You shouldn't keep obsessing over this matter. Let the police department handle the investigation, alright? We don't even know who's behind him. It's not wise for you to rush in without knowing.""What's wrong with that? Are you worried that I can't handle the people supporting him?" Sean retorted.Abigail looked at him. "I'm being serious. Have you forgotten what happened in the Golden Triangle?""Of course I haven't forgotten, and I dare not forget. No, I can't even forget about it." Sean's eyes turned cold. He had never experienced such a loss, and it was impossible for him to let go of the harm he had endured.Abigail squeezed his hand, saying, "Alright, stop dwelling on it. Even if you don't forget, you still have to move on. I won't allow you to get involved in these matters anymore.""That's a difficult request. You know I always seek revenge." Sean wouldn't let Vincent and the people supporting him off that easily.
Chapter 699 Grandma Is In Trouble
Sean's injuries nearly cost him his life.Since he couldn't find the attackers to seek revenge, he decided to find the person responsible instead."Sean...""I know what you're going to say. If I back down in fear after getting injured once, I wouldn't be Sean anymore, would I?" Sean rarely disagreed with Abigail on this matter.It wasn't that he didn't want to follow Abigail's advice, but it was simply impossible.Based on the information he had gathered, if there was a connection to Vincent's team, it would be difficult for him to extricate himself.The police department claimed that they had been investigating for a long time without finding anything useful. It seemed that the mastermind had intricate connections.Abigail looked at him. After a while, she finally asked, "What will you do if something happens to you again?""The first time was unavoidable," Sean said, leaning in and looking into Abigail's eyes seriously. "There won't be a second time, though. There won't be as many opportunities for regret. I'll make sure you and Luna are safe."His words made Abigail's heart skip a beat.Luna was already in a difficult situation, trapped and unable to escape."I understand," she replied softly, avoiding Sean's gaze.The two of them walked for a while before returning to the residence.Abigail took another shower and sat by the windowsill, staring at the dark sky outside, constantly recalling Sean's words.Sean had never been afraid; it was always her...Just as she was filled with confusion, her phone suddenly rang.Seeing that it was a call from Ronaldo, Abigail sensed that something was wrong. She got up and went into the bathroom before answering the call."You and Sean need to come to Eastbay right away. Alice is not doing well." Ronaldo's voice was solemn and grave."How did this happen all of a sudden? What about Larry?" Abigail hurriedly came out of the bathroom.Ronaldo sniffed lightly. "Larry is fine... I took him to the hospital. You should come over first."Abigail hung up the phone and turned to knock on Sean's door.It took Sean a while to answer the door while wiping the water droplets off his hair. His robe was slightly open, revealing his muscular chest.Noticing that Abigail's expression seemed off, he immediately became serious. "What's wrong?""Alice is not doing well. Ronaldo wants us to go to Eastbay immediately." Abigail had a faint feeling that it might be related to Larry.Could it be that she was wrong and had diverted the mastermind's attention to Alice?"Change your clothes, grab your identification, and let's leave right away." Sean patted her shoulder.Abigail and Sean left Capitalis and went straight to the hospital in Eastbay where Alice had been admitted.Having spent so much time with Alice, Sean's face was pale, and there was a subtle hint of sadness in his eyes.As soon as they arrived at the emergency room of the hospital, Sean grabbed Ronaldo's collar and asked, "What happened to Alice?! When I left, I took her for a full-body checkup, and the doctor said she was perfectly healthy. How could she end up in the emergency room so soon?"Ronaldo dared not look at Abigail. He knew that she was feeling worse than anyone else right now. He turned to Sean and said, "How would I know? I was just informed by someone from our village."His eyes were slightly red.Sean loosened his grip on Ronaldo's collar and slowly sat down on the side.Indeed, Abigail was in the worst mood possible. She was certain that Alice was in danger because of Larry.The entire hallway felt heavy.Abigail leaned against the wall, burdened with countless thoughts.Meanwhile, Sean kept his head down, not saying a word.Half an hour later, the emergency room doors swung open, and the chief doctor emerged. Ronaldo immediately approached him.The doctor glanced at Ronaldo and shook his head gently, his expression filled with helplessness. "Prepare yourselves. She probably won't survive another two hours."Abigail's face turned pale, and the tears she had been holding back burst forth like a floodgate had been opened.Ronaldo nodded solemnly. "Thank you, doctor."Sean stood up and intercepted the doctor before he could leave. "What happened to Alice? Why did she suddenly become ill?""People can fall ill unexpectedly as they age," the doctor replied, bypassing Sean and departing.Sean didn't believe it for a moment. When he returned, Alice had passed all her tests without any issues. There were no hidden illnesses, and her body was much healthier than the average woman her age due to her healthy lifestyle.Why would the hospital conceal the cause of Alice's condition?Alice was wheeled out of the emergency room and regained consciousness in the ward.Sean noticed that her lips were turning blue. Was it a sign of poisoning?Abigail held Alice's hand, her tears continuing to flow. The guilt made her almost wish for a life in exchange for a life."Alice..." Her voice trembled."Abigail, be good to Sean. I'm content… I truly am."She had something else to say. Abigail understood Alice perfectly, but she didn't dare voice it aloud.Alice had a smile on her face as she continued, "Those shelves of books, remember to go back and peruse them... I recall how much you used to enjoy reading them."Abigail vigorously nodded, unable to speak any further.Ronaldo squatted beside them, wiping away the tears with his hands.
