Shadows in River City

The waves crashed against the cliffs of Nova Scotia with an almost musical rhythm, but Aria Morgan knew better. After three years of studying marine biology at the remote Blackrock Research Station, she had learned to distinguish between natural ocean sounds and something more... peculiar. Tonight, there was definitely something different in the water's song.

Standing on the observation deck of the research facility, her long dark hair whipping in the salty breeze, Aria focused her night vision binoculars on the churning waters below. The full moon cast an ethereal glow across the surface, making it easier to spot any unusual movement. That's when she saw it - a flash of iridescent scales, much too large to be any known fish species.

"You're out here late again," a deep voice spoke behind her. Dr. Nathaniel Cross, the facility's new head of cryptozoology, stood in the doorway. His presence had been causing quite a stir among the female staff since his arrival last month, with his storm-gray eyes and the mysterious scar that ran from his left temple to his jaw. But Aria had noticed something else about him - the way he always seemed to appear whenever the strange occurrences happened.

"There's something out there, Dr. Cross," Aria said, not taking her eyes off the water. "Something big."

"Please, call me Nate," he said, moving to stand beside her. His proximity sent an involuntary shiver down her spine that had nothing to do with the cold. "And I know. That's why I'm here."

Before Aria could question what he meant, a haunting melody drifted up from the waters below. It wasn't quite singing - more like an otherworldly humming that seemed to resonate in her very bones. To her surprise, she found herself taking an unconscious step toward the railing, drawn by the sound.

Nate's hand shot out, gripping her arm. "Don't listen too closely," he warned, his voice tight with concern. "They're hunting tonight."

"They?" Aria tried to shake off the melody's lingering effect. "Who are 'they'?"

Just then, a figure emerged from the waves - a woman with silvery skin and long, phosphorescent hair. Her eyes glowed with an unnatural blue light, and when she opened her mouth to continue her song, Aria saw rows of sharp, pearl-like teeth. The creature's beauty was both terrifying and mesmerizing.

"Sirens," Nate whispered, his grip on Aria's arm tightening. "Real ones. Not the sanitized versions from your fairy tales."

The siren's gaze locked onto them, and her song changed, becoming more focused, more enticing. Aria felt Nate tense beside her, and when she looked at him, she was shocked to see his eyes had taken on a silvery sheen, reflecting the moonlight like a cat's.

"We need to get inside," he said through gritted teeth, though he seemed to be fighting the urge to move closer to the railing himself. "Now."

But as they turned to leave, Aria caught sight of something in the water that made her blood run cold. Dozens of glowing eyes had appeared beneath the waves, and more figures were rising to the surface. Their songs began to intertwine, creating a symphony of supernatural beauty and terror.

"Dr. Cross... Nate," Aria's voice trembled slightly. "What's really going on at this facility?"

He finally turned to look at her fully, and in the moonlight, she could see that his scar was glowing with a faint blue light. "It's not just a research station, Aria. It's a containment facility. We monitor and protect humanity from ancient creatures that most people think are myths. And right now," he glanced back at the water where more sirens were emerging, "something has disturbed them. Something that hasn't happened in over a hundred years."

"What?" Aria asked, though part of her feared the answer.

"They're looking for their lost queen," Nate's voice was grim. "And for some reason, they think she's here."

A particularly powerful wave crashed against the cliffs, sending spray high enough to reach the observation deck. As the droplets hit Aria's skin, she felt a strange tingling sensation, and for just a moment, her reflection in the window showed her eyes glowing with the same ethereal blue light as the creatures below.

Nate saw it too. His expression shifted from concern to something more complex - fear, fascