Ch. 1961..1970

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 1961

“I am full. I will go to my room first.” Lucius stood up and walked to his own room.

“I'm almost done too.” Delilah wittily stood up and left too.

Now there were only Larry and Joan left in the dining room with an extremely awkward atmosphere.

“Here. Eat some more meat. You have lost weight recently.” Larry grabbed some meat and put on Joan's plate.

“Thanks,” Joan said in a soft voice.

Her gentleness left Larry in slight astonishment, as she was usually not so courteous towards him.

“Why did Gabriella come?” Joan asked while eating from her plate. There was a deep sorrow within her eyes, but she still tried to act unconcerned.

“Yeah? She heard that you are back. So she came over to see you,” Larry replied with a low voice.

What a hilarious excuse. Gabriella longs for me to leave Larry. She even wishes me dead. How could she possibly come to see me? Obviously, she came to see Larry.

“I don't think she was here to see me, right? I was nearly killed by her not long ago,” Joan responded with disdain.

Even though she had not found any evidence to back this thought, there was no one other than Gabriella who had so much hatred towards her.

“Let's not talk about her anymore. How about you? Why did you go overseas so suddenly? You didn't even tell me,” Larry asked gently.

Is he trying to change the topic? Plus, how can he be so calm now? The last time when he found out I was with Dustin, he almost lost his mind.

“I went to have a check on my brain,” Joan replied faintly.

“What? Are you okay?” Larry immediately put down his fork and sat beside Joan. He touched her forehead and looked straight into her eyes. Why didn't I know about her brain illness?

“It's fine. I just wanted to check on it. There is no problem.” Joan smiled.

Right at this moment, she was secretly elated and touched.

He cares for me so much. Why should I suspect him and Gabriella? It must be me who overthink.

Joan shook her head several times, trying to clear her thoughts.

She was indeed a typical woman who got touched easily by small gestures.

Ring... Ring... Ring...

Joan stared at her phone, apparently reluctant to pick it up.

But the phone kept ringing until she had no choice and finally put the phone by her mouth.

“Dustin, what is it? I am still in bed.”

Dustin did not mind her temper as he was the one calling at this weird hour.

“Wake up and come out. I have something really important to tell you.” Dustin sounded utterly serious on the phone.

Joan could clearly sense the urgency in Dustin's tone.

“What exactly is it? Just tell me on the phone,” Joan said while rubbing her eyes.

“See you at ten. Same old place.” Dustin abruptly hung up on her.

Without much thought, Joan jumped out of bed and rushed into the washroom to freshen up. She had to find out what Dustin wanted to say. In a blink of an eye, she was on her way to the mentioned venue.

Inside the restaurant, the lights were dim while the atmosphere was rather quiet with low music in the background. The air was filled with the fragrance of flowers. Joan pushed the door open and noticed Dustin sitting in a corner.

“What's so important that you have to tell me in person?” Joan placed her handbag on the seat.

“Come. Let's eat first,” Dustin responded in a low voice.

What the h*ck is this? Joan stared at him skeptically.

Looking at his utterly displeased expression with a bitter aura, she had a bad feeling about what was awaiting her. From what she knew, Dustin did not like others to talk when he was angry. Thus she lowered her head silently while cutting the steak on her plate, waiting for the former to start the topic.

“Do you really love Larry?” After a short moment, Dustin abruptly put down the fork in his hand and stared at her solemnly.

What an absurd question. If I don't love him, why would I marry him? Joan was stunned momentarily.

“Dustin, what's wrong with you? Of course, I love Larry,” Joan answered firmly.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 1962

Knowing Larry was the best thing that had ever happened to Joan. He was the reason that she learned about love, and he made her felt that she had no regret in this life.

“Okay then. Does he love you?” Dustin asked again.

Of course, he loves me! Whenever I am in trouble, he always risks himself to protect me. And when I am sad, he is always there to cheer me up.

“He does... Why?” Joan could not wrap her head around it.

“Joan, this is merely an assumption. What if Larry has another woman? What will you do?” Dustin observed Joan while anticipating her answer.

Will she leave Larry and choose me?

With this at thought, Dustin became a little emotional.

“That's not possible. Larry will never do that.” Joan waved her hand and continued eating her steak.

On the other hand, Joan did notice Larry's strange behavior lately. Whether eating or sleeping together, she could feel that Larry was somehow anxious, if not depressed. She assumed it was the massive company workload that had been exhausting him.

