Ch. 1891..1900
His Secret Lover Returning from the Dead Chapter 1891
Susan was taken aback again.
Monday to Friday? Why have the working days changed? When I applied for the job, didn't it say work would be on the weekends? otherwise, I wouldn't have submitted my resume.
She could not help thinking that it was odd. Nonetheless, since the other party had already stated their requirements, she began doubting herself and wondering whether she had made a mistake. In the end, she had no choice but to leave dejectedly.
Ring... Ring...
Just then, her phone started ringing.
Hearing that, she took it out of her bag and answered the call. "Hello?"
"Aunt Susan, where are you? We just got back from fishing, and we caught lots of fish! Come back soon, okay? Kurt says we can cook up some barbecued fish tonight."
The call was from Vivian, and Susan's lips subconsciously curved into a smile when she heard the former's voice.
Although Vivian was oblivious to the point of heartlessness, she was very affectionate toward others, and Susan adored her.
Temporarily casting aside all thoughts about the failed job interview, she hailed a taxi and hurried home.
Indeed, it'll be nice to have a barbecue in this cool spring weather, and it'll be even nicer since we'll be having those freshly-caught fish.
She was about to reach the apartment when she deliberately made a little detour to the supermarket to purchase some vegetables for the barbecue before heading upstairs.
When Vivian opened the door, she was delighted to see Susan. "Aunt Susan, you're back! Kurt has already cleaned and prepped the fish."
Susan grinned as she carried the bags into the apartment, intending to go and help out in the kitchen. But as soon as she stepped inside, her gaze moved past the living room, and she was surprised to see a familiar figure fiddling with the charcoal grill on the balcony.
"He-"
Thinking that Susan was about to say that Ian should not be tending to the grill, Vivian quickly cut in to tell her not to worry about her brother. "Oh, Ian? You don't have to mind him. Let him do some work. He's in charge of the grill tonight. You can go and help Kurt with the fish while I prepare the vegetables."
See, that's the thing. Ian is too lazy. Back when we used to go out and play, we'd always eat ready-made food. This time, I have to make sure he does some work.
Taking the bags of vegetables from Susan, Vivian skipped over to the balcony to keep Ian company.
"I've come to keep you company, Ian. Hurry up with that. I'll prepare the vegetables."
Ian remained silent.
Even from afar, Susan could sense his annoyance.
Nonetheless, she was quite pleased to see him helping out.
Walking into the kitchen, Susan saw Kurt draining the blood from the fish. Taking the fish he had cleaned and prepared, she skillfully sliced them and marinated the fish slices.
"Where did the two of you go today?"
"I went with him to a securities firm. After grabbing a bite, I went for an interview."
“An interview?"
When Kurt heard those two words, he tilted his head and shot her a surprised glance.
Susan nodded. "Yeah. I borrowed fifty thousand from Ian to buy my grandfather's fountain pen at the auction yesterday, so I need to return the money to him."
Kurt was silent for a few seconds before finally asking, "And?"
And?
A disheartened look crossed Susan's face. "I didn't get it. The company said they didn't want students. But when I submitted my resume last night, I'm sure I saw that they were recruiting. That's why I applied."
After hearing that, Kurt fell silent for longer.
Well, of course. Fifty thousand. Who would dare to hire someone whom Ian has his eye on? Forget about fifty thousand. Even if it were only five thousand or five hundred... There probably still wouldn't be anyone in Atlantius who'd dare to hire her.
Kurt continued preparing the fish silently as those thoughts crossed his mind.
They busied themselves for over an hour. By the time Ian finished prepping everything, it was already evening, and the sun was almost setting. They also made some stew with the fish. As soon as they lifted the lid from the pot, the fragrant smell wafted through the apartment.
Vivian's stomach was already growling from hunger, and she rushed over immediately when she smelled the tantalizing aroma. "It's done! We can eat now!"
Kurt brought out the pot of stew while Susan carried the side dishes together with the marinated fish slices for the barbecue.
Alas...
"Ian, what's wrong with the grill? Why isn't the fire going?" Vivian was on the verge of stomping in frustration when she hurried over to the grill to barbecue some fish, only to find that it was not yet ready.
He's an idiot!
Although Ian felt somewhat embarrassed, he still wanted to cling to his pride and was reluctant to admit that he could not light the grill himself.
"It couldn't light up. What does that have anything to do with me?"
Everyone was stunned by his words.
In the end, Susan stood up and walked over, gazing at the grill as it continuously emitted smoke due to whatever Ian had done. Tilting her head, she saw that the smoke had caused Ian's eyes to redden.
His beautiful dark eyes shimmered with tears, and there was a tinge of redness to them.
It's a rare sight to see him like this. Ian has always been cold, aloof, and a little bit of a loner. There are not many things that'd elicit such expressions from him. It's as if he's isolated from the rest of the world, giving others the sense that he's unapproachable. But that hint of redness in his eyes seems to have pulled him back to be a part of this world.
Withdrawing her gaze, she began to teach him how to light the grill. "Look. If you want the charcoal to catch fire, you have to prop the charcoal up like this. Then, light the kindling and place it underneath.
That'll ignite the coals."
Ian did not show any sign of impatience as he listened.
His Secret Lover Returning from the Dead Chapter 1892
Ian merely stood there, watching how Susan went about starting the fire. She blew on the blackened coals until red flames really did start slowly appearing.
