The CEO's Empathy Pregnancy Pains

"Luna, put out that cigarette. We need to talk."

"Talk about what? You're just gonna lecture me again! Alice, I don't get it. We grew up abroad and got a similar education, but now you've changed so much." Luna eyed Alice's composed, ladylike demeanor with clear dissatisfaction.

She went on, "Anyone who didn't know better would think you're already married and ready to settle down and play housewife!

"You were always carefree and cheerful before. Now, you're all serious and brooding, like someone owes you money!

"I heard you told Dad you want to study for an MBA. Alice, are you planning to take over the family business? Isn't this the time for us to be exploring the world together?"

Luna was still young, full of dreams and expectations for the future.

Alice understood, but she also knew the current state of the Ward family.

She wished she could go back to being carefree, but the reality of their situation made that impossible.

Alice said, "Luna, I'm not stopping you from living your life the way you want. But there are things you need to understand.

"We're part of the Ward family. You need to be aware of our situation. You can't keep thinking you're still that carefree rich girl. Dad has a lot of responsibilities. Otherwise, he wouldn't be trying so hard to get something from the Smith family. It's not right, but he's doing it for us."

Luna raised an eyebrow, a mocking smile on her face. "Alice, you're acting so righteous. You used to think Dad was wrong and wanted to apologize to the Smiths. Now you're saying he's doing it for our sake. So, you get to be the good guy, huh?"

Luna exhaled a puff of smoke.

In the swirling haze, she remembered something and continued, "I saw Veda a few days ago at a bar. She said she's been stressed with her MBA class, so she went out to relax. We had a few drinks, and she told me some funny stories. One of them was about her scandalous sister-in-law, Emily..."

Hearing Luna talk about Emily like that, Alice quickly intervened.

But Luna remained indifferent. "What's the big deal?"

She always thought that someone like Emily, with her background, couldn't compare to their family's wealth, even if she counted her ancestors' assets.

"Don't worry. I know you don't want to offend the Smiths. I already asked Veda. She can't stand her sister-in-law. Her brother is about to divorce her. That Emily won't be part of the Smith family for long. What's the harm in saying a few things about her?"

At that moment, Alice recalled a question she had asked Bryan earlier.

Since returning home, the more time Alice spent with Bryan, the more she noticed he seemed reluctant to interact with others, reserving all his warmth and patience for her.

At first, Alice enjoyed it, but over time, she grew curious and asked Bryan about it.

Bryan had simply replied, "In life, you might have many close friends, or you might be alone. Sometimes, forcing interactions is less fulfilling than enjoying solitude. Alice, you'll understand someday that the loneliness you feel while with others can be worse than being alone."

Back then, Alice didn't fully grasp what Bryan meant.

She was always surrounded by friends, constantly socializing, loving the constant buzz. She never understood Bryan's perspective.

But Bryan's unique charm drew Alice to him.

That's why they ended up together.

Now, she seemed to understand his words.

She and her once closest sister, Luna, were like that now.

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Though they were physically close, their loneliness together was more profound than being alone.

Alice didn't continue the conversation. She found an excuse to return to her room, thinking of calling Bryan to chat, but her chaotic thoughts made her decide to calm down first.

Bryan looked at his phone screen, seeing that Alice hadn't called yet. He figured the Ward family's issues weren't resolved and sighed in relief, patiently waiting.

Michael sat nearby, resting with his eyes closed. Sensing something, he spoke to Bryan, "If you want to call, just call. If you want to meet, just go. Don't hesitate. You'll regret it if you miss the chance."

Bryan looked at Michael with irritation.

Since Michael arrived, he had been silent except for talking about the photo.

Bryan didn't understand why he was here. This wasn't a hotel.

"Hey, did you come here just to lecture me?"

Michael smacked his lips and squinted, looking like he was about to fall asleep. "Do

you think I'm that boring?"

Bryan put down his phone, stood up, and said to Michael.

"Then go home. I don't host guests here."

Michael opened his eyes, looked around, then raised his eyes to Bryan and said, "Get me a glass of water. I'm thirsty."

Bryan had no choice but to get him water. He sat back down next to Michael.

While getting the water, Bryan thought about what Michael said. Seeing him now,

barely holding on, he concluded it must be about Emily.

"Did you have a fight with Emily?"

Bryan's sudden question made Michael pause with the water cup.

He chuckled softly and drank the water in one gulp.

"We're about to get divorced. What's there to fight about?"

Divorce? Bryan stared at Michael, incredulous. He couldn't believe that a couple who seemed so perfect and had weathered so many storms would end up here. "What! I thought..."

Bryan trailed off, hesitant. At that moment, they looked at each other, no longer the enemies they once were, but the best of friends, sharing their emotions.

"Thought what? That we were perfect? That I... loved her?" Michael's smile faded as he spoke.

Until it disappeared, his eyes darkened.

"Isn't that true? If you didn't love her, why would you come to my house in the middle

of the night looking for her? If you didn't love her, why involve her in Smith

Corporation's work? You clearly see her as family."

Bryan's response left Michael frozen.

Yes, Bryan could see it, but Emily couldn't.