Could it be for real? But it's really quite impossible. He said he would always be loyal to me, and I would be the only woman he ever loved.

“Dustin, did you hear any rumors?” Joan stared at Dustin cautiously.

Yes, I did. I had heard about this when I was overseas. And I found out after I came back that Gabriella is even pregnant with his child. This is unacceptable.

“Nope. I am just doing a small survey about this topic. It is common for men to have affairs. After all, who could be sure to only love one woman forever.” Dustin took a sip of coffee while hesitating if he should tell Joan the truth.

But right at that moment, Joan was about to lose herself.

Joan, I can only tell you this much today. I hope you can be ready mentally.

Dustin's heart twitched in pain as he stared at the vulnerable woman in front of him.

He had always thought both of them could be together in the end. Even though they had been through ups and downs together, the reality turned out to be cruel.

Dustin let out a long, despondent sigh.

“Is it busier in the company recently?” Joan suddenly changed the topic.

Since Dustin was currently the second-biggest shareholder of Norton Corporation, he should more or less know about the business in the company.

“So far, so good. It has always been busy. But I seldom stick my nose into it as most of them are managed by Larry.” Dustin smiled faintly.

Initially, he entered Norton Corporation for the sake of Joan, but it looked like a redundant move right now.

“Is it? No wonder Larry seems strange recently. I bet he is too tired,” Joan mumbled to herself.

Dustin sneered and stretched his body.

In the living room, Joan played games with Lucius while Delilah was gardening in the backyard. At the same time, Larry was sitting alone in his office, going through piles of documents.

Ring... Ring... Ring...

Joan took a glimpse at her phone and threw it aside on the couch.

“Mom, why don't you pick up the phone?” Lucius glanced at his mother with a confused look.

“That's just a marketing call from some promoter,” Joan replied with a low voice.

In fact, it was a call from Gabriella, but Joan did not want anything to do with that cunning woman.

Joan had never had any bad intention towards Gabriella, but the latter kept betraying her again and again. Therefore, Joan no longer had any fantasy to rekindle her friendship with the latter. Instead of bearing the risk of being betrayed again, she would rather cut off this toxic bond once and for all.

Yet the call did not stop coming in, so Joan bluntly turned off the phone for a moment of peace.

D*mn it!

On the other end, Gabriella threw her phone on the floor and stomped her foot in exasperation.

How dare she not pick up my call!

Bam! Gabriella rammed her fist into the surface of her desk. Instantly, fresh blood streamed down from her fingers.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 1963

“Get the car ready now! I am going out!” Gabriella could no longer suppress her rage.

Bang! Bang! Bang! There were loud knocks on the front door.

Lucius who was watching television in the living room was shocked by the loud noise.

“Who is it? Sounds like they are trying to break the door down.” Lucius whispered to himself while staring at the door.

Whoever it is, I am sure it is without good intention!

Joan and Delilah were also staring at the door, with their eyes flashed in cold glint.

“What are you doing here?” Delilah asked rudely as soon as she opened the door.

Gabriella ignored her and tried to walk past her.

“Ms. Ward, this is my house. I am sorry, but you are not welcomed here.” Delilah stretched both her arms and blocked Gabriella's way.

What a stubborn old lady. Is she still trying to act hero at this age? I guess I'll have to do it the hard way!

“I am looking for Joan!” She did not hold back her volume, acting like a b*tch.

I will not let her run wild in my house!

“Joan is busy.” Delilah tried hard to push Gabriella out while closing the door.

“Joan, come out now! I have to talk to you! Joan!” Gabriella began shouting out loud.

What is she up to? She comes all the way here just because I didn't answer her call? Joan bit her lips while trying to ignore the indignant woman outside.

“Mom, is it the lady from the last time? Don't go out there. I am sure she is an evil woman,” Lucius nudged Joan gently.

Even a kid knows how to differentiate between good and evil. Gabriella, you ought to be ashamed of yourself. Joan could only shake her head and sigh.

There is such a huge difference among human.

“Joan, it is about Larry!” Gabriella was still shouting persistently outside.

Upon hearing this, Joan's eyes lit up.

What has Larry done?

Joan could not control herself from standing up abruptly and walking towards the door.

This is not good!

Delilah quickly stepped in front of her to stop her.

“Joan, don't listen to her lies. She is just trying to lure you out. Just ignore her.” Delilah cautiously stared at Joan.

