Ch. 1901..1910
His Secret Lover Returning from the Dead Chapter 1901
Sigrun stood in front of Susan with her arms crossed and told her that shocking news while looking all triumphant.
Susan was wholly stunned.
Standing there, she gaped at Sigrun blankly, feeling as though a bomb had gone off in her mind. In the blink of an eye, all thought vanished, and her mind went blank.
Engagement? So they're getting engaged?
"Also, were you planning to ask Kurt about Ian visiting the psychologist? Indeed, that's true. It was the same psychologist as before. Susan, you're really something else that he still has feelings for you after erasing his memories."
"W-What are you talking about?"
While in utter shock, Susan heard herself asking that question.
On the heels of that, however, Sigrun dealt her another fatal blow.
"But don't be too smug. He wanted to erase everything negative about you, so after having the psychologist restore his memories, he now remembers the entirety of his past with you."
Once more, she viciously told Susan that brutal truth.
Ultimately, she still went to the extreme. She was initially a girl filled with passion and enthusiasm for life, but after eavesdropping on the conversation last night, her mentality started becoming twisted.
It was as though something that initially belonged to her was suddenly stolen away by someone else and was no longer hers.
She wanted revenge, almost mad with the thought of it, and she was desperate to take everything back.
In the end, Susan didn't have any recollection of how she left.
All she remembered was the fact that she was wandering aimlessly by the roadside with her backpack when her mind finally cleared up. Just then, a silver-gray Land Rover came to a stop beside her.
"What's wrong, Ms. Limmer? Why are you walking along the roadside alone?"
When the car window rolled down, the incredibly handsome countenance of an Epean man came into sight. It was none other than Vincent.
Susan bit her lip hard, her eyes turning red-rimmed In an instant.
It wasn't that she loved to cry, but her heart was currently aching terribly. Now that she was in a foreign land, as long as someone showed her an iota of concern when she seemingly couldn't see a single ray of hope in the entire world, she would inevitably break down.
In the end, she got into the man's car.
Little did she know that a red Lamborghini appeared no sooner had they left. Witnessing the scene before her eyes, Sasha, who was in the passenger seat, was exceedingly astonished.
"Gosh, what was happening there? Was that Susan's boyfriend?"
Her eyes shone brightly, and she sat up straight.
The person driving beside her was none other than Ian.
He had taken a leave of absence that morning to accompany his mother for some fun in the city, and they left after Kurt and Vivian did.
Alas, he witnessed such an incident.
"No!"
He nixed it, the look in his eyes glacial.
Sasha immediately turned to him. "Hmm? How do you know that? Are you acquainted with him?"
"No!" Ian snarled.
This time, his attitude was even worse. In fact, he was a carbon copy of Sebastian back when the latter threw a tantrum with Sasha.
Sasha didn't continue pursuing the subject any further, but she took out her phone and entered the license plate she had committed to memory. In no time, a litany of information appeared on her phone.
"Whoa! He's actually a second lieutenant, and his family members are real aristocrats!"
As she scanned through the information, she grew Increasingly jubilant.
Right away, she sent a message to Sebastian back home.
She texted: Darling, guess what I saw here!
Sebastian replied: What is it, Darling?
In view of his awful attitude yesterday, his tone that day was particularly gentle.
Sasha told him the news at once.
She typed: Look, this is the car Susan just got into. How impressive! She just came over, but she managed to snag the attention of such a handsome boy with an excellent family background.
Sebastian was rendered speechless.
A long moment passed before he again sent a message in exasperation.
He texted: All right, your mission is to visit Ian, Darling. How is he doing? Is he okay?
Sasha answered: Well, if you're asking about this, he isn't doing so good emotionally. I took his pulse yesterday. Anyway, I'm bringing him out for a breather.
Sebastian echoed: A breather?
Sasha explained: Yes, a breather. I can then learn more about his situation. Don't forget that I once studied psychology. Back then, I even learned from a renowned professor in Jetroina for your sake.
Seeing that, the man didn't say anything further, merely reminding her to be more careful and inform him promptly if there were any news. Then, he ended the conversation.
Sasha likewise put her phone down.
A while later, a map of the city flashed across her mind. She reckoned that they were going to arrive at a mall, so she suggested, "Ian, I want to watch a movie with you. Is that okay?"
"Okay," Ian agreed.
For the time being, he forcibly suppressed the emotions within him that were on the verge of bursting forth.
Ten minutes later, the two of them arrived at the biggest mall in the city.
His Secret Lover Returning from the Dead Chapter 1902
From a psychological perspective, when a person whose mind worked differently was unstable emotionally, he should be placed in a quiet and dim environment.
That would enable him to relax completely.
At that time, it wouldn't be difficult to get him to reveal some of the things he kept hidden in the depths of his heart.
Sasha took Ian into the movie theatre.
Even though she was the mother, he had long since grown up. The instant they stepped into the dark, Ian swiftly grabbed her hand as though afraid that she would trip.
He then led her in slowly.
"Be careful, Mom. There are steps here,” he even reminded thoughtfully in the dark.
A smile blossomed on Sasha's face.
She nodded and followed behind him. Soon, the two of them found their seats and sat down with some snacks In hand.
"It's been eons since I last watched a movie with you, Ian. I still remember that the last time was when you came back from studying at the base. At that time, both Matt and Vivi were also with US," Sasha reminisced nostalgically beside her son before the movie started.
Murmuring an acknowledgment, Ian opened the carton of milk in his hand. After inserting a straw, he handed it to his mother beside him.
"Thank you, sweetie."
Sasha took it from him and sucked a huge mouthful in relish.