Suddenly, there was a crackle as the fire flared and spat sparks.
Susan's mind went blank. Before she could react, a hand had already moved in front of her face to shield her, and she felt herself getting pulled backward swiftly.
Everything happened so quickly that Susan was still in a daze after getting dragged backward.
"Ian? What happened to the two of you? Are you okay?"
Vivian was setting the table in the living room when she noticed the commotion and rushed toward them worriedly.
Susan finally returned to her senses, instantly realizing what had happened. She straightened her back immediately as if by reflex while she stood in the arms of the person behind her, then turned to grab the hand he had quickly retracted.
"Are you okay, Ian? Let me see your hand."
"I'm fine," he replied, stubbornly refusing.
He did not let either of the two girls take a look at his hand. After all, a minor injury like that was nothing to a man like him.
The two ladies usually appeared gentle and weak. However, at such a critical moment, Vivian came up from behind and grabbed him forcefully. As for Susan, she was even bolder!
She wrapped her arms around his, practically latching onto his arm.
"Just hurry up and let me take a look!"
He stared at them, speechless.
What are these two creatures?
The veins in Ian's head throbbed even worse when he swept his gaze over to Kurt. Not only had the latter not stepped forward to lend a helping hand, but he wore the expression of someone watching a good show instead.
In the end, Ian showed them his hand.
He only realized how badly injured he was when he showed them his hand and saw that it had begun to blister.
"Oh my goodness! That's serious! Quick, I'll take you to the doctor's."
Seeing how severe it was, Susan immediately became anxious and dragged him after her without another word.
Vivian wanted to follow too, but just when she reached the door, Kurt pulled her back.
"Hey! What are you doing, Kurt?"
"You should stay and eat. Your aunt is with him, so what do you have to worry about? Hurry up and eat. Otherwise, the fish won't taste as nice anymore," Kurt responded without the slightest hint of guilt.
After dragging her back to the living room, he made her sit down, ladled steaming hot stew into a bowl for her, and told her to eat up.
Right. Once we're full, we'll go and game for a while...
Meanwhile, Susan quickly rode up on a bicycle after leading Ian downstairs.
He stared at her in the evening light without saying a word.
When she saw him standing rooted to the spot, she urged, "Hop on. Why are you still standing there? It's only a short distance to the clinic near our university, so we can just ride the bicycle there. If we were to go to the hospital, we'd have to make an appointment, and it'd be much more troublesome."
Fortunately, he finally approached her after hearing her explanation. He climbed onto the back of the bicycle, and she began pedaling away.
By then, the beautiful sunset of an early spring evening was not glowing as brilliantly as before. It seemed to have lost its dazzling luster, leaving behind the soft grey twilight.
Although the sky was a little dark, it was still beautiful.
As Ian sat behind her, something flashed across his mind for a split second. It was so fleeting that he could not figure out what it was.
What was that?
As he puzzled over it, he did not notice his hands had moved to clutch at Susan's skirt.
"Don't clutch at my skirt, Ian. You might hurt your hand further. Just hold onto me."
Huh?
His eyes flew wide open, wondering whether he had misheard.
But while he was still reeling in shock at her words, the bold as brass Susan had reached for his other hand and placed it on her slender waist.
This is crazy...
His Secret Lover Returning from the Dead Chapter 1893
In the end, Susan brought Ian to a clinic nearby the campus. She refused to take no as an answer.
She accompanied him until the doctor finished dressing his wound. Even after his hand was all wrapped up, she didn't realize that Ian actually thought she didn't know how to ride a bicycle.
"Remember to keep your wound dry these few days," the doctor reminded Ian after dressing his wound.
Susan nodded profusely. "Yes, doctor."
After they left the clinic, Susan offered to give Ian a ride back. Ian didn't reject her offer. In fact, he got into her bicycle readily unlike how he reacted when she wanted to take him to the clinic earlier. He didn't kick up a fuss.
However, they had no idea a car drove past theirs when they were on their way to the apartment. The occupants in that car spotted them together clearly.
"Sigrun, isn't that your boyfriend?"
Sigrun's friend, Hannah, immediately blurted out in surprise.
After her arrival at the campus, Sigrun introduced Ian to her friends as her boyfriend who she was going to marry one day.
The very sight of Ian and Susan chatting gaily on a bicycle caused Sigrun to shake in fury.
She wanted to stop the car and dash over to them to demand to know what was going on. If possible, she would drag Susan down from the bicycle.
How dare she take my fiancé around?
In the end, she managed to keep her emotions in check.
After all, she recalled Susan telling her that Ian hated people who kicked up a fuss. She didn't want Ian to despise her.
Sigrun had no choice but to watch the bicycle leave as the occupants chatted away.
Around ten minutes later, Sigrun's car rolled to a stop underneath the apartment.
She made a call to someone. "Hello? Can you help me investigate something?"
"What is it?" the person on the other end of the line asked.
"I'd like to find out what happened between Susan Jadeson, who used to live in the Jadeson residence, and Sebastian's eldest son, Ian Hayes. If you get me the information I want, I shall pay you one million in one go!" Sigrun declared.
She had given it her all to get the information she wanted.
As she had offered a handsome reward, the person on the other end of the phone agreed readily.
At the end of the day, Sigrun returned to the apartment. When she switched off the light and went to bed, an email popped up in her inbox.