What then? Should I just stay inside and do nothing?

Joan stared at Delilah frigidly.

Is Ms. Young hiding something from me too?

Joan chose to follow her own heart as she pushed open the door forcefully and stepped towards Gabriella.

“What do you want to say?”

Finally, she is willing to come out, just because she heard Larry's name! But what a shame that he will no longer belong to her!

Gabriella curled her lips into a cold smile while touching her own belly carefully.

“Let's find a place and talk in private.” Gabriella sneered internally but projected a calm face.

Fine. There is nothing I should be afraid of. And I doubt she would dare to harm me in this broad daylight.

“Let's go.” Joan agreed right away.

In a café, both of them sat down facing each other, while both were having deep thoughts within their heads.

What exactly is it about Larry?

Joan skeptically looked at Gabriella as she could not wait for the latter to tell her story.

“Joan, I remember you said before, that you love Larry, and he loves you, right? But do you know the truth?” Gabriella took a sip of coffee.

“He is only pitying you. He chose to be with you out of his guilt. When you were receiving treatment overseas, he found out and felt that he wronged you. That's why he tries his best to make it up to you by taking care of you...” Gabriella fabricated her own imagination.

At that moment, Joan gazed at her frostily.

Joan had no doubt about Larry's love for her. But she was befuddled as to how Gabriella could talk so confidently as though she was an insider.

“Gabriella, I am not interested in listening to your story. If this is all you want to talk about, I am sorry, I still have other stuff to do. Bye.” Joan intended to stand up and leave.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 1964

“Hold on a second!” Gabriella shouted.

Such an impatient woman. Why couldn't she wait for me to get to the point?

“Don't you want to listen till the end? Are you sure you won't regret this?” Gabriella provoked sarcasm while stirring her cup of coffee.

“Then please get to the point. I know better than anyone how he feels for me!” Joan had lost her cool.

Gabriella did not hold back her temper either as she threw her spoon harshly on the table.

“Since you are so impatient, I will get straight to the point. Please divorce Larry, as I am pregnant with his child. I know he hasn't told you about us and I understand that it is hard for him to explain to you. But sooner or later, we all have to face this reality,” Gabriella spoke ruthlessly.

At that instant, Joan felt as if she had lost everything and hit rock bottom.

Is she kidding me?

Joan stared at Gabriella in bewilderment and kept shaking her head.

How could Larry possibly touch her!

“Why? Do you not believe me? Alright. Take a look at this.”

The next second, Gabriella placed in front of Joan a document from the hospital.

She is indeed pregnant!

“That's right, and the baby is Larry's. You can go home and ask him directly,” Gabriella added.

Joan was devastated by Gabriella's confidence and pride.

No wonder the last time Gabriella came to Ms. Young's house, Larry acted so strangely. And no wonder he is always in a bad mood recently.

“When was this?” Joan tried hard to hold herself together as she needed to know all the truth.

“When you were overseas, Larry went to the bar almost every day, and I accompanied him... “

Joan was still struggling to clear her thoughts.

Gabriella is a cunning woman. I should not believe naively everything she said. At least I should confront Larry about it.

“Gabriella, do you really expect me to believe you?” Joan cut Gabriella with a cold stare.

Regardless of what the truth might be, Joan figured she should not lose her ground at least.

Gabriella snickered for a second, and her expression returned to normal.

Even at this stage, she's still pretending to act calm! I am sure she is anxious and in pain inside. What a hypocrite! Joan, why are you so hard on yourself?

“I am not lying. You can ask Larry for more details. That's all. I got to go.” Upon saying that, Gabriella grabbed her handbag and left the café.

The second after Gabriella left, Joan let down her guard, and her eyes started brimming with tears.

Now she began to comprehend why Dustin asked her out and told her those words. He was warning her.

Joan closed her eyes and took a deep breath, trying to relax.

“Miss, please wake up... “ Just then, A waiter gently patted Joan's shoulder.

She opened her eyes and realized she had dozed off.

“I am sorry. Could you please bring me another coffee?” Joan responded meekly while rubbing her sleepy eyes.

Outside the window, the night was starting to consume the world, as the neon lights remained as alluring. Citizens on the street were in such a hurry, as though every single of them were rushing back to their own beloved family.

Is Larry home yet?