However, she was again melancholic after she finished drinking the milk.
"Say, Ian, all of you are growing older now. Will there still be such an opportunity to watch a movie with me in the future?"
"Of course!" Ian answered resolutely without the slightest hesitance.
"Don't worry, Mom. No matter how old we grow, we'll still be your children and will always keep you company."
"But you'll all get married one day. Honestly speaking, Ian, when I heard your great-grandfather saying that he wanted to choose a wife for you, I was already a bit sorrowful. Oh, my precious son is going to get married. You're already grown up and will be leaving me in the future."
Sasha deliberately feigned an expression of utter devastation.
Ian was entirely dumbfounded.
Mom's acting seems a touch too exaggerated. Oh well, what can I do when she's my mother?
"Don't worry. It's early yet. Great-grandpa has his wires crossed," Ian reassured patiently.
"Yeah, I think so too. Anyhow, Ian, is there anyone you like? Or what kind of girl do you like? Verily, I'm a bit curious. Can you tell me about it?" Sasha queried hopefully.
As her words fell, she could see a flash of resistance and irritation marring her son's face in the dark.
However, after calming himself down for ten or so seconds, Ian gently replied in the face of his mother's question, "No."
"No?"
Sheer disappointment promptly flooded Sasha.
Oh God, this is bad! Don't tell me he's still suffering from a mood disorder? others begin developing crushes at the tender age of sixteen, but he's already nineteen. How could he not even have anyone he likes?
She turned and fixated her gaze on the screen. Due to her heavy heart, she didn't say anything for some while.
Ian turned and cast his gaze over.
Upon seeing that his mother's mood had abruptly taken a nosedive, and her expression appeared much dimmer, he pursed his thin lips in the dark.
"Well... That's not exactly true..."
"Huh?"
The instant his words fell, Sasha snapped her head over.
"What did you just say?"
"I mean, I answered wrongly to your question earlier. There's someone, but... she's unbiddable." He pondered for a long time before he thought of that term.
Unbiddable?
All at once, Sasha's eyes went wide.
Good Lord! What kind of term is that? He actually needs the other person to be biddable when they're dating? This is so domineering of him, exactly the same as his father!
All of a sudden, excitement inundated her.
"W-Why is she not biddable? Does she not like you?"
"No, that's not it," Ian replied morosely.
When Sasha heard that, she grew all the more anxious. "What is it, then? Since the two of you like each other, why is she not biddable? Don't tell me you... you want-"
"Mom!"
The smart and brilliant Ian raised his voice several decibels, just to cut off his mother's wild imagination.
What's she thinking? Did Daddy not teach her properly?
In the dark, his fair face flushed bright red to the extent that he almost resembled a ripe tomato.
Sasha went silent.
Okay, fine, I got his meaning wrong. He's still a pure and innocent young lad.
Subsequently, she continued asking, "Then, tell me why exactly that is. Share it with me. Perhaps I can help give you some ideas."
"She's afraid of our family," Ian admitted.
"Huh?" Sasha gasped.
I really don't understand. Afraid of our family? Why? Is the Jadeson family a wild beast? What's there to fear? Logically speaking, many would want to marry their daughters into a family like ours. The year Ian and Matteo came of age, countless wealthy and influential families sent someone over to feel us out. Yet, someone is now afraid?
Truly, she couldn't make sense of it.
However, the movie started then. In order to keep the silence, the two of them didn't talk further. Instead, they shifted their attention to the movie.
His Secret Lover Returning from the Dead Chapter 1903
Sasha had no idea whether the romance movie she chose was too literary or otherwise, but when she was halfway through it, she heard even breathing from beside her.
She turned, only to see that Ian had fallen asleep.
"Oh, well..."
Chuckling in exasperation, she slipped off her coat and draped it over him.
"No..."
Without warning, her son clutched at her hard.
Sasha was startled for a moment.
"Ian?"
"No... Don't take her away. Don't... disappear. I won't pester her anymore."
He grasped her arm firmly as he brokenly uttered those words in a choked voice in his dream, as though pleading with her.
For an instant, Sasha's mind went blank.
She glanced around, only to be greeted by vast darkness around her as a sorrowful piece of music played from the movie. Out of the blue, realization dawned upon her.
Her expression changed.
This is a remarkably suitable space for hypnosis. And right now, it's also why he's in the clutches of a nightmare.
She sensed the pain in her arm increasing, and clear moisture trickled out of the corners of Ian's eyes while he was in the grips of a nightmare.
Finally, she gritted her teeth and placed her other hand on his forehead, which was damp with cold sweat.
There were many methods to conduct a hypnosis.
Unfortunately, she hadn't much talent in that aspect. Back then, the only method she learned from that professor in Jetroina to save Sebastian was the emotional detachment method. It was accomplished by the massaging of some of the patient's facial acupoints.
The professor taught her that method precisely because he took into consideration the fact that she knew тем.
In no time, Sasha could sense her son entering a deep slumber.
"What were you saying just now, Ian? Who's going to disappear?"
"S-Susan..."
Once again, Sasha was taken aback. Never had she imagined that her hypnotized son would utter that name.
Susan? Why doesn't he want her to disappear? Also, why would she disappear?
It took a long while for her to compose herself before she inquired, "Why? Why would she disappear?"
Having been hypnotized, Ian replied, "Because...
Sigrith said that she didn't wish to see me... having anything to do with her daughter. She didn't want to ruin the relationship with the Jadeson family. If I insist, she... she'll disappear with them."
Ultimately, the hypnotized lad revealed that final secret in a whimper before his mother, looking just like a little puppy that was all bruised and battered.