There were a few blurry photos attached inside. Despite the low quality, it was obvious that the photos were taken in a remote village in the country. Both Ian and Susan were in the photos.
Anonymous: A log driver sent me these. He claimed Ian caused him to sustain severe losses. Initially, he wanted to take revenge and took these photos in secret. Ian had no idea these photos existed.
The person also sent her a text using his phone.
Sigrun promptly typed out a reply.
Sigrun: Why did they go there?
Anonymous: Susan went there as a volunteer, and Sebastian's son went there without warning. They spent some intimate time there together.
He then proceeded to her send some photos.
This time, the photos he sent were HD photos. The photos portrayed Ian and Susan having fun together in a picturesque remote village. It looked like they were in a gorgeous oil painting.
Some photos showed them climbing the mountains to get fruits, some showed them working and plucking vegetables, some showed them visiting the villagers’ houses...
There were a lot of photos of them together.
Sigrun discovered that the young man who always treated her indifferently was smiling in those photos. A beatific smile played on his lips as he stood beside the young lady.
To her despair, Sigrun realized he was stealing glances at Susan in more than one photo.
His gaze was full of love and affection as though he wanted to drown Susan with his adoration.
Why? How could this be possible? He's such an arrogant man. Why did he look at Susan that way?
Sigrun was on the verge of breaking down.
Anonymous: Later, something strange happened. They got into a fight in the market, and Ian went crazy. He destroyed the entire bus station.
The man attached a photo with his text.
The moment Sigrun clicked into it, hope filled her entire being.
She scrolled down hastily and finally got to know the entire story.
Ian was a proud man, but he ended up in the police station because of Susan. Even though Susan showed up later, she didn't really solve anything.
Strangely, Ian fell sick when he returned to Avenport.
In the dark, Sigrun began analyzing the matter. She suddenly recalled that Ian was seeing a doctor when she first arrived in the city. In fact, his doctor appeared to be a psychologist.
She was pretty sure that it was only a matter of time before she could find out the truth.
The next day, Susan was the first to wake up.
As Ian's hand was injured, she decided to prepare breakfast in the morning. She would then send him to his class before going to her own class.
"Aunt Susan, you're up early," Vivian commented.
Kurt had woken her up a while ago. She rubbed her eyes sleepily and trudged down the stairs to see a spread served on the dining table.
She couldn't help but be impressed by the sight.
Aunt Susan is so diligent!
Flashing a smile, Susan busied herself with preparing breakfast. When everything was done, she removed her apron and emerged from the kitchen. It was time to wake Ian up.
His Secret Lover Returning from the Dead Chapter 1894
"Eh? You're up early, Ms. Susan."
Outside the bedroom, she bumped into Sigrun, who had just woken up.
At once, Susan's heart sank to her stomach.
It was a reflex every time she ran into Sigburn. Every time Sigburn showed up, she would do her best to keep Susan away from Ian.
Susan's mood took a downhill.
Strangely, Sigrun didn't try to make things difficult for her that morning.
"Vivi, Kurt, I have an event at the campus this morning. I need to leave now instead of joining you for breakfast. Ms. Susan, goodbye!"
She grabbed a bun on the table and hopped out of the house.
Susan regarded her back doubtfully.
How surprising.
No matter what, she heaved a sigh of relief after Sigburn left and hurried to Ian's room ahead.
"Ian? Are you awake? Do you need help?" she asked worriedly after knocking on the door.
Less than two minutes later, Ian strode out in a black outfit, looking refreshed and clean.
"It's just a small injury. I didn't lose any limb!"
He opened the door with his expression all scrunched up. It seemed like he was upset at how she was treating him as though he had lost a limb.
Susan chuckled in response.
"You didn't button your shirt till the end. Let me help you."
She stretched out her slender hands and buttoned up his shirt nicely.
Ian fell silent.
In the living room, Vivian stared at them, her eyes wide in shock.
"Kurt, don't you think Aunt Susan treats Ian really well?" she whispered.
"Really?"
Kurt reached out to turn her head around, his expression calm and collected.
Vivian blinked her eyes twice. Her long lashes fluttered adoringly, causing Kurt's heart to skip a beat.
"Yes. Don't you realize it? That's how you usually treat me, right?" she insisted.
The little fool is finally catching up, huh?
Kurt arched his brow as his lips curved.
"How do I usually treat you?" he teased.
Comprehension dawned on Vivian.
At once, her cheeks flushed red. She immediately struggled out of his reach and ran to the dining table.
Is he out of his mind?
When Susan and Ian came down, Vivian dared not meet Kurt's gaze.
However, when everyone headed out, things went back to normal. Vivian climbed onto Kurt's back so he could bring her to the car park. Her tinkling laughter could be heard from afar.
"Vivi looks happy now," Susan commented when she saw them both downstairs.
She meant it.
Ian didn't say a word.
They soon arrived at the public bicycle parking area. When Susan was paying for her ride, Ian suddenly said, "She deserves it."
"What?"
Susan lifted her head abruptly when she heard what he had to say.
She deserves it? Does he mean...
"They went through a lot. They never gave up on each other in their darkest and most dangerous times. Naturally, they deserve hard-earned happiness. It's only fair for them to be this happy," Ian explained as Susan seemed confused.