Chapter 700 A Mission
Silently, Sean stood there, not uttering a word.Alice's gaze fell upon Sean's face. After a while, she weakly said, "Take good care of Abigail, alright?""I understand," Sean replied in a nasal tone.He had expected Alice, who appeared to be in good health, to live to be a hundred years old. Unexpectedly, she was the first to pass away."It seems there is nothing more to say. You two can leave. I want to talk to Ronaldo," Alice said with a smile on her face. "I may not have any children, but I am satisfied to have you three here with me in the hospital as I near the end."Sean left the ward with Abigail.In the corridor outside the ward, Sean leaned against the wall while Abigail sat in a chair. Both remained silent.After a long silence, Sean looked at Abigail and asked, "Did you visit her when you came to buy those Marimora pearls? How was she at that time?"Abigail pursed her lips, her tearful eyes fixed on Sean. However, she did not answer.At this moment, she could no longer hide the truth from him.Sean sat down next to her and put his arm around her shoulder. "I know you are deeply upset about Alice's condition, but now that things have come to this point, we should start thinking about her funeral."Abigail didn't expect Sean not to doubt her.She looked at Sean as her guilt deepened. Eventually, she hugged him and cried loudly in his arms.By dawn, Alice had peacefully passed away.Abigail and Ronaldo went to Alice's house. Ronaldo, his eyes red from staying up all night, said tearfully, "When I first heard about Alice's condition, I hated you."His words made Abigail instinctively stop and look at him."Perhaps Alice knew I would hate you, so she told me not to. She said it was her own choice to make that sacrifice for Larry. According to her, children are the future." After Ronaldo finished speaking, he pursed his lips. He wanted to cry, but he held back."I'm sorry." Abigail lowered her head, her voice filled with apology.Ronaldo ignored Abigail and turned to leave.Even though he was usually good-tempered, when it came to matters of life and death, he couldn't help but blame Abigail.Abigail followed him into Alice's house.When she saw everything in Alice's house, all those familiar things were now filled with sorrow, and Abigail's eyes welled up with tears.Ronaldo brought out new clothes for Alice. When he saw Abigail standing in the backyard, lost in her memories of Alice, he didn't rush her but instead turned and went outside to wait for her.As soon as he stepped outside, he ran into Sean, who had been waiting outside the village."Don't go in. Give her some time alone," he reminded Sean before walking toward the outskirts of the village.Sean stood outside Alice's house as he looked at the entrance, his expression melancholic....Abigail found Alice's bookcase. She unlocked the cabinet and saw only a single book inside, which made her pause.She took the book and sat down at a table. As soon as she opened it, she discovered a letter tucked inside.Abigail picked up the letter and began to read.'Abigail, by the time you read this letter, I will already be gone. Don't be sad or upset, alright? A new life is always filled with hope. I am old now, but my death has meaning. The moment I found a solution to his blood disease, I felt unprecedented happiness. This is the purpose of my medical practice, and I haven't felt this sense of mission in a long time.'Although my medical skills have diminished, Larry's life has been extended, and his future is extraordinary. Abigail, I hope that no matter what challenges you face in the future, you will remain strong. I also know that you are a resilient person."Take my prescription and find a traditional medicine practitioner named Martin Colleen. Inform him that this is a new prescription I have written, and he will be intrigued."After reading the letter, Abigail wiped away her tears.Alice had tested the prescription on herself repeatedly. Now, Abigail comprehended Alice's unwavering commitment. She was a genuine healer.Abigail took the book and departed from Alice's house.Sean noticed her emergence and observed that she was no longer shedding tears. On the contrary, her strides towards him were more resolute than ever."Let's go," Sean said, refraining from asking further questions. Whatever decision Abigail had made in that moment, he supported her.Since the dawn of understanding, individuals had to confront the cycle of life: birth, aging, illness, and the loss of loved ones.As per Alice's request, her funeral took place seven days later and was attended solely by familiar faces from the village.Abigail sensed a shift in the villagers' attitudes towards her.After the funeral, those who had once been acquainted with her departed with cold expressions.Back in the city, Abigail sat in the airport restaurant, gazing at the dark sky outside, lost in contemplation.Who was this traditional medicine practitioner, Martin, and how was she supposed to locate him?However, judging by his surname, he was likely from Eastbay as well.Initially, she could have sought Ronaldo's assistance, but he was still upset with her. Therefore, finding Martin was a task she had to undertake independently.Sean returned with their order and noticed Abigail lost in thought. He furrowed his brow and sat down. "What's done is done. Don't dwell on it.""I know. It's just... I feel like I'm in a dream," Abigail said, experiencing a sensation akin to what Luna must be feeling.