Indeed, that was the truth behind his request to have his memory erased.
When he last spoke to Susan on the phone during the holidays last year, the latter's decision to give up had hurt him badly.
Nonetheless, he wasn't at the point of conceding defeat.
It wasn't until Sigrith in Jadeborough received news from somewhere that he was dating her daughter, Susan. Utterly stricken, she came knocking on Ian's door the very day he returned to Jadeborough.
The weather was extremely hot and humid that day.
However, when Ian stepped out of the door and saw her kneeling in front of him, a sense of bone-deep chilliness enveloped him.
Subsequently, everything he said while under hypnosis earlier transpired.
Sigrith threatened to take Susan away from Jadeborough so that he wouldn't be able to find her forever if he maintained a romantic relationship with her.
Ian broke down there and then.
He knew that he couldn't stop that from happening.
Neither could he change anything, for Susan had too many concerns then. She had been overthinking in the first place and was giving up, so hope was all the more negligible with her mother's interference.
In the end, he went abroad that night itself and sought Kurt out.
After locking himself in his room for ten days and nights, he chose to forget those memories that tormented him.
That was everything.
Sasha sat in the movie theatre in stunned silence.
She didn't even realize when the movie ended as she stared blankly at her son, who was still asleep beside her.
"Miss? Miss?"
Sure enough, the staff called out to her upon seeing her dazed state.
Only then did she jolt back to her senses.
Half an hour later, at a coffee shop beside the movie theatre, Ian thumped the back of his head that was still spinning while asking his mother, "Are you sure the milk we bought was fine, Mom? Why is my head hurting so badly?"
"Yes, there was nothing wrong with it."
Sasha gazed at him tenderly.
Taking out a long and thin silver needle, she reached out and inserted it into his acupoint after having him stretch his arm out.
"Remember this, lan-no matter how old you are, you've got me and your daddy backing you up. If you encounter any problems, remember to speak to US, okay?"
"Okay."
Ian scrutinized his mother, whose eyes were red- rimmed, finding her behavior a tad strange.
Why is she so sentimental all of a sudden? Also, did she cry? Was it because of the movie earlier?
Nevertheless, he was embarrassed to voice that question since he hadn't watched the movie just now.
His Secret Lover Returning from the Dead Chapter 1904
Sasha didn't ask him anything else, but after leaving the coffee shop, she didn't allow Ian to drive anymore. Instead, she went to the driver's seat herself with the car key in hand.
Seeing that, Ian didn't insist on driving either.
Shortly after, the two of them arrived back at the apartment.
"Ian, since you have a headache, don't go to school in the afternoon. Just rest at home. I'm going out to handle some personal matters, okay?"
After returning to the apartment, Sasha went to the kitchen and cooked Ian a pot of thick oatmeal. She then carried it to his bedroom.
"Okay," Ian replied docilely.
Only then did Sasha close the room door for him before leaving.
Half an hour later, she stepped foot into the hospital Ian once visited.
"Hello, may I know whether Dr. Blanc is in?"
"Yes, he's at the psychology department on the third floor.”
The nurse pointed upstairs.
With her bag in hand, Sasha went straight up.
When she found the psychologist-Alain-a few minutes later, she discovered that there were quite a number of patients in his consultation room, and he was calling them in one by one to treat them.
She took a seat outside and snagged a random newspaper to read.
After waiting for about twenty minutes, she got to her feet when she saw that the room door was finally opened. Without waiting for the nurse to call her number, she barged right into Alain's office.
"Hey! Miss-"
Bang!
Sasha unceremoniously slammed the door shut.
Alain had just taken a sip of water in his office. Upon hearing the loud noise, he immediately swung his head over.
He was greeted by the sight of a very young woman. While the woman was dressed more maturely than young maidens, her skin was fair and delicate, and her face was exquisite without a single wrinkle. On the whole, she appeared to be a highly-educated lady at the forefront of the times.
"Who are you?"
"There's a patient named Ian Hayes. You're his psychologist, yes? I'm his mother."
Sasha introduced herself graciously.
At once, the psychologist was stunned.
Ian Hayes' mother? Good Lord! His mother is actually so young? But why is she here?
Suddenly, he remembered that he was beaten up because of Ian's matter the other day. At once, great unease filled him.
"Is something the matter? I've already told the young man that day that it has nothing to do with me. It was Ian's fiancee who ordered me to do so. Don't come and seek me out anymore," the cowardly Alain clarified before Sasha even said anything.
Ian's fiancee? Is he referring to Sigrun? She even went as far as making a move against Ian?
Sasha's eyes darkened further.
Putting her bag down, she snagged a chair over and took a seat.
"That's not why I sought you out. I want to ask you about the memories my son asked you to erase
when he came here back then."
Alain hesitated, going silent for a moment.
At that, Sasha threatened, "You'd better speak the truth. Firstly, I'm a doctor myself and know psychology as well. A while ago, I already hypnotized him at the movie theatre. However, he only revealed part of the story. Secondly, if you plan to keep anything from me, you should know that the person sitting in front of you right now is Astoria's First Lady. You'd better think twice."
She promptly verbalized her request and warning precisely.
Alain's pupils started trembling.
Astoria's First Lady? Oh my God, I actually offended such a powerful figure unknowingly?
Not daring to hide anything further, he narrated the whole series of events when Ian came for treatment.
"Your son was in agonizing pain when he first came here. He said he fell in love with someone he shouldn't have. That person was his aunt. The gulf between their identities and their elders' objection tormented him greatly.”
Sasha was at a loss for words, and her mind stalled once more.