Alas, he didn't know that his words went through her heart like an iron shard and revealed the deepest, darkest secret that she kept buried. Her smile promptly slipped.
In just a few seconds, the color completely drained from her face.
Give up? Is he talking about me? No. He has lost his memory, so he shouldn't be referring to me. Nevertheless, his words proved that he hated people who "give up." He even mentioned the word "fair." That means he despises selfish cowards.
Susan lost the strength to speak.
That morning, they rode a bicycle each.
Ian's expression was gloomy.
As Susan had ridden away, he had no choice but to take another bicycle and ride after her.
Once they arrived at the campus, Susan headed straight to the Faculty of Accounting.
Ian's bicycle came to a stop. He stared at the building and locked his bicycle unhappily before striding away.
Buzz, buzz...
"Hello?"
"Mr. Hayes, this is Dr. Blanc. I heard you're doing well recently. Do you have time to come over? I need to examine you thoroughly."
It was the psychologist that Ian had seen previously.
His brows snapped together at the sudden phone call.
His Secret Lover Returning from the Dead Chapter 1895
In the end, Ian chose to meet the psychologist.
Despite his reluctance, he knew he had to take the initiative to face some things so he could live like a normal person.
"Mr. Hayes, have a seat."
Alain ushered him to a seat warmly.
Inexplicable waves of anxiousness washed over Ian.
The chair was, in fact, used by the psychologist to hypnotize patients.
Slowly, Ian sat in the chair.
Alain assured him, "Mr. Hayes, please relax. I'm going to examine you. It's fine."
He came over to Ian slowly.
Ian nodded, and his expression relaxed.
"Mr. Hayes, have you had difficulty sleeping recently or couldn't calm yourself down?" Alain asked.
Hearing that, Ian fell silent. Having difficulty sleeping and can't calm myself down?
Suddenly, he recalled the night when they were on the way back home from the museum.
For the past few days, his emotions were on a rollercoaster. He had indeed failed to calm himself down.
Lowering his gaze, he replied, "Sometimes."
"Oh? Do the symptoms bother you?" Alain urged.
"What I mean is, will they stop you from focusing on other stuff? If the answer is yes, we can undergo a test."
Alain observed him carefully after posing the question.
That was how psychologists worked. Instead of asking what the problem was, they would chat with their patients to find out what their patients' troubles were.
This time, Ian felt that he wasn't bothered by the symptoms.
He might've failed to calm himself down entirely, but things were still under his control.
"No need," he rejected the offer.
Alain chuckled in response.
He poured a glass of water and placed it on the table. Gazing at Ian, he started another casual conversation.
Kurt only found out that Ian didn't attend his classes In the Faculty of Finance after ten in the morning.
He was quite surprised by the news.
"Why didn't he come to class? Is he not free today? He didn't ask for any leave," the lecturer asked.
Kurt was admitted to the university before the age of sixteen. His admittance created a huge uproar, so many students and teachers knew about him.
Later on, he became the top student in his major, so more people learned of his name.
The professor from the Faculty of Finance would contact him if anything were to crop up after finding out that he was related to Ian.
Kurt hung up in confusion.
Where did he go instead of attending his classes?
He scrolled through his contacts and found someone's number before typing out a text.
Kurt: Uncle Solomon, did you ask Ian to do anything today?
Solomon: No. Today is Monday, right? I don't arrange any jobs for him during weekdays.
Solomon who was back home replied very quickly.
Kurt didn't ask questions and clicked into the GPS app. Soon, Ian's location was detected. He was currently in a familiar place.
The hospital!
Kurt left the campus.
Around twenty minutes later, Ian was asleep in the chair in the hospital. Alain was about to help him regain his memory when someone barged in.
Bang!
A young man with an imposing presence marched into the room.
"M-Mr. Lopez?" Alain stuttered.
"Who told you to do this?" Kurt snapped. He grabbed Alain by the collar and lifted him up in a menacing manner.
Thud!
He then tossed Alain to the table behind them.
Alain almost fainted from the pain that flared up his body.
"M-Mr. Lopez, Mr. Hayes requested this. 1-1 didn't do..." he stammered hastily, trying hard to tamp down his pain and panic.
Alas, Kurt wasn't that easy to fool.
His eyes flashed with menace as he picked Alain up and flung him to the ground yet again. This time, he raised his foot and stepped on Alain's throat.
It was a deadly move.
"Let me ask you again. Who gave you the order? Whose order are you acting upon?" he snarled.
"l-lt was Mr. Hayes' fiancee. She came to me yesterday and said he's doing well. She told me to recover his memory."
Finally, Alain told the truth.
Fiancee?
Kurt narrowed his eyes. A woman's face popped up in his mind, and a frosty expression crept up his face. He proceeded to kick Alain away.
Does she have a death wish?
Kurt brought Ian away. When they were in the car, Kurt poured a bottle of water over Ian's face.
"Hey!"
As the water splashed onto Ian's face, he jolted awake and sat up. His chest was heaving.
Kurt sat aside silently and waited patiently for Ian to regain his senses completely.
Two minutes later...
"Was I hypnotized earlier?"
"I told you not to meet the psychologist alone as you're mentally unstable. Why did you forget my advice?" Kurt snapped. His voice was both furious.
He didn't spare Ian's feelings.
His Secret Lover Returning from the Dead Chapter 1896
Ian fell silent.
A long while later, he calmed down completely and pulled a piece of tissue out to wipe his face dry.
