Natalie was uncomfortable with public displays of affection. If someone caught her sitting on his lap, she would die of shame!"What are you doing? What if someone sees us? We're parents now, not teenagers!" Natalie struggled to get off of Henry.However, she was no match for Henry's strength."Can't Daddy flirt with Mommy, then?" Henry asked as he boldly leaned closer to her neck.Natalie could feel Henry's breath on her neck. She didn't know if he was doing it on purpose or not."Let go of me… " Natalie felt itchy and tried to avoid his breaths."Sure, but what's in it for me?" Henry asked meaningfully. He wanted to kiss her badly.Natalie probably wasn't aware of how attractive she was in that long silver dress.Henry simply could not take his eyes off her, even when she was just walking around and chatting with the guests at the banquet.The way she walked, the way she smiled, and even the way she frowned seemed alluring to him.He was burning with desire, and he had to t
Natalie couldn't help but smile. How could she say no to Henry's request?She took his phone and switched on the camera."Come nearer." Natalie turned the phone to her and Henry.Henry leaned over and looked at the camera.As much as he wanted to take a photo with her, he didn't know how to smile at the camera."Come on, give me a smile." Natalie poked his arm when she saw his blank expression.When Henry finally forced a smile, Mercy suddenly cried in Natalie's arms.Natalie quickly returned Henry's phone to him, although they had not taken a photo yet."Let me calm her down first," Natalie said.Mercy had easily grabbed Natalie's attention in an instant.Henry watched Natalie patiently coaxing Mercy.He used to complain that Natalie wouldn't leave him alone; but now, he didn't even have the chance to take a photo with her.Nevertheless, he was contented as long as he had Natalie by his side.How could he ask for more, especially when she had given him such an adorable da
"Anyway, since you're divorced, I'm allowed to pursue you, aren't I?" Hugh said.Leslie lowered her eyes in silence. She had no intention of discussing that subject with him.However, she was relieved that she had shared her thoughts with him."I'm going home now. Bye." Leslie turned around without looking at him.Hugh followed her regardless.The parking lot was huge. Why was Hugh heading in the same direction as Leslie?Leslie turned around and stared at him suspiciously.Hugh explained before she could even ask, "My car broke down a while ago. Can you give me a lift?""No." Leslie turned him down without hesitation, though he had asked sincerely."You had a few glasses of wine just now, hadn't you? So, I guess you need someone to drive you home?" Hugh slowly took a car key out of his pocket.Leslie glanced at the key and realized he was holding hers."This key…" Leslie took a closer look as she wondered how Hugh got her key."You forgot all about it, didn't you? You've c
Lyla wondered if Sheldon was the one who put the nightgown on her and dried her hair.Did that mean he found her naked? Did he see everything?Honestly, there was nothing to see on her, though.Her body was covered in severe burns just like her face. Even she couldn't bear to look at those horrible scars herself.If Sheldon had seen those scars…Lyla started to feel inferior again, so she quickly pulled away from Sheldon's arms and stood up.However, she hadn't gained back her full strength yet, so her feet went weak the moment she stood.When Lyla was about to fall, Sheldon grabbed her arm."Be careful." Sheldon gently reminded her.Lyla pushed him away once she got back on her feet."I accidentally fell asleep during my bath, I think. No big deal. It's getting late, so you should go home and take some rest now," Lyla said as calmly as possible.Sheldon had been visiting her with different kinds of excuses. He must be exhausted after all those trips.He had to take care of
"What's wrong?" Shirley had a bad feeling when she saw Carol's nervous expression."Mr. Lucas… Mr. Lucas is gone…" Carol said timidly. She didn't dare to look them in the eyes."What? Luke's gone? Where could he have gone?" Felix was the first to react.Shirley had no time for questions. She dashed into the house, hoping that Carol was lying.She was certain that if she opened the door, she would see Lucas playing in his cradle, and he would even smile at her sweetly."Yes, that must be it…" Shirley ran so fast that she tripped on the stairs and fell to her knees.She stood up again, ignoring the pain in her knees, and hurried upstairs.She had to see Lucas now. Lucas must be there waiting for her!Shirley slammed the door open, only to find an empty cradle. There was no sign of Lucas.Shirley felt lost as she stared at the empty cradle. She stumbled toward it. It was empty, no matter how many times she looked at it.No one was lying in there and smiling sweetly at her. No on
"I don't know the specifics very well. So, I'm planning to go over and find out," Henry said, his voice tinged with concern.Henry was now a father himself, so he could deeply empathize with the emotions Shirley and Harry were experiencing when their child was entangled in such a distressing incident.The night before had likely stretched long and agonizing for them. The more time passed, the more danger Lucas might be in."You better hurry, then! And remember to keep me posted on any developments!" Natalie urged. Her heart was heavy with concern after learning of the situation.She and Shirley had engaged in idle conversation just the previous night, during which Shirley had shared numerous photos of Lucas.Shirley was brimming with love when she spoke of her son. It was an undeniable bond of a mother's love for her child.Imagining Shirley's current state of despair was heart-wrenching."Okay." Henry swiftly wheeled himself away after acknowledging Natalie's advice.Despite N
Cesar couldn't help but overhear their whispered discussion.Though his face remained expressionless, a subtle coldness could be detected in his eyes.His fingers fidgeted with his signet ring, a gesture that usually indicated deep thoughts preoccupying his mind.The ribbon-cutting ceremony concluded eventually.Shane stood before everyone to deliver a few words, marking the end of the day's groundbreaking ceremony.Afterward, everyone traveled in their own vehicles to the hotel that had been reserved in advance.The hotel's banquet hall had been meticulously prepared, with a delicate and sumptuous lunch awaiting everyone.Everyone sat down to start their meal after arriving at the banquet hall.Halfway through her meal, Natalie excused herself to go to the restroom.She unexpectedly encountered Cesar standing in the corridor upon exiting, seemingly waiting for someone.She prepared to return to the banquet hall after nodding to him as a gesture.Cesar called out to her unex
"Send me the location!" Henry commanded before swiftly hanging up the phone."What happened?" Harry questioned immediately as he sensed the urgency in Henry's demeanor."Natalie has been kidnapped. I'm heading there now! Remember to let me know if there's any news about Luke," Henry instructed quickly.He hurriedly wheeled himself away without waiting for any response from Harry.A profound sense of helplessness washed over Harry as he watched Henry's retreating figure.He pondered where things had gone wrong. Why had everyone's once peaceful lives suddenly been thrown into chaos?Just as Harry's gaze left the doorway, his phone rang with the sound of a text message.He checked his phone without hesitation and discovered someone had sent him a photo.He opened it eagerly and stood up abruptly the moment he saw the image clearly, with his eyes fixed on the photo before him.It was a photo of Lucas!Lucas was crying in the picture. His cheeks were puffed out red, and tears stre