Never had she imagined that her eldest son, who was the most obedient among her three children, would actually have such a shocking story when it came to matters of the heart.
In that case, this is most likely the reason Susan abruptly proposed acknowledging her roots previously and later changed her name. Does that mean she has changed her mind?
She plunged Into a deep contemplation.
"M-Mrs. Hayes?"
"Hmm?"
Sasha lifted her head and looked at Alain with a frown.
"A-Actually, I didn't seal those memories completely back when I hypnotized your son. If you're also a psychologist, you can unlock them," Alain explained.
"Unlock them?"
The furrow between Sasha's brows deepened.
No, I don't wish for my son to be In such torment. I've already witnessed his pain at the movie theatre, and it was the first time I've seen him in such agony after reconciling with him when he was five years old. Therefore, why should I unlock those memories?
Sigrith was selfish, so why can't I do the same?
She left the hospital and headed straight for the school.
At school, Susan, who had just finished her morning classes and was going to have lunch, received a phone call from Vincent out of the blue. He said he had waited for her outside for the entire morning.
His Secret Lover Returning from the Dead Chapter 1905
Susan didn't know how to respond.
She wanted to decline, but upon hearing that he had waited the entire afternoon, she still came out to meet him.
However, she didn't imagine she would see the familiar red Lamborghini drive over and stop beside her when she was about to get on the Land Rover.
"Susan, where are you going? Is he your boyfriend?"
Sasha stepped out of the Lamborghini and calmly assessed the guy with blond hair and blue eyes sitting in the Land Rover and the young girl who was about to get on it.
It was disappointing, to say the least, after witnessing such a similar scene again. I would've been happy for her if I didn't know about it. However, now that I do, it feels so disappointing. Does everything my son did for her isn't enough?
Since he was young, I have never seen him do so many things out of character. He has always been withdrawn and lived in his own world, innocent like a blank canvas. Yet, he learned how to lie to his dad and followed her everywhere because he liked her.
I understand everyone has the right to reject, but that right doesn't allow one to stomp on another's passionate and sincere feelings. No matter if it's Sigrith or my own daughter.
Sasha merely stared at her. "Are you getting in the car?"
Susan immediately released the handle of the car door.
"N-No."
"Okay."
Sasha was slightly satisfied with Susan's answer and swung her gaze to the second lieutenant, Vincent.
"Apologies. I'm one of the Jadesons. Susan used to spend time at the Jadeson residence when she was younger. I came here specifically to see her. Your trip might be a waste today."
After a long silence, Vincent finally turned to look at the elegant yet domineering woman and nodded shamefully.
Soon, he pulled away from the campus' gate and left.
After the trunk of his car disappeared, Sasha turned to the girl standing beside her with anxiousness and nervousness evident on her face.
"Should we go and have lunch? I suppose your lectures have ended."
"Okay," Susan braced herself and answered.
The two were about to get in Sasha's Lamborghini when a girl raced toward the gate from inside the campus. Excitement was written all over the girl's face when she spotted the two were still there.
"Mrs. Hayes, what are you doing here? I would've come out to greet you if you told me you were coming."
It was Sigrun.
Susan's face immediately paled upon recognizing the girl was Sigrun. She wanted nothing more than the ground to open up and swallow her at that moment.
Sigrun's words had upset her so much that she skipped her lectures that morning. Her chest felt stuffy the entire morning. It was suffocating.
Susan instantly turned her back to Sigrun.
Sasha turned and glimpsed to her side, but Sigrun wasn't the one she was looking at. Sasha's gaze was focused on the pale-faced girl staring out the car window.
Sasha stared at her silently for a long while.
Noticing Sasha wasn't paying attention, Sigrun asked, "Mrs. Hayes?"
Done with the pretense, Sasha said, "Just the person I want to see today. I visited Ian's psychologist this afternoon, and he said you asked him to help Ian recover his lost memories?"
Sigrun didn't expect Sasha to ask her so directly in public.
Her bright smile froze. After staring at Sasha briefly, all the blood drained from her face leaving her pale as a ghost.
"Mrs. Hayes, I don't know what you're talking about."
"Is that so? Then, should I take you over to the psychologist and ask him directly?" Sasha retorted coldly.
Hearing that, Sigrun didn't dare to speak another word. Panic engulfed her at that moment, and even her neck was flushed red as she stood there panic and ashamed.
Susan finally turned her face toward the two.
She was beyond stunned at Sasha's confrontation.
"Recover his memories? Sigrun, why did you ask the psychologist to do so? Didn't you hear what Kurt said? Ian wants those memories gone. How could you ask the psychologist to recover them without asking for Ian's permission first?"
In a few short seconds, Susan was a whole different person. She had stomped toward Sigrun and grabbed her by the collar.
Even Sasha was taken aback at her sudden change.
Does she needs to be so fierce?
"1-1 didn't," Sigrun stammered with guilt under Susan's pressure.
However, Susan's anger grew at Sigrun's denial. Susan recalled Ian suddenly treated her coldly two days ago and made the connection.
"You didn't? How dare you say you didn't! That day when the Foreign Affairs minister's wife called me over to her place, Ian was the one who fetched me back that night. I heard from Vivian the next morning that you'd waited a long time that night. So you saw us?
"You saw us, didn't you? That was the reason for your revenge, right? Once he recovers his memories, I won't be in your way any longer, is that it?"
As her mind continued to connect the dots and made the deductions, Susan lobbed one after another question at Sigrun.
Sigrun couldn't come up with an answer under Susan's fierce interrogation, so she merely kept silent, dropping her gaze to the ground. Susan's fierceness had stunned Sasha momentarily, who was standing beside the Lamborghini.