He parted his lips and explained, "I wanted to know the memory that was wiped away from my brain."
Oh? What a surprise.
Kurt whipped his head around in surprise.
Did he really want that?
"Why? Why do you suddenly want your memory back?"
"Because..." Ian looked out of the window as confusion flashed past his eyes.
"I could guess what it was. But I don't understand why I chose to wipe it away from my brain. Thus, I'd like to confirm what it was before making any mistake," he said honestly.
Kurt gaped in disbelief.
His jaw hung open for some time.
Before he makes any mistake? I can't believe he described his own actions this way! Is he referring to him and Susan? He couldn't stop himself from falling in love with her again. Hence, he wants to find out why they separated in the memory he lost?
For a moment, Kurt was overwhelmed by mixed feelings.
He remembered how Ian went all out for Susan previously. Ian was head over heels in love with Susan and went to her without paying any heed to their identities, age, and reputation.
Kurt looked away.
"If you're curious, I can tell you everything."
The moment he uttered those words, silence fell. The car became so eerily silent that one could even hear a pin drop.
Kurt waited in front quietly.
Actually, he flew into a fit of rage in the doctor's office because he was afraid that Ian would be in anguish after regaining his memory.
He was also scared that someone would try to alter Ian's memory. That would be problematic, for no one knew what the consequences would be.
If all Ian wanted was the truth, Kurt didn't mind telling him everything.
In the end, Ian agreed to his suggestion.
Thus, Kurt told Ian everything that had happened.
"I don't actually know what happened between you both. After leaving Avenport and coming here, you didn't even go home. Instead, you came here and locked yourself in your room for ten whole days," Kurt revealed.
He told Ian everything he knew honestly. Indeed, he had no idea what went wrong between them.
Ian was quiet the whole way through.
Deep down, he was shocked to discover that he was involved with Susan back then.
At the same time, he felt an indescribable sadness. It felt like his heart was tossed into an icy bucket of water, and the chill went all the way into his bones.
An image of him holding an umbrella in the rain emerged in his mind.
"She's afraid," he said suddenly.
"What?" Kurt blurted out and turned at his shoulder in astonishment.
Ian was staring out of the window, shrouded in gloominess.
"She's my aunt, and I'm her nephew. If we end up together, the entire world will mock us," he added.
Silence ensued. Kurt only broke the silence a long while later. "But she's not a Jadeson now. Her surname is now Limmer, so there's no need for her to be afraid now.”
"Nothing changed. Her mom told me everything when she got on her knees to beg for help," Ian replied sarcastically.
Kurt's eyes widened in disbelief.
He could barely hide his surprise after hearing Ian utter those words.
Sigrith? Did he regain his memory? Why did he suddenly say that to me?
Right when Kurt was about to ask for details, he realized Ian bore a confused expression as though he didn't know why he had said that out loud.
Kurt was speechless.
Suddenly, an ominous feeling began to grow in his heart.
Oh, I forgot he's Sebastian's son. No matter how weak he is, he would never ask someone to wipe his memory out just because Susan asked him to forget about it. Besides, there was a chance to turn things around back then. Not long after, Colton's real identity was exposed. Ian knew that well, for he was investigating the matter. Then, what was the real blow that caused him to make up his mind?
Kurt's emotions were still in turmoil even after he dropped Ian back on the campus. After considering the matter carefully, he decided to report the matter to Oceanic Estate.
His gut feeling told him that it was not a minor matter.
His Secret Lover Returning from the Dead Chapter 1897
The person who received the news at Oceanic Estate was Sasha.
She had been busy managing some of the estate's accounts for that month in her study when the phone next to her suddenly beeped with a notification. She picked it up.
Kurt?
She was surprised when she saw the sender of the message.
Kurt had texted: Are you busy, Mrs. Hayes? I wish to speak to you regarding something.
This child has always been so polite.
Sasha put down her work and started to message him back. She thought at first that Vivian was being disobedient again, so he had no choice but to come to her.
She replied: What's up? Go ahead, Kurt.
Kurt answered: Mrs. Hayes, Ian hasn't been feeling well recently, but he doesn't want to see a doctor. He keeps saying that he's fine. Are you free? If so, can you come over and take a look at him?
Sasha: Huh?
She was shocked.
My son? And he's sick? Why didn't I know about this?
She immediately became anxious, and instead of texting back, she decided to call him directly.
"Hello, Kurt. I'm Mrs. Hayes. You just said that Ian is sick. What's going on? How did this happen?"
"I'm not very sure either, Mrs. Hayes, but he keeps locking himself in the room, and his mood is also very low. I asked him to see a doctor, but he didn't want to. I ran out of ideas, so I called you." Kurt came up with an excuse on the phone.
There was no way he could tell the truth. In this situation where it's impossible to predict what the elders will think about that matter, the only way is to let one of them come over and see for themselves. And this person, the careful and gentle Mrs. Hayes, is perfect.
Sure enough, Sasha became frantic upon hearing that.
That day, as soon as Sebastian came back, she informed him that she was going to Yartran to visit their son.
He frowned. "How did he become emotionally unstable all of a sudden? Wasn't he doing well last semester?”
Sasha replied, "Who hasn't gone through times with emotional problems? I don't care. I'm going to see my son. You've stopped caring about them ever since they grew up. All you care about is dealing with your business department matters all day long."