Joan took a glimpse at her watch, her eyes full of sorrow. She had no idea how to approach Larry with that matter even if she went home.

“Miss, this is your coffee. The gentleman at another table had paid for it.” The waiter appeared suddenly with her order.

“Wait a second.” Joan grabbed the waiter's wrist when he was about to leave.

“Who is that gentleman?” Joan asked cautiously.

Due to the dim lights, she failed to recognize the man who was sitting at a distanced table.

“It is his first time here, so I am not sure. But I heard he just came back from overseas. A seemingly powerful businessman.” The waiter smiled politely.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 1965

“In that case...” Joan loosened her grip and continued, “Send over some desserts to him. You can put it on my tab.”

She never liked owing favors to others, much less receiving gifts from strangers.

A lively crowd gathered outside. Several couples embraced on the roadside as if they were whispering sweet nothings to each other.

“Is this seat taken?” A man's voice sounded from behind.

She turned around and saw the person who had bought her the coffee earlier.

“Go ahead.” Joan responded almost immediately.

“Thanks for the dessert.” The man smiled at the plate in his hands.

His dimpled smile was mesmerizing. It reminded her of the first time she met Larry, who stood out with a gentlemanly charm at the time.

“Thanks for the coffee,” Joan mumbled.

“Are you here on your own?” the man continued.

She nodded. A trace of sorrow lingered in her gaze.

After chatting for a bit, they shared pleasant impressions of each other and exchanged numbers before heading their separate ways.

“Mom, you're back! I thought you were going to leave me again.” Lucius propelled himself into Joan's arms.

“Now, why would I do that to my little man?” She caressed the boy's head.

“Let's eat now that you're back. Larry won't join us for dinner since he's working overtime,” Delilah explained.

Is he really? Or is he at Gabriella's place?

A cold glint flashed across Joan's eyes.

She then pulled out her phone and dialed Larry's number.

“Hey Joan, I'll be working overtime tonight. There's a lot to deal with in the office, so I'm not coming back for dinner,” Larry muttered.

He only ever speaks like this when he's lying.

Joan snorted grimly.

Larry had always been indifferent and ruthless with the business side of things, but this cruel mask of his would fade away before Joan. He couldn't bear lying to the woman he loved.

“Lars, what are you doing? Who are you on the phone with?” a familiar feminine voice sounded from the other end.

Joan wasn't an idiot. She instantly recognized who it belonged to—Gabriella.

“Are you busy now?” Joan probed.

“U-um, about that. Yeah, I have to go. Bye.” Then he abruptly cut off their call.

Busy doing what? Taking care of Gabriella? And the child in her stomach?

Joan's eyes reddened at the thought of this.

Delilah noticed and scrambled over to her. “Joan, are you okay?”

“I'm fine, Ms. Young. I think I'll rest up since I'm not feeling too good. You guys go on with dinner.”

Seeing the grim expression on Joan's face as she dragged herself to the room, Delilah couldn't help but sigh. What a shame.

Some people are just destined to live difficult lives, like how it's not always smooth sailing for certain relationships. Perhaps this obstacle will reveal the value of their relationship. It all depends on how they resolve it.

Ms. Young paced back to the dining table and scooped some food into Lucius' plate.

“Grandma, what's wrong with Mom?” The boy's face scrunched worryingly as he looked at Delilah.

“She is just a little tired, so you let her rest up and don't disturb her after dinner, okay?” She gently tapped on the child's forehead.

“Okay!” the innocent boy agreed with a wide smile.

Meanwhile, Larry stared daggers at the woman before him. “Gabriella!”

Time and time again, she kept showing up at his office with her pregnant belly on show. It wouldn't come as a surprise if anyone felt suspicious after seeing this recurring sight.

“Oh, come on, Lars. I didn't even do anything wrong...” She pouted at him.

“You showing up in front of me is the biggest mistake!” Larry roared mercilessly as he pointed at her.

Gabriella's eyes grew cold at this.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 1966

So Joan is more than welcome at his office, but not me? What a jerk!

Gabriella's fists coiled taut and her gaze became piercingly cold.

Well, damn it all! I want every single employee at Norton Corporation to know that I'm pregnant with Larry's child!

“I get insecure at times, Lars. You know I wasn't always this way. It's just that I keep getting worried about the child ever since I got pregnant...” Gabriella trailed off.

Larry sneered next to her.

She brought it upon herself! It's only natural that she gets punished for all the heinous things she did.