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Snapping out of her shock, Sasha folded her arms over her chest and calmly watched the two girls argue.
It looks like I was wrong earlier. It wasn’t that Susan didn't care about my son, but she buried her feelings for him deep inside her. However, she'll turn into a lioness on any issues related to Ian.
Memories of Devin's incident rose to her forefront. I remembered the scene when Sabrina went to Yaleview alone. Why are all these women so tough?
"Say something!"
Crack!
The already furious Susan had rage pouring through her when Sigrun didn't respond. In her blind haze of rage, she unconsciously tightened her grip on Sigrun's finger, eliciting the sound of something breaking.
The sound triggered Sasha's temper.
"All right. Susan, calm down. Let me handle this."
Sasha hurriedly came up to the two girls and extracted Sigrun's fingers from Susan's grip when Susan was about to choke Sigrun.
She wouldn't have gotten this mad if she didn't care about my son's well-being, so she must've valued Ian's life more than hers.
Sasha gently patted Susan's back in an effort to calm her down.
The gentleness in her gaze turned sharp as she directed it toward Sigrun. The soft expression on her face turned stony.
"Ms. Lightburn, I'll Inform your father about this once I return. I also want to talk to you about something else. Even though Old Mr. Jadeson and your grandfather were the ones who decided on your engagement with Ian, I've already told Ian's father prior that we would respect Ian's wishes. So I asked Ian about the engagement last night, and he disapproved of it because he doesn't have feelings for you. With that, I'll have Old Mr. Jadeson visit your grandfather later to give him an explanation to annul the engagement."
Since Sasha was already confronting Sigrun about Ian's memory, she figured she might as well be frank about her decision to call off their engagement too.
Sigrun, who had finally calmed down, felt the world was crashing down on her. On the other hand, Susan snapped her head to Sasha with surprise and glee in her eyes.
So that was what they were talking about last night. The gloominess in her chest finally dispersed. She quickly ducked her head and looked down at her toes, hiding the fact that she was holding back the tears swimming in her eyes.
Sasha pretended not to see Susan's tears and had Susan get in her car, leaving Sigrun there.
Around ten minutes later, Susan had collected herself and finally noticed they weren't heading downtown. Instead, they were on the road back to the apartment.
"Mrs. Hayes, this is...?"
"Yeah, I suddenly remembered Ian hadn't had lunch yet, so I think we should return to the apartment. Are you okay with that?" Sasha asked intentionally.
She caught Susan immediately dropping her head to glance at her watch through the rearview mirror. "He hasn't had lunch? Why didn't you say so earlier, Mrs. Hayes? We should hurry back then."
"Okay."
Sasha's lips lifted into a smile.
Every mother only wants their children to live a happy and healthy life with their significant others.
When they got back to the apartment, Susan had Sasha go up to the unit first as she went to the corner store to get some groceries. She raced back to the apartment once she was done with the chore.
Ian heard the commotion and came out of his room.
He was puzzled when he saw Sasha, who just left not long ago, was back at his place again.
"Mommy, you-"
"Okay, I'm back. I bought fish so we could make the lemon butter fish dish that Ian likes. I also bought the tofu he likes. We can make stir fry with it."
Susan rushed through the front door with a bag of groceries and started listing out what she was planning to cook, not noticing Ian was right there in the living room.
Sasha merely stood there silently with a smile.
When Susan finally noticed Ian was in the same room, she froze on the spot.
"Y-You're awake."
"I didn't sleep."
Ian could only manage that reply since Sasha was present too.
Sasha chipped in, "Ian, I was the one who told Susan you had a headache. Susan got worried and wanted to rush back here to take care of you. She didn't even want to have lunch with me anymore."
With blushing cheeks, Susan looked at Sasha with disbelief. She never thought the matriarch of the Jadesons household could lie so smoothly.
"M-Mrs. Hayes, I-"
"Okay, Susan. Let's go to the kitchen and prepare lunch. I should help you, but my back hurts. How about this? I'll sit on a stool beside you and direct you on what to do. Ian, come over here and lend Susan a hand."
Sasha ordered her son to help out.
Both Ian and Susan didn't even have a chance to say no.
In the end, they went to the kitchen while Sasha sat on the side watching them with a bowl of fruit in her hand.
It was outrageous.
His Secret Lover Returning from the Dead Chapter 1907
Due to Ian's lack of skill and knowledge, lunch took an hour to finish preparing.
"What's wrong with my mom today?" Ian asked.
"I don't know," Susan answered hesitantly.
"Where did you meet her?" Ian questioned.
Susan stayed silent, not daring to answer his question because she was about to get in someone else's car when she met Sasha.
Susan guilty carried her dishes to the dining table. "Let's eat first and talk later. Mrs. Hayes, lunch is ready."
"Lunch is ready?"
Sasha was having a good time sunbathing on the balcony before Susan called for her. She left the balcony and walked to the dining room.
There were pork ribs, lemon butter fish, mushroom soup, and even steak and salmon.
Sasha was ecstatic at the variety of food.
As she took a seat, gratification filled her when she saw her capable daughter-in-law serving soup for her.
"Mommy, you... Why are you smiling the whole time?"
"Huh?"
Sasha turned her head to see Ian who was observing her with a strange look.
Sasha chided herself internally. I need to control myself.
Susan was preparing to return to campus after lunch while Ian had taken leave that day, so he planned to spend the rest of the day with Sasha.
However, Sasha had already booked her return flight after lunch.
"Ian, Susan, I have to return as your dad is looking for me."
