"You have some nerve bringing that up! The gifts you brought were so out of date, even my grandma said they were tacky."

"Then next time, you pick them out. Once you’ve decided, I’ll pay for them," Xavier Quinn replied in a gentle tone—so gentle, even he was surprised that he could sound this soft when speaking to Nina Shaw.

Nina Shaw didn’t notice his expression, but the people at the banquet saw it clear as day. Who would’ve thought the eldest young master of the Qiao family could be so accommodating to his wife? Who would still dare to call their marriage a façade?

On the dance floor, their movements were intimate and matched each other perfectly, as if they’d been partners for years—even though everyone knew this was their first dance together.

Standing in the corner, Sheng Hanxia watched Nina Shaw flutter around Xavier Quinn like a playful sprite, her red dress becoming the brightest flare on the floor. Jealousy churned inside Sheng Hanxia.

After the dance, Nina Shaw felt a bit unwell—probably from standing too long in heels, which she never liked and was hardly used to. She found a corner, sat down, and rubbed her aching ankles.

Xavier Quinn got pulled away by a group talking business, which suited her fine—she wouldn’t understand their conversation anyway, and her stomach was already growling. She reached for a slice of mango cake, ready to take a bite, when Xavier Quinn swooped in and took it from her.

"That’s mango cake. You can’t eat that."

She was allergic to mangoes but never paid much attention.

Her stomach rumbled again—twice, loud enough to draw a glance from Xavier Quinn, who got up to make her a plate of desserts. After two years together, he seemed to know her tastes well—but apparently, he overestimated her appetite.

Nina Shaw eyed the mountain of treats piled up on the plate, her mouth twitching. "Xavier Quinn, I know you’re mad at me, but do you really need to feed me until I burst?"

Without looking up, Xavier Quinn set the plate in front of her. "Eat up if you’re hungry. You’re so thin, you’ll be a skeleton if you get any skinnier."

Nina Shaw: Well, thanks, you’re a real charmer, aren’t you.

She took a few bites, reaching absently for a glass of red wine, only for Xavier Quinn to stop her again.

"You can’t drink wine."

"Xavier Quinn, are you serious?" Nina Shaw felt like she was going to go crazy—that, without a doubt, this man in front of her would be the absolute cause.

Xavier Quinn rubbed his nose, a little sheepish. "Did you forget? We’re trying for a baby. You can’t drink."

Nina Shaw stared at him, utterly deadpan. "Since when? And how come I didn’t know?"

He leaned in close, voice low in her ear. "Didn’t Grandpa invite us tonight to shut down the rumors? I figured this would help."

Though reluctant, Nina Shaw obediently put the wine glass down at last.

And Xavier Quinn’s eyes glimmered with amusement.

After the banquet, Lauren Shaw got into the car and kicked off her high heels, relaxing all over. Xavier Quinn hadn’t come in yet, and when she looked outside, she saw he’d been cornered by a beautiful woman.

Sheng Hanxia stood in front of Xavier Quinn, saying something that made her expression gradually sink into disappointment.

Xavier Quinn finally joined Nina Shaw in the car; Sheng Hanxia still stood outside, staring after them until the car turned the corner and she was out of sight.

"Tsk tsk."

"What’s with the tsking?" Xavier Quinn looked at her.

"I just feel Shi Hanxia’s got it rough. After all, you two had a thing." Nina Shaw’s words held the faintest hint of jealousy.

"A thing?" Xavier Quinn repeated.

Nina Shaw feigned ignorance, but the playful mood faded—just thinking of Xavier Quinn and Sheng Hanxia’s history soured her heart.

They drove on in silence.

Nina Shaw watched the city lights streaming by outside, sleepiness flooding over her. She dreamed of the days she’d worked as an ophthalmologist in Ancheng Hospital—days when she’d been young and confident, so different from the woman she felt like now: someone who seemed to have it all, and yet, nothing at all.

—

Morning sunlight spilled into the room, the carpet by the window basked in warmth, looking especially soft and inviting.

Yancy Shaw woke to find Lauren Shaw resting quietly in his arms, a tear glistening at her eye. With gentle fingers, he brushed the tear away.

She slowly opened her eyes.

"You're up?" Yancy Shaw asked.

"What time is it?" Lauren Shaw mumbled, still drowsy.

"Seven. Get some more rest—the driver can take you back to Lanyue Residence later." He spoke as he rose to dress.

Her sleepiness faded a little. "You’re going to the hospital already?"

She didn’t sleep well in the Shen house. It was more comfortable to just get up and leave with him.

"Yeah. You stay in bed."

"No, I’ll go with you." Despite how late they’d stayed up, her sleep had been restless—somehow, it just didn’t feel as easy as being in her own place.

They left the villa hand in hand and ran into Bryce Shaw, who was also about to leave.

"Morning," Bryce Shaw greeted them. For some reason, his glance at Yancy Shaw carried a mischievous edge—at least, that’s how it seemed to Lauren Shaw.

Mrs. Chen came out to see them off. "So rare for you to sleep here for a night, yet you’re up and leaving first thing. Just leaves your father and me here staring at each other all day."

Neither Bryce Shaw nor Yancy Shaw said anything. Mrs. Chen turned her gaze to Lauren Shaw.

"Shengsheng, why don’t you stay at the house for a few days? It’s so much livelier with you here."

"Mom, it’s not convenient for her," Yancy Shaw objected at once.

"What’s inconvenient? It’s just farther from your work, that’s all. I can have the driver take you every morning!" Mrs. Chen just wanted more company. The big house was lonely otherwise.

Lauren Shaw shot a helpless look at Yancy Shaw.

He pulled Mrs. Chen aside and whispered something. She beamed, "Alright, alright. As long as you two visit us when you can."

Once in the car, Lauren Shaw asked what he’d told Mrs. Chen.

"I told her…" Yancy Shaw glanced over, pausing for effect. "That we’d give her a grandchild to play with someday."

"Pfft!" Lauren Shaw nearly spit out the water she wasn’t drinking. It would’ve been even more embarrassing if she had.

As she glanced at Yancy Shaw again, she noticed a mortifying detail: there were several kiss marks on his neck—left over from last night, no doubt.

Suddenly, she understood why Bryce Shaw had looked at them so strangely earlier. Her face flushed bright red.

"Wh-why aren’t you wearing a tie today?" she stammered. Not only was he untied, but his shirt wasn’t even buttoned up. Was he deliberately showing off for people to see?

Yancy Shaw touched his neck nonchalantly. "Couldn't find my tie."

Lauren Shaw: "…"

He did it on purpose. Crafty guy.