“Lars... our child is kicking me. Ugh, it hurts...”

Larry finally went home late at night after sending Gabriella to the hospital and dealing with her tussle. He opened his and Joan's bedroom door, then tip-toed in.

He gently closed the door whilst mentally shushing himself for fear of waking Joan, who was sound asleep.

“You're back,” she stated in a growl-like voice.

“Yeah.” The tips of his ears burned a bright red from embarrassment.

I wonder if she misunderstood. He never expected Gabriella to butt in on their call earlier.

“Did your overtime shift go on until this late?” Joan asked. Her voice was eerily bland and emotionless.

She really wanted him to tell her the truth, but it didn't seem like he was going to because he kept dodging the topic.

“Yeah. It's really late now. Why haven't you gone to bed?”

“I couldn't sleep.”

She had called Norton Corporation earlier. The receptionist informed her that Larry had left the office long ago.

“What's wrong? Are you feeling poorly?” He took her into his embrace and tenderly kissed her forehead.

But for some reason, Joan felt numbed by his actions.

She couldn't feel the warmth of his hug. Despite laying against his chest and being circled by his arms, she felt like there was a huge gap between them—like she could no longer reach out to her husband anymore.

“I'm fine, maybe I slept too much in the day.”

She gazed at the night sky outside her window. Despite being held in Larry's arms, she couldn't help but feel weighed down by a mixture of loneliness, helplessness, and disappointment.

“Any news about Gabriella recently?” Joan suddenly asked. Her dulled eyes bore into him.

Larry stiffened. It took a while before he could react as guilt flitted across his eyes.

“I'm not sure. It's been a long time since we've been in contact,” he lied in a whisper.

Upon hearing this, Joan snorted inwardly. You were obviously together earlier. Yet, you dare to deny it? Why is he hiding it from me if nothing really happened between them?

Should I just let him go?

Joan's chest tightened with sorrow as she held her tears back.

The two of them remained in their absent-minded hug as they waited for night to pass. Joan gazed at the crescent moon that lingered alone in the night sky. It seemed like she was brooding over whether she should let go of her marriage. Meanwhile, Larry shut his eyes as if he wanted to escape from reality. They stayed this way until the crack of dawn.

The following day's morning sun crept into their room. However, Joan didn't feel the least bit of warmth.

“I'm off to work,” Larry announced. He then picked up his briefcase and left.

Sadness flickered in her eyes as she watched him leave.

“What's wrong, Joan?” Delilah hurriedly asked when she noticed how upset Joan looked.

The latter took a glance, then shook her head without saying anything.

Love is perhaps the one thing that puts people through hell; people face dilemmas and torture themselves with worry and frustration for love. Even the most perfect-looking marriage may, in reality, be torn and battered at the seams with hidden problems.

Delilah's heart sank as she left for the garden with a sigh

She had witnessed Joan and Larry's relationship blossomed, so it was natural that she wanted them to grow old together. Yet, now it seemed like trouble was brewing in paradise.

“Mom, what's wrong? You don't seem happy these days...” Lucius ran up to hug Joan on the knees. He looked up at her with round eyes full of concern.

“Maybe I've just been feeling a little tired... Come on now, let's get you to school before you end up being late.” Joan stroked the boy's hair.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 1967

Joan didn't return home, nor did she go to the garden after dropping her boy at school. She wanted to be alone to collect her thoughts on whether she should end her marriage.

It seems extremely unlikely for our marriage to continue like before.

Disappointment crept into her bleak eyes.

“Oh my goodness, Joan! When did you get back?”

“Yeah, it's been so long! We've missed you!” Suddenly, a group of women swarmed towards her.

It turned out to be her colleagues from the supermarket.

“Why aren't you guys at work? Are you slacking off again?” Joan recomposed herself and put a smile to joke with them.

“What do you mean, slacking off? We're going to visit Freya today. Do you want to come along?”

That's right! Isn't she still hospitalized?

“Count me in,” Joan responded eagerly.

It really had been a while since they last met, so they chatted and giggled as they made their way to the hospital.

“Oh, right, how are you and Mr. Norton? You're literally so lucky for nabbing a rich hunk like him!”

“Yeah, he never once gave up on finding you even though you went messing for that long...”

Embarrassment was evident on Joan's face as she gave them a thin-lipped smile.

We might break up soon.