"Huh?"
Both Ian and Susan were stunned at her sudden change in plan, especially Ian.
His heart turned heavy after hearing the news.
"Mommy, didn't you say you plan to stay here for a couple of days? Why is Daddy even looking for you anyway? He couldn't find his shirt at home or he couldn't eat without you by his side?"
"Hey!"
Sasha didn't know how to rebuke Ian's smart mouth.
I'm not heading home for Sebastian but Ian. I need to urgently settle his affairs and matters regarding the Lightburn family and Sigrith.
Sasha had Ian send her to the airport.
"Ian, I want to ask you something. Do you truly like the girl you told me about this afternoon at the cinema? Are you sure she is the person you want to spend the rest of your life with?"
Screech!
Her sudden question shocked Ian into jamming on the brakes.
"Mommy, you-" With his ears turning red, Ian couldn't finish his sentence from the embarrassment at having the girl he liked being brought up in their conversation.
How did our conversation get there? We were talking just fine earlier, so why is she suddenly asking me about this out of nowhere?
In that split second, he noticed how his mother's usually gentle and humorous expression had turned serious.
"I'm not joking with you. When I married your dad at eighteen, my life had just started, and I had a bright prospect ahead of me.
"However, I didn't hesitate and decided to marry him right away when I heard that I could marry him. I was sure I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him. Ian, everyone needs to make numerous decisions in their life, including choosing their significant other. If you're sure about her, then don't ever let go of her. Sometimes, thinking too much will only lead you to regret," Sasha earnestly advised.
Of course, I can't tell Ian I hypnotized him before and therefore knew everything about him. He'll be very upset if he finds out since he has a strong sense of pride. Besides, I hope he can find the stuff he has thrown away back using his own means.
Ian didn't respond and merely stared dead ahead as though he was mulling over her advice.
Sasha knew he needed some time to think, so she didn't bother him. Instead, she reached for her phone and texted her daughter, telling Vivian she would be flying off soon.
Vivian texted back almost immediately: Mommy! Didn't you say you were going to spend a few days here? How come you're going back now?
Vivian cried on the spot when she heard about her mom leaving.
Sasha's fingers instantly tapped on her phone quickly trying to comfort Vivian.
I'm sorry, Vivi. I need to meet with your dad urgently, but I'll be back to visit you when I have time. Don't worry.
Vivian sent a crying face emoji.
Suddenly, Kurt texted: Okay, stop crying. There is Easter holiday in April. I can take you to visit your mom then.
Vivian was so ecstatic that she could only manage to send:!!!!
Then, she smiled again.
Sasha was relieved when she saw Kurt caring for Vivian.
Sasha left the city that same day.
When everyone returned to the apartment that night, they were surprised that Sigrun didn't come back.
Vivian asked, "Why isn't Sigrun back yet? Did she have something going on?"
Susan didn't say anything and buried her head into what she was doing.
Ian didn't even listen to the conversation and focused on the pealing scallions in the kitchen. His long slender fingers fiddling with the vegetable were like a work of art.
His Secret Lover Returning from the Dead Chapter 1908
Susan peered at Ian a few times with confusion. Why is he suddenly helping me? Did his mother nag at him to help me before she left?
Crack!
A sudden sharp sound cut through the silence.
Susan looked over to Ian and saw that he had snapped the scallions into two parts.
There was a silence that hung in the air for a while before Susan finally broke it.
"You have to do it this way. Come, I'll show you how."
Her fair fingers reached for the scallions in his grasp and patiently showed him how to prepare them.
Ian lowered his head and watched intently.
He was surprised that she didn't chase him out of the kitchen. With the stalk gone from his fingers, he let out a relieved sigh and shifted his gaze to the tiny beads of sweat on the tip of Susan's nose.
Each bead was clear and shiny, like the morning dew bathing under the soft morning sun.
"Okay."
Susan finally finished preparing the scallions and passed them over to Ian.
As she looked up at him, a hint of uneasiness flashed across his face swiftly, and he turned his face to the other side.
Susan didn't comment anything about his weird expression.
After that, none of them spoke until they finished preparing the dishes.
Back in the living room, Vivian finally found out the reason Sigrun didn't come back that night-she had flown back to her country.
"Why so sudden? She just left without even saying goodbye," Vivian complained, upset at Sigrun's rudeness.
Kurt crossed the room over to her, patting her head to comfort her, then tugged her over to the dining table.
"Just ignore her. Let's eat. I'll take you out to have fun later."
"What are we going later?"
Hearing she would be having fun later, Vivian Immediately directed her attention to Kurt.
Kurt gave her a card about the new Esports room that opened nearby. He bought one on his way back.
Vivian beamed with excitement looking at the card.
She gobbled down her dinner and dashed up the stairs to change into something casual, then rushed back down and pulled Kurt out of the house.
"Susan and Ian, do you guys want to come with US?"
Pausing at the door, she didn't forget about the other two in the house.
Vivian remembered her mom's instruction to stop addressing Susan as Aunt Susan.
Ian didn't answer her.
Susan rejected immediately, "I won't be going. I have to take Lotus out for a walk later."
"Okay. How about you, Ian?" Vivian asked as she glanced over at him.
He replied instantly this time. "I am busy. I have something to do tonight."
Something to do? What else is he doing? Isn't he just playing games at home?
Vivian whirled around and walked out the door with Kurt in tow.
After they left, the apartment became silent. Susan went to the kitchen to wash the dishes while Ian returned to his room. Once she came out of the kitchen, she heard the dog barking downstairs.
"Lotus?"
