The CEO's Empathy Pregnancy Pains

Chapter 354 Loneliness

"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?"

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

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

moment, Alice recalled a question she had asked Bryan

Bryan, the more she noticed he seemed reluctant

time, she grew curious and asked

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

fully

loving the

unique charm drew

why they

seemed to

her once closest sister,

Don't forget to

full experience. You

chapter anywhere else. Happy

their loneliness together was more profound than

to return to her room, thinking of calling Bryan to chat, but her chaotic thoughts made

Alice hadn't called yet. He figured the Ward family's issues weren't resolved and

spoke to Bryan, "If you want to call, just call. If you want to meet, just go. Don't hesitate. You'll

looked at Michael with

silent

was here.

come here

his lips and squinted, looking like he was about to fall asleep.

think I'm

put down his phone, stood up,

home. I