Chapter 537
As Shirley bit her lip hard, tears welled up in her eyes.
Here we go again with seeing me only as a younger sister and being forced to marry me. Did my admiration and my efforts in pursuing him all these years mean nothing to him?
She was utterly heartbroken.
Initially, she thought he would be happy to hear she was carrying his child and would comfort her in his arms as they dreamt of their happy future together.
However, she did not expect that he would immediately tell her to abort the child if possible.
It's his child. Although it is a test tube baby, it is still our child, his flesh and blood. How could he be so cruel and take away his child's life?
“We can slowly build a love relationship. I will never get an abortion. Just give up on that, Zeke. If you refuse to marry me, I will not force you to, but I will keep the baby no matter what.”
Why did you sleep with me that night if you are not fond of me and even despise me? This is all your fault, but the baby and I are the ones who have to bear the consequences. What have I done to deserve this?
Zeke was stumped at the sight of her aggressive demeanor. As he knew he couldn't persuade her, he could only give up on the idea for now.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt“I was giving you advice and sharing my thoughts with you. If you insist on keeping the child, I promise I will marry you. As for our married life, I'm sorry to say that I may never love you as a husband, and I will not see you as my wife. We shall go our separate ways. All we have to do is give our child a home.”
Shirley was heartbroken to hear that as all her perfect fantasies were crushed into dust.
The only thing in her favor was that Zeke agreed to start a family with her and give her the title she deserved.
“All right. I'm satisfied as long as you are willing to give our child a home. I will never marry anyone except you in my whole life anyway. Once I become part of the Shurmer family, I will fulfill my duty as a wife. I don't mind that you don't love me as long as I can stay by your side and protect our child.”
Zeke was rendered speechless.
Meanwhile, Steven was sitting on the couch in the study and staring warmly at Zoey, who was in front of him.
“Zozo, tell me. How have I treated you all these years?”
Zoey's heart sank as she had a bad feeling.
She was not dumb and knew that Steven was implying something. However, as she could not fathom his intention at that moment, she dared not simply respond.
“You've treated me well, Dad. Everyone is envious of me for having such a great father. You are the person I respect most in this world.”
Steven nodded and suddenly changed the topic, saying frankly, “I see you have reconciled with your biological mother. That's good. She is your biological mother and loves you more than we do.”
Widening her eyes and staring at him in confusion, Zoey replied in a shaking voice, “D-Dad, what do you mean by that? Waverly is my mother, and I belong to the Shurmer family. What do you mean by my biological mo—”
Before she could finish her words, Steven waved a dismissive hand and said, “You don't have to hide it from me. I know everything about your background. I know Bailey is my daughter after running a paternity test, and I've also found out that Sophia is not dead. She returned to Hallsbay as the founder of Cosmetico. The two of you have met each other already. I'm not blaming you for reuniting with her. Instead, I'm happy for you. Look at me. My biological daughter hasn't reunited with us and is still being called an illegitimate child by everyone.”
Zoey bit her lip hard.
As Steven was being blunt, she thought it would only irritate him if she continued playing dumb. If she played the victim, though, maybe she could gain his sympathy and adoration.
“Dad, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hide it from you. It's just... When I found out about it, I was shocked and dared not tell all of you the truth. I wish to be part of the Shurmer family. Even if we're not biologically related, I still want to be your daughter.”
Zeke was rendered speechless.
Meanwhile, Steven was sitting on the couch in the study and staring warmly at Zoey, who was in front of him.
Steven beckoned at her.
Seeing that, she quickly threw herself into his arms and burst into tears.
Patting her back, Steven sighed softly and said, “Silly girl. You will always be my daughter and part of the Shurmer family. Even if we're not related by blood, you are still my adopted daughter.”
He suddenly paused and continued in a deep voice, “I've decided to hold a press conference to reveal Bay's identity to the public. Don't worry. I won't tell anyone that your biological mother deliberately switched babies because she was vainglorious. Instead, the two of you were accidentally switched at birth back then. I hope you and Bay can get along well after she returns. Don't stir up any trouble. Can you do that?”
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmCan I do that? No way! It's either me or Bailey in the Shurmer family. We can never coexist. Impossible!
“I'd be more than happy to have a new sister. Why would I cause trouble? Don't worry, Dad. I will get along well with her.”
I'll deal with her when the time comes.
“Good. I'm glad you're so understanding. As for Artemis, I think you should give up on him. I'll look for a young and charming guy and make sure you have a happy marriage.”
Zoey scoffed in her heart. Didn't he say he treats us equally? He's so biased. Do you think I'm a fool who doesn't know anything? I insist on marrying Artemis. Only by taking away the man Bailey loves and making her suffer in pain for the rest of her life will I be happy.
Meanwhile, in a ward at Justin's medical base.
After sending Justin away, Bill said to Veronique, “Vero, Olivia hates you so much, blames you and Zephyr for ruining Justin's life, and condemns you. Do you still want to keep this unblessed and ill-fated relationship?”
What's the point of marriage if the in-laws do not accept it?
As her father, he couldn't bear to watch Veronique endure in silence and being humiliated.
“Are you telling me to leave Justin?”