Shocked at its sudden barking, Susan raced to Lotus' side to see some kids were throwing stones at Lotus.
"What are you kids doing? How could you throw stones at it!” Infuriated, Susan strode over to Lotus and picked up the dog.
However, the kids weren't scared of her. They didn't apologize but made an ugly face at her before running off. Susan almost cussed at the anger rolling through her.
What kind of children are these?
Susan hurriedly checked the dog In her arms with concern.
"Oh my goodness! Lotus, you're bleeding!" Her expression turned frantic, and her eyes glistened with tears when she noticed the wound on the dog's head was bleeding profusely.
"Ian?"
She began to look up at the apartment and shouted for Ian.
The window to Ian's room opened and Ian's handsome face poked out of the window to see what was going on.
Susan was looking at him with red eyes and tears on her lashes.
About twenty minutes later, they were at a nearby veterinary hospital.
"Miss, we can't treat your dog since you haven't registered it. If you wish to consult the vet, you'll have to register for a microchip and fill out the relevant forms. We can only treat your dog once the system updates your dog's information."
Both Ian and Susan didn't expect the vet to refuse to treat Lotus because it was not registered.
Lotus was indeed not registered.
From the first day she arrived in the city, Susan had been queuing to register Lotus, but even after a month, it still wasn't her turn. The city council wasn't very efficient at their work.
Susan was crying again when she glanced at the unmoving dog.
"What should we do, Ian?"
"Calm down," Ian said, then walked over to the vet.
Before long, he came out of the room, and Lotus was taken into the operating theater, stunned, Susan just watched the turn of events.
"H-How did you get the vet to agree? Didn't the vet say Lotus needs to be registered first?"
"Oh, I reprogrammed that stupid system and added Lotus' details into it,” Ian answered nonchalantly.
Susan was shocked by his answer.
That is Yartran's pet registration system. Did he just nonchalantly say he reprogrammed the system?
His Secret Lover Returning from the Dead Chapter 1909
By the time Lotus was discharged from the pet hospital, where it received a few stitches on its head, it was almost midnight.
Holding the dog on a leash, Susan had wanted to hail a taxi home. Unfortunately, when the taxi drivers saw that it was two youngsters with a dog at that ungodly hour, none of the drivers were willing to take them.
Left without a choice, both of them rented a bicycle for the journey home.
Lotus sat on top while they walked alongside it.
"Ian, I'm so exhausted that I can't another step," Susan complained pitifully. After maintaining an uncomfortable posture to support the dog, she could no longer keep it up.
She had barely spoken when Ian, who was pushing the bicycle, stopped in his tracks.
Turning around to look at her in the dark and deserted street, he plainly instructed, "Get on."
Susan was surprised. "Huh? l-lf I get on, where is Lotus going to sit?"
"Carry it!"
Finally, there was a minute change in his emotion, one that reflected the frustration he felt.
When Susan realized her dimwittedness, she threw him an awkward glance.
Blushing till her ears were red, she hurriedly climbed up the bicycle where she hugged Lotus, brimming with elation.
"Ian, are we.... heavy?”
"Not at all."
"Okay."
The sparkle on Susan's eyes glowed with greater intensity.
That night, the pair, together with a dog, made their journey back to the apartment amidst romance in the air. The most surprising fact was that Lotus stayed obediently in Susan's arms and didn't make a fuss at all.
As long as Susan was happy, Lotus too would share its owner's bliss.
Meanwhile, Sebastian picked Sasha up from the airport, it was almost midnight.
She raised the matter with him on their journey home all the way until they got home.
"Sebby, Ian's engagement to the Lightburn family has to be canceled!"
"Does he object to it?"
Sebastian, sharp as usual, instantly thought of the issue.
Sasha responded with a nod.
"On top of that, Sigrun's character is very questionable. If I hadn't visited them, I would have noticed that she was willing to hurt Ian just to achieve her goals."
"What did you just say? She harmed him?"
Amidst the growing tension in his voice, Sebastian had a grim look on his face.
Sasha proceeded to relate to him everything that happened at Atlantius.
The more Sebastian heard about the matter, the greater his disapproval.
"Even if you set aside Susan's past, we can't guarantee something similar wouldn't happen after they get married. I might sympathize with her jealousy, but that doesn’t justify hurting others. Do you still remember Roxanne? She was jealous that I had taken you from her, so she forcefully changed your memories through hypnosis despite knowing how weak you were. Consequently, her actions had dealt significant damage to your health. I can see Sigrun is no different from her."
Sasha's temper flared as she spoke, for she now hated Sigrun as much as she did Roxanne back in the day.
Jealousy should never be the reason to harm someone else. Isn't Susan just as devastated to see Ian together with Sigrun? And why didn't she do anything to harm the latter?
By then, Sebastian's face was already brimming with rage.
Cognizant of Sasha's exasperation, he brought her a glass of water and patted her on the shoulder, indicating that he would deal with the matter accordingly.
With that, he headed to Jonathan's room it was past midnight.
The next day, the fuming Jonathan got up early, intending to visit the Lightburn family.
Unexpectedly, a Jeep in military green had already arrived outside Oceanic Estate before he stepped out. A short while later, an angry-looking old man with a headful of white hair came in with a crying girl in tow.
"Old Mr. Jadeson, I’m glad I finally get to see you. I'm truly sorry for the trouble this useless granddaughter of mine has caused you. Thus, I have brought her here so that you can punish her as you see fit."
The old man was none other than Lucius Lightburn. He had brought Sigrun, who rushed back the night before, over to apologize first thing in the morning.
Their sudden arrival had caused Jonathan to be stunned and stood still.
