Nina thought the clinic needed a nice name. After a moment of thought, she suggested, “Mommy, why don’t you call the clinic Nina’s Clinic! That has a nice ring to it!”
Maya blinked before sticking out her tongue at her sister. “Mommy, you should call it Maya’s Clinic! That sounds way better than Nina’s Clinic!”
Juan mulled over both names before commenting seriously, “They’re both not nice nor suitable.”
Feeling annoyed, Nina rolled her eyes at her siblings. She was quiet for several seconds before suddenly snorting. Then, she giggled.
“What’s wrong with you? You’re acting so weird. Just say what you have in mind.”
“What do you guys think about Evan’s Clinic?”
“If that’s the only name you can come up with then I might as well not open the clinic!”
Nicole eyed her daughter coldly before rising up to head for the kitchen.
Juan berated, “Why did you have to bring Daddy up? This isn’t the right time for that!”
Nina pouted and muttered sullenly, “I was only joking. I didn’t expect Mommy to get angry.”
“Mommy’s not angry. She’s just sad. We should probably avoid mentioning Daddy at all these few days.”
“Mommy is definitely not going to forgive Daddy for this.” Maya sighed loudly.
“I don’t think Daddy is going to leave that bad woman either.” Juan’s face was filled with disappointment at his father.
“Adults are so complicated! How do we even help them?”
This time, all four of them sighed simultaneously. Their heads drooped sadly as they went back to their own rooms.
At Hillside Villa.
The moment Evan returned from work, Susan rushed forward to welcome him home warmly. Affection was writ large upon her face as she stared at the man. When she parted her pink lips to speak, her voice was gentle and sweet, “Evan, dinner will be ready shortly. Is there anything in particular that you want to eat? I can have the kitchen staff prepare it for you.”
“Anything is fine!”
Tossing those words over his shoulder, he did not even glance at her as he walked upstairs to his study.
Susan watched him go silently before informing the kitchen staff to whip up several of Evan’s favorite dishes.
When they were seated at the dining table, she asked in a careful tone, “Evan, it’s been a year since we had our wedding ceremony. Don’t you think it’s about time we get our marriage certificates? Are you free tomorrow? We could go to the Civil Affairs Bureau…”
“I don’t have the time. I have an important meeting tomorrow.”
Susan’s expression fell and she was quiet for a few seconds. Tears welled up in her eyes as she persisted, “Evan, every time I bring up the topic of getting our marriage certificates, you either say we should wait a while longer or that you’re not free. It’s only getting our marriage certificates at the Civil Affairs Bureau! At most, it’ll take an hour. Can’t you even set aside one hour for me?”
“Susan, I’m really busy with work. I’m sorry.”
Evan had a grim look on his face as he barely flicked a glance in her direction. Standing up, he left for his study again.
Uneasiness swirled inside Susan. They had not gotten their marriage certificate nor had he touched her so far. In other words, she was technically only Mrs. Seet in name.
How am I supposed to be his wife in all the ways that matter? How do I ensure I won’t be dethroned?
Her brows furrowed deeply in thought.
Evan turned on his laptop and saw the news about Nicole’s clinic reopening for business. His eyes narrowed while he stared at his screen intently.
He still remembered how he had helped her with her failing business back then. Now…
Pulling out his phone, he made a call.
“John, have someone keep an eye on Nicole’s clinic.”
“Mr. Seet, may I ask why?”
“I want to know how well her clinic does—whether she profits or loses money.”
“Got it, Mr. Seet!”
After hanging up, John sighed. He could already guess the other man’s intentions. Evan was doing this so he would be able to help out again if Nicole’s business were not good.
Oh, Mr. Seet. You’re already married to another woman. I seriously doubt Ms. Lane will appreciate you doing this for her.
For a week straight, John sent some men to keep an eye on Nicole’s clinic.
On the very first day of the clinic’s opening, Nicole prayed fervently that her business would only continue to grow and flourish.
In the blink of an eye, it was the weekend again. Maya was craving some desserts but was too shy to speak up. Hence, Kyle brought the idea up for her.