As she spoke, she even started to grumble about him.
Veins were popping on Sebastian's forehead.
However, he did not dare to argue anymore, and immediately after booking the ticket, he sent her to the airport.
"Are you sure you don't need me to go with you, Darling?"
"No need. You can get back to your work. I'm fine on my own."
Sasha decided she was done speaking to him and walked off while dragging her suitcase. After a while, she boarded the plane with a resentful look and set off for Yartran.
"Do you think she's going through menopause?"
"Huh?"
The driver who came over with Sebastian was extremely shocked.
"1-1 don't think so. Isn't Mrs. Hayes only thirty-eight this year?"
Sebastian kept silent.
"Don't think too much, Mr. Hayes. Mrs. Hayes was just too worried about Mr. Ian, which was why she was in such a hurry to head over there. Let me tell you. My wife is forty-five this year and still hasn't reached menopause."
"Really?"
Upon hearing that, Sebastian immediately responded. His tone betrayed his happiness.
What kind of guy is he?
Kurt went to pick Sasha up when she arrived at Yartran.
Ever since the last time she saw him more than half a year ago, the young man had grown a lot taller and muscular. Hence, when Sasha approached him, she discovered that she had to tilt her head back to speak to him.
"How did you get so tall? If you continue growing, you'll be taller than Sebastian.”
"How is that possible?"
The seventeen-year-old youth immediately became a little shy.
The two came out of the airport and got into the car, where Sasha asked impatiently, "How's the situation now? Is Ian all right?”
"Mrs. Hayes..."
Kurt, who was seated in front, suddenly seemed hesitant to continue speaking.
"Actually... I kept it from him that I told you to come here, so if you see him, don't ask him about his illness. Otherwise, he'll be very angry when he finds out."
"I see..."
Sasha did not suspect a thing.
She immediately agreed to pretend as though nothing had happened upon seeing her son after reaching the apartment.
She was much easier to persuade than Sebastian, not because she was not smart enough, but because she never once thought that the youngsters would hide anything from each other.
In other words, she acted purely like a mother would.
Upon seeing that Sasha trusted him fully, Kurt felt a little guilty. However, after thinking that it was for the sake of Ian, he felt that his action was necessary.
Sasha was taken to the apartment where everyone lived.
Sure enough, everyone was dumbfounded when they returned home after school and found Sasha waiting forthem with a meal long prepared.
"Oh my! What brings you here, Mom? I've missed you so much!"
Vivian was the first to rush toward her mother.
She had always had the warmest relationship with her mother. No matter what, she would always act like a child upon seeing the latter.
Sasha also hugged her daughter, who was now taller than her, excitedly.
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“I came to see you guys. Are you happy?" "Yes, I'm so happy!"
Feeling touched by her words, Vivian was almost in tears.
Next, it was Ian. He was also excited to see his mother, but he was a boy, so he did not come over until his sister and mother had separated.
"Welcome, Mom."
"HI, sweetie. Come, let me hug you."
Sasha then opened her arms and hugged her son, who was almost as tall as his father.
The mother-son duo smiled happily.
"What a surprise, Mrs. Hayes. I didn't think you'd come. It's the biggest surprise we've had this week."
Sigrun also came over.
She was such a sweet talker. In just a few words, she was able to express her suspicion about her future mother-in-law's arrival.
Sasha also greeted her with a smile and caressed her head. "Good girl!"
As the girl had been chosen by Jonathan, she naturally would show her due respect.
The last person was Susan.
However, at that moment, she merely stood there. Anyone could tell that she was tense by the hint of panic in her eyes.
"What's the matter with you, Susan? Am I not welcomed here?" Sasha shifted her gaze toward the girl and asked with a warm smile.
Right after she spoke, not only did Ian turn to look at his mother, but even Sigrun and Vivian next to him also looked over with widened eyes.
"Mom, why did you—"
"You all didn't come back at the end of last year, so I forgot to tell you that ever since Susan was inducted Into the Limmer family, I've changed the way I address her. After all, she's around the same age as you all, so there's nothing wrong with addressing her like this," Sasha explained with a smile as she ruffled her daughter's hair.
Upon hearing that, Vivian finally understood. She nodded and did not comment further.
However, when Sigrun, who was beside her, heard that, a wave of sudden anger surged within her.
I can't believe she even changed the way she addresses Susan! It seems that she came here really well prepared.
Susan kept fiddling with her backpack. No one knew how nervous she was to see the reactions of the others when they heard the new form of address, especially the young man standing beside his mother.
Will he be happy about this?
She sneaked a glance at him but discovered that he was shocked like everyone else after hearing the new form of address.
After hearing his mother's explanation, he seemed to understand. However, there was none of the surprise and relief that Susan desired to see on his handsome and cold face.
Instead, he frowned, and there was even a hint of mockery in his alluring eyes.
Mockery?
Susan's heart sank to her stomach.
"How long will you be staying this time, Mom?"
"Not long. I came because I also have something to do here, so I decided to stop by to see you all. I'll probably stay for two or three days."
Sasha gestured for the others to sit down as she smilingly explained to her daughter, who had been pestering her.
"That's only a few days."
Sure enough, Vivian's face fell upon hearing the words "two or three days."
Seeing that, Kurt placed her favorite chicken drumstick onto her plate. "Mrs. Hayes still has matters to attend to. Your dad is also waiting for her at home. There are still many things to settle."