Standing behind him, Sasha wore a gloomy expression the entire morning.
This girl is craftier than I expected. Realizing that there's no way out after being exposed, she rushed back at the same time I did so that she could take the initiative to own up to her mistake.
An icy glint flashed across Sasha's eyes when the thought struck her.
Due to Jonathan's presence, both grandfather and granddaughter were invited into Oceanic Estate. The moment they entered, Lucius shoved Sigrun toward Jonathan.
Thud!
"Ah!"
The dull sound of the impact was followed by Sigrun's agonizing cry.
Lucius thundered, "What are you crying for? How dare you have the cheek to cry after committing such a grave mistake? Let me tell you, even if Old Mr. Jadeson beats you to death today, you deserve every bit of it!"
Given how convincing his words were, it was a waste of Lucius' talent not to have chosen acting as his career.
His Secret Lover Returning from the Dead Chapter 1910
Despite spending his entire life on the bloody battlefield and never batting an eyelid at all the gruesome scenes he had witnessed, Jonathan suddenly wavered at his former subordinate's attempt at eliciting pity.
"A-About that-”
"Old Mr. Lightburn, from my perspective, you're overestimating the gravity of the situation. Grandpa would definitely not do anything of that sort to someone younger. Thus, I think it's wise to help your granddaughter back to her feet.”
Sasha had stepped forward to preempt Jonathan's answer, standing defiantly in the center of the living room, she calmly deflected the pressure Lucius was exerting.
Just when Lucius was getting carried away with his reprimand, he looked up upon hearing Sasha's words.
In that instant, he felt his heart sink.
Isn't that Old Mr. Jadeson's granddaughter-in-law? And the lady of the Jadeson household? She's a clever one. If not for her, Sigrun's actions in school would never have been exposed.
A sense of dread began to creep into him.
"Old Mr. Jadeson, is this your granddaughter-in-law?"
"Yes, yes. That's her."
Jonathan, who was mired in a dilemma, nodded vehemently as if he was clutching at straws.
No sooner had he replied than Lucius dragged Sigrun up and flung her at Sasha's feet.
"Look, this is your future mother-in-law, you fool. Of all the things to do, why did you have to harm someone? If she hadn't gone over, you-"
"Wait!"
Sasha stopped him, as she couldn't bear to listen to another word.
"Old Mr. Lightburn, let me put it this way. Firstly, since the children are yet to be married, it's inappropriate to address me that way. Secondly, we are planning to annul the marriage contract. I'm sorry if I didn't manage to let you know in time," Sasha asserted without hesitation.
In that instant, her words drained the blood out of Sigrun and Lucius' faces.
"Cancel? On what basis? Have I heard it wrongly? Old Mr. Jadeson, you were the one who came to me and propose the marriage contract back then. I never had the
intention of ingratiating myself with the Jadeson family at all."
Lucius, who was suddenly worked up, threw the ball back into Jonathan's court. In fact, he sounded as if he was demanding answers from the latter.
Stumped by the question, Jonathan blushed in embarrassment.
"You're right. It was my idea from the beginning."
"In that case, how can you cancel it on a whim? Old Mr. Jadeson, that would be crossing the line. Even though I'm your subordinate, it's still unfair to the child. Now that all our relatives know she will be married into the Jadeson family, how is she going to continue living if you cancel the engagement all of a sudden?"
D*mn it, he has the audacity to bring up the issue of how she is going to live her life going forth.
Unable to help her curiosity, Sasha asked someone beside her, "What was his position when he served Grandpa last time?"
"Mrs. Jadeson, I heard that he was the Chief of staff," someone replied.
Chief of Staff? No wonder he's so shrewd.
Once again, Sasha watched as Jonathan's face turned red from the insinuations.
"Old Mr. Lightburn, please calm down. With regard to this matter, l-l'll-"
"Old Mr. Lightburn, why are you resorting to emotional blackmail? This is no longer the era of arranged marriages. Back when Grandpa spoke to you about it, I'm sure he didn't promise that it was set in stone. In fact, I
clearly remember telling him-when he brought up the matter with me-that unless my son agrees to it, it would never count," Sasha responded on Jonathan's behalf.
Jonathan nodded to acknowledge her words. "Right, right. Sasha did tell me that back then."
"But that wasn't what you told me. You said that you had an eye for my granddaughter because of how pretty and kind she was. In fact, you even declared that she's the perfect candidate to be your great-granddaughter-in-law!"
Just when Jonathan struggled to squeeze out an answer, he was instantly rebuffed by the agitated Lucius, who denied that Jonathan had ever told him that.
Truth be told, Jonathan had really messed up.
Subsequently, Sasha softened her tone. "Old Mr. Lightburn, if that's what you think, I'll admit that Grandpa did make a mistake. Why don't we do this-the Jadesons will compensate you a sum of money, how about that?”
"Money?"
Lucius was outraged by the suggestion.
"Mrs. Jadeson, do you think money can solve this problem? Did you actually think that just because the Jadesons are rich, you can settle everything with a snap of your fingers?"
Infuriated by Lucius's outrageous words, Sasha felt a burning sensation in her face.
Just when she was about retort, a towering figure finally came down from upstairs.
"Since that's the case, let's do it by the book. Mark, go to Yartran and find out what the granddaughter has done in school. When you're done, report the result of the investigation in front of the two families. We'll then let them weigh in on whether the marriage contract should still continue."
Just as Sebastian strolled out of the elevator, his frosty gaze shifted from the grandfather to the granddaughter. In that instant, everyone could feel the rising tension in the atmosphere.