“That's enough.” Joan chuckled to brush off the topic. “Come on, how is my love life related to us visiting Freya? If you guys ask another question about my life again, I'm gonna apply to go back to work and annoy all of you every single day!”

“That would be great! You have no idea how much we miss your presence!”

They all guffawed at the idea of that.

A metallic tang of antiseptic filled the hospital's air whilst the corridors were overly crowded with patients. Doctors and nurses were constantly buzzing in and out of wards, as well as operating rooms. With the seasons changing, more people were feeling under the weather.

“How is she doing, doctor? Is she getting better?” Joan asked worriedly as she looked at Freya.

The doctor stayed silent. He sighed and shook his head before leaving.

It was clear that there was zero chance of her opening her eyes, let alone ever speaking again.

Fate could be cruel. One second, a person could be on top of the world, and the next, they would get knocked off to the very bottom. Although Freya got on everyone's nerves, she wasn't that hateful enough for someone to put her in a coma.

“I can't believe this... I wonder who Freya pissed off to end up like this.”

“Yeah. She had a whole future ahead of her, but now she's stuck in this vegetative state.”

The women's moods spiraled into despair as they collectively mourned in the ward.

I have to find out who's behind this.

Joan clenched her fists whilst casting a determined look at Freya.

I have to make sure justice is served, for Freya's sake!

It must be Gabriella's doing. That malicious witch! How could she harbor so much hatred in her to lay hands on an innocent life?

“Joan, let's go now.” One of her colleagues gently nudged her.

“What? We're leaving so soon?” Joan asked.

“Her mom will be here in a bit, so we should give them some space. It's never easy for her mom to see us crying all the time. That's why we've been sneaking over instead.”

That's understandable. All parents love their children.

Given Freya's current state, her parents must be at a loss for how to feel. I bet they don't even know the truth about what happened to their daughter.

“Come on.” The colleague held onto Joan's arm and gently led her out of the ward.

“Oh, my!” a familiar voice suddenly called out.

It sent a chill down Joan's back. What is she doing here?

She slowly turned around, dreading to see who was behind her.

“Well, if it isn't Joan. What are you doing at the hospital?” Gabriella approached her with a face full of disdain.

Oh, pitiful little Joan. I bet you didn't expect Larry to spend the whole night taking care of me here before going home to you.

Gabriella clenched her fists tightly at the sight of her arch enemy.

“Joan, who's this pompous person?”

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 1968

“Do you need us to step in?” Another colleague rolled up her sleeves.

Although the village women were not highly cultured or educated, they knew the basic rules of etiquette and would never initiate trouble. Folks here lived simple lives and were kind to one another in a united manner.

Some believed that men valued honor and loyalty, but this was not the case with the village women, who were nobler than city men.

“Why I'm here is none of your business,” Joan spat. Then she turned to leave with her colleagues.

“Oh, you're running away like some rat? Haven't you figured out where Larry was yesterday? Well, I'll spare you the trouble. He was here taking care of me all night,” Gabriella snarled. Her words reeked of sarcasm.

At this, something chipped inside Joan as sadness washed over her.

That was obvious enough, but why did you have to announce it to the world?

She shot a fiery glare at Gabriella. She retorted through bare teeth, “There's no need to sabotage mine and his relationship. He already told me everything that happened last night, so you don't have to remind me again.”

That's my best friend, huh? The best friend that stole my husband and somehow blamed me for stealing him from her in the first place. How ridiculous.

Well, she got what she wanted now. They're officially together, and with a child, too.

The worst possible ending is if I remove myself from this equation to allow them to be together. That doesn't sound too bad.

Joan mentally reminded herself, Be strong. There's nothing to be sad about. There are plenty of other fish in the sea, so why stick around Larry? Besides, he already cheated on you!

“What on earth is going on, Joan? What does Larry have to do with this? Isn't Larry your boyfriend? What relationship does he have with this b*tch? Don't worry. We've got your back since you're one of us now. We won't let anyone get away with hurting you.” Her colleagues patted reassuringly on her shoulder.

A warm, fuzzy feeling swelled in Joan's chest at this.

Having friends like them was her greatest blessing in life.

Meanwhile, Gabriella snickered at Joan and the village women.

“Oh, Joan. You've fallen so far from grace to hang out with a bunch of villagers. You guys really are an embarrassingly sore sight to watch!”

Both her arrogant gaze and harsh words offended the women, prompting furious stares from them.

“What's wrong with this bunch of villagers? You city folk think you're so much better than us; well, why don't you spit out all the foods that we, villagers, grew? You clearly have the word “shrew” written all over you. Before you go around calling us names, why don't you look in the mirror and see what you look like now? What a shameless b*tch!” One colleague pointed out straightforwardly.

They couldn't stand city people who acted all high and mighty whilst looking down on villagers.

White-hot steam came from Gabriella's ears as she grew utterly livid. However, the group of women didn't seem the least bothered with her.

It was never their fault to begin with. Hence, there was no reason for them to be frightened of her.

“Forget about her. Let's go,” Joan growled in a low voice.

She knew Gabriella wouldn't let them go easily after they insulted her so badly. She would eventually try to get even if they stayed any longer.

“Where do you think you're going?” Gabriella shouted in disbelief.

What a ridiculous woman. A colleague snorted inwardly. Does she think that we have to report our every action to her?

“I'm wondering if you're deranged. Why does it matter to you where we're going? We'll be on our way, so you should mind your own business.” The colleague spun on her heels and led Joan away.

“You can't leave!” Gabriella called out at once.

She lunged towards the colleague who had rudely dismissed her and gripped tightly onto the latter's arm.

“Let go of me! What do you want?” the colleague protested.

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 1969

Ugh! I must be the world's unluckiest person to encounter this psycho b***h today.

“Absolutely not. You can't leave!” Gabriella shrilled.

I haven't even settled the score yet, and she wants to get away clean? Over my dead body.

“Miss, have you no shame? A pregnant lady like yourself shouldn't behave this way. Otherwise, you'll bring humiliation upon your poor husband. Or... do you not have a husband at all?” the colleague deliberately taunted.

Anger broiled in Gabriella, whose palm landed on the woman's cheek in a slap.

How dare she slap me!

“I got this,” Joan interjected. She threw herself between them to prevent a vicious catfight from happening.

“Gabriella, whatever problems we have should be settled between us two. Don't drag my colleagues into this. And you should watch your temper. Else, it might affect the child in your belly.” Joan stood before her colleagues, defending them.

The women knew Joan had her reasons for that, so they withdrew from the conversation altogether.

Gabriella looked down at her bulging tummy, then back up at Joan. A viscously satisfied smile curved on her lips.

So you want to play it that way, huh? Okay then, I'll indulge in your little game.

“Argh!” Gabriella suddenly screamed in agony.

She clutched onto her tummy as she collapsed down to the floor.

At this, Joan stood dumbstruck.

“What's your damage? How could fake being in pain?” The colleagues stepped forward with outraged expressions.

“Joan, why are you still being so merciful towards her? She's clearly taking it too far!” they yelled in frustration.

“Ouch, my tummy hurts! Someone please help me! She's trying to kill me!” Gabriella clung tightly onto Joan's leg and yelled.

In mere seconds, a crowd gathered around them.

“Help me... this woman is trying to make me miscarry because she's jealous that I'm pregnant. And she keeps clinging onto my husband...” Gabriella skillfully broke out in tears.

“That's awful! How could she attack a pregnant woman?”

“Mistresses nowadays are getting far more brazen.”

Whispers erupted from the bystanders, whose faces darkened with disdain.

“Don't believe her!” Joan's colleagues jumped in and tried to explain, “She's the mistress. Joan, here, is the actual wife!”

“Help me! Please!” Gabriella deliberately made her voice louder to convince that she really was in pain.

Meanwhile, Caspian reported the fight to a wide-eyed Larry. “What did you say? Joan and Gabriella are fighting in the hospital?”

“Yeah. Everyone is blaming Joan and calling her the mistress. She looks really humiliated. And Gabriella won't stop wailing on the floor...”

That troublesome Gabriella! Why can't she behave for once!

Bam! Larry rammed his fist into the wall. Fresh blood streamed down his fingers from the impact.

Looks like I'll have to eliminate this problem. A cruel glint flickered in his eyes.

Back at the hospital, the nurses' eyes rounded in awe at an approaching man.

“Oh my, that guy is really good looking!”

“Yeah! How could anyone look so perfect?”

The man approached the crowd, who were still commenting snidely at Joan.

“That mistress must be quite something to attack the pregnant lady in public.”

“How could someone so ruthless go unpunished? It's a miracle that she managed to stay alive till now.”

“That's enough!”