"All right then."
As expected, coaxing her with her mother's homemade drumsticks was effective.
During the meal, everyone was chatting happily except Susan, who was silently pushing her food around her plate. Even when someone addressed her, she would reply briefly and quickly lower her head again.
Sasha noticed it and found it rather odd.
Wasn't she quite cheerful at home in the past? Why has she grown silent after coming here?
Sasha decided to talk to her that night before asking her son about it. After all, she had always felt more sympathy for Susan and her brother after their father died.
Hence, after the meal, when Susan had tidied up the kitchen and returned to her bedroom to take a shower, her door was suddenly pushed open.
"Are you preparing to take a shower, Susan?"
"M-Mrs. Hayes..."
Susan was so startled that she almost lost her grip on her pajamas.
"Yes. I'm planning to take a shower."
"I wish to have a chat with you. Why don't I come over after you're done showering?" Sasha looked at the girl's nervous expression with a smile and asked patiently.
She truly has changed. Our previous conversations have never been this way.
"l-lt's fine. Have a seat, Mrs. Hayes. I'll get you some water."
Susan was even more nervous.
She quickly put down her pajamas and moved a chair over. After that, she went to get Sasha a glass of water.
As expected, she kept trembling in fear as she poured the water.
She thought that the older lady in front of her had learned about what had transpired between her and her son and was there to reprimand her.
Susan had never felt so flustered and scared.
"It's all right. You don't have to be so nervous. I came to ask you, are you not used to living here? Are you having trouble getting along with your classmates at school? Or is it stress from studying?"
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"Huh?"
Susan lifted her head, stunned for a moment.
"N-No, everything is fine."
"Everything is fine? Then why have you become so taciturn now? Also, your eyes keep shifting around nervously. Don't be afraid, Susan. Just tell me if there's any problem. I'll go to your school and talk to your teachers," Sasha urged earnestly while looking at her solemnly.
Indeed, that was her presumption.
She had heard that while exchange students had good grades when they first came over, it was always somewhat difficult for them to adapt to the new environment at first.
Besides, the girl before her had never gone abroad in the past.
To her surprise, however, Susan again denied it.
"No, no, they're all pretty nice to me, Mrs. Hayes. I was only apprehensive earlier because... because I was worried that Vivi and the others would be offended that I'm addressing you differently."
"Hmm?"
Sasha chuckled upon hearing that.
"That would never happen. You have no blood ties to the Jadeson family in the first place, so now that you've changed your first name to Limmer, the different address only means that you respect US even more."
"Really?"
At long last, a ray of light showed in Susan's gaze that had been dim for a long time.
Sasha nodded in affirmation. "Of course. Actually, you've got to remember this, Susan. An address is only a verbal issue. Regardless of how you address us, it doesn't matter. What's more important is that you still remember the long-standing relationship between US."
Ultimately, she still comforted the girl magnanimously.
Truth be told, she attached little importance to such things.
After having experienced so much in her lifetime, she had realized that if one truly cared, one would still lend a helping hand at a critical juncture even if one addressed the other person by their full name.
For instance, Solomon and Sebastian.
They were brothers, but she had never heard them really greeting each other properly thus far. Yet when something happened, they still helped each other.
On the contrary, there was her and Jackson's daughter, Xenia.
They were cousins by blood, but things didn't end well between them.
In the end, Sasha even patted Susan's head gently and advised her not to brood over that matter before leaving. Then, she went to Ian's room.
Meanwhile, Ian was sitting in front of his computer in his room.
He wasn't in the mood to play video games. Instead, he pondered upon the purpose of Sasha's visit.
His brain whirred at warp speed. But why didn't she ask me anything after coming to my room?
"Come here, Ian. Let me take your pulse."
Saying nothing, he obediently went over and presented his wrist to his mother.
After all, they were already accustomed to it.
Sasha was а тем practitioner, so she often took their pulse and the like at home back then in fear that they would fall sick.
Ian waited patiently.
A few minutes later, Sasha retracted her fingers from his wrist.
"Have you been worrying a lot lately, Ian? Why is your pulse slightly stilted?" Sasha regarded her son somberly.
At that question, Ian was rendered speechless.
Has Mom's medical skill improved again that she could even tell that?
"Yeah, there's a minor issue at work," he fibbed.
Hearing that, Sasha breathed a sigh of relief.
"That's okay. Bring me over for a look tomorrow. Besides that, I'll get you a few doses of traditional medicine. You'll be fine after drinking them."
At once, words eluded Ian.
For several seconds, he sat there in silence.
I forgot that she's also an expert in finance, and a prodigy at that.
His lips pressed into a thin line. A long while later, he finally asked, "Mom, what did you two talk about that you spent so long in her room?"
"Who?" Sasha inquired reflexively.
"Aunt Susan," Ian clarified.
"Oh, you meant her, huh? I noticed that her personality underwent a drastic change today and was a tad worried that she hasn't adapted to the environment here yet, so I went over to chat with her^' Sasha explained.
"And?"
"And she said everything was fine. She was merely nervous because she was worried that you all won't like that she's addressing me differently now. But that's impossible! She doesn't have any blood ties to us anyway. Oh yes, Ian, don't address her as Aunt Susan anymore in the future. Just call her Susan instead."