The familiar voice of the man boomed closer to Joan.

Sharp gasps suddenly sounded from every person there.

Many sets of eyes sparkled in admiration for the man.

Dustin! What's he doing here? Gabriella immediately stopped crying and gawked as Dustin came closer.

“Joan.” He gazed worryingly at her.

“Gabriella, if you're not afraid of the bigger consequences that might follow, then by all means, keep doing what you're doing!” Dustin challenged coldly.

After hesitating for some time, Gabriella stood up whilst frowning with disappointment. Jerk! Why did you have to show up now and ruin the scene I set up!

Regardless, Gabriella knew she had to leave. She squeaked out an excuse before scurrying off. “I'm going to get my medicines.”

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 1970

“Are you okay?” Dustin asked in a worried tone.

Joan kept silent and only shook her head. Tears of sorrow blurred her vision.

“Joan, who is this? Aren't you going to introduce us?” her colleagues chimed in eagerly.

Dustin knew she wasn't in the mood to indulge in such pleasantries, so he took the initiative and introduced himself instead.

After that, he patted lightly on her shoulder. “Come on. I'll give you a ride home.”

“Yes, please do!” Joan's colleagues exclaimed in approval.

“Larry may be handsome and rich, but he's too much of a playboy to be with Joan. I think this man is much better suited for her,” one of them whispered.

“I agree. Did you see how he literally swooped in to rescue her from humiliation earlier? There wasn't a trace of hesitation.”

The women approved unanimously that Dustin was far more reliable than Larry.

Whilst driving, Dustin stole a glance at Joan. He parted his lips, but immediately shut them. An awkward expression then showed on his face.

Joan's bleak eyes looked outside the car window, but she could sense his conflicted motions. Without looking at him, she spoke straightforwardly, “Spit it out.”

“I actually knew about Larry and Gabriella... It's my fault for not telling you in advance.” He truly felt crushed by the weight of remorse.

“It's fine,” Joan uttered. Her voice was devoid of emotion.

I already had a hunch about the truth, so none of today's events affected me much.

Larry may have heard about the commotion earlier. I wonder how he's planning to resolve it.

Back at the hospital, Caspian's shoulders slumped with despair. “We're too late.”

“Where are they? Where did they go?” Larry's gravelly voice thundered.

He then yanked over a nurse and demanded, “Where's the person who caused a ruckus earlier?”

The nurse was so startled by his forceful pull that it took a while before she could react.

“T-They've left.” Her voice trembled at the dangerous aura that emitted from Larry.

Larry disregarded this and immediately followed up with another question. “Was anyone hurt?”

The nurse tilted her head and recalled that no one seemed to be hurt.

“I don't think so. We were really busy at the time, so I wasn't paying much attention.”

He released her and marched straight for the security control room.

“Sir, you're not authorized to access our security footage!” the surveillance operator declared firmly.

Within seconds, Larry shoved him onto the wall and headed towards the surveillance monitors.

“Please, sir, you can't do this...”

“You should ask the hospital director who he is,” Caspian stated. He then yanked the guard by the collar and led him out.

Who on earth is that guy? How can he go through the hospital's security footage as he pleases? The surveillance operator scratched the back of his head curiously.

Before he knew it, a young doctor approached him and patted his shoulders. “I suggest you let it go because he's not someone you want to mess with. If I'm not mistaken, that man is one of our hospital's wealthiest donors.”

In a flash, the surveillance operator's face paled.

Oh, no. Did I accidentally offend that big shot?

“Larry, have a look! There's Joan.” Caspian urged at the surveillance monitor with a rush of distress.

Larry's chest tightened with anger as the monitor showed Joan leaving the hospital with Dustin.

This scumbag again! Why is he everywhere?

Larry balled his fists and glared piercingly at Dustin's image.

“I've located Dustin's car. He's on his way to the village now,” Caspian reported.

He's sending her home.

A sigh of relief slipped out of Larry's clenched jaws.

Then Caspian's voice sounded again, “As for Gabriella... I think she's still in this hospital.”

Damn her! She's got some nerve staying here.

Larry stormed out of the surveillance room to find that wretched woman.

“Lars, you're finally here! I almost thought you didn't want me anymore... You have no idea how frightened I was, being surrounded by all those people...” Gabriella tried her best to sound miserable. She even pouted and flashed a set of puppy eyes to garner hiss sympathy.