Sasha was a straightforward person, so she simply said that after hearing her son's question.
Once more, Ian went silent for a long time.
Susan? I wonder whether that woman deliberately told Mom to come over.
"Ian?"
"Hmm?" Ian raised his head and looked at his mother.
"What are you thinking about that you were spacing out when I spoke to you? I asked you how you feel about that daughter of the Lightburn family. Your great-grandfather said he wants to announce the matter during your birthday," Sasha abruptly uttered with her eyes fixated on her son.
It so happened that Sigrun was eavesdropping outside right then. The instant she heard that, her breath caught, and she perked up her ears without daring to make a single peep.
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"Announce what?”
About a minute passed before Ian's rather bewildered voice rang out from the room.
Upon hearing that, Sasha was promptly taken aback.
Huh? Why is he wearing such a perplexed expression?
"Well, your marriage with the daughter of the Lightburn family. Ian, didn't your great-grandfather tell you about this matter back when he sought you out?”
In a flash, Ian's gaze turned chilly.
"What? He only told me that Sigrun wants to come here to study and that her grandfather Is his old comrade-in-arms, so he wants me to take care of her as much as possible when she comes over. When did such a farce occur?"
By the time he enunciated the last sentence, his voice was terrifying to the core. His handsome countenance was also blanketed with a layer of ice that would chill one to the marrow.
Sasha was dumbstruck.
It seems that he really didn't know about this. So, what exactly is Jonathan's problem that he didn't even bother telling Ian about this? Doesn't he know that he needs to respect Ian's wishes since he's already an adult?
She hurriedly coaxed, "All right, all right, since you weren't aware of it, we'll scrap this matter. You don't like Ms. Lightburn, do you?"
"Mom, do you think my taste in women is that horrible?" Ian retorted.
Following that, Sasha burst into giggles. "Haha..."
That remark had her torn between crying and laughing.
Unbeknownst to her, Sigrun, who was eavesdropping outside, had gone entirely pale as they both joked in the room.
Her expression had also contorted into a mask of rage.
He doesn't like me and didn't even know about this arrangement? How's that possible? I only came over because our families measured our compatibility and agreed to the match. Only then was I sent here. Now, he's calling off our marriage with a single remark of having no feelings for me and ignorance of the matter?
Her hands balled into such tight fists that her knuckles popped.
The next day, Sasha woke up early in the morning after arriving at the apartment to prepare breakfast for her children.
Unexpectedly, she discovered that someone was already bustling around in the space by the time she reached the kitchen. That aside, the fragrance of food was already wafting in the air.
"Susan? You woke up so early?"
She was utterly surprised when she caught a glimpse of the girl busy cooking inside upon reaching the kitchen door.
Hearing the sound, Susan glanced back over her shoulder. At once, a shy smile bloomed on her face.
"Yeah. Good morning, Mrs. Hayes."
"Good morning. What have you cooked? Oh my God, you're too incredible! When I heard from Vivi that you cooked for them every day, I told her not to trouble you since you're also studying. I didn't expect you to even prepare breakfast forthem!"
When Sasha walked in and saw that the breakfast in the kitchen actually consisted of both Chanaean and western cuisines, her fondness for Susan grew. Meanwhile, Susan felt even more shy after receiving that compliment.
Nonetheless, she was inwardly ecstatic.
Phew! I'm glad she likes it! After all, she's their mother.
Susan continued cracking another egg into the pan. "Mrs. Hayes, you should step out first, otherwise, your clothes will smell. I can manage by myself."
"It's okay. I'll help you. By the way, Susan, I'd like to ask whether you know that Ian is sick," Sasha questioned out of the blue, her eyes pinned on the girl.
Huh?
As soon as her words fell, Susan, who had been bustling around, abruptly stilled as though frozen in time. Her fair face promptly drained of all color.
"H-He's sick? When did that happen?"
"You didn't know?" Sasha was inexorably disappointed to see such a reaction from her.
She then expounded with a frown while helping at the side, "Kurt told me about it. He said Ian has been very despondent recently and even visited the psychologist two days ago. As such, I thought you'd know something since you're taking care of him here."
Clang!
This time, Susan even dropped the spatula in her hand onto the stove.
Sasha was wholly nonplussed.
What's wrong with her?
By eight o'clock, everyone had eaten breakfast. Shouldering her backpack, Susan slowly descended the stairs. She wanted to wait for Kurt to ask him about the matter of Ian visiting the psychologist.
Recalling how he suddenly turned indifferent toward her two days ago, the unease within her ballooned.
After she dragged her feet downstairs, however, Kurt and Vivian came downstairs hand in hand. If she wanted to ask the former her question, she would have to send Vivian away, which would arouse suspicion.
In the end, she kept quiet.
"Who are you waiting for? Are you waiting for him?"
Not only did she fail to wait for the person she wanted to wait for, but an extremely annoying person appeared before her instead—Sigrun.
Susan glanced at her, but when a trace of detestation welled within her, she walked off right away.
"Stop right there, Susan! I have a question for you!" Unexpectedly, Sigrun, who was behind her, reached out and grabbed her.
Having no other choice, Susan halted in her tracks and regarded Sigrun coldly.
"What exactly do you want?"
"Nothing much. I just want to tell you something. I overheard Mrs. Hayes' conversation with Ian in his bedroom last night. It turns out that she's here because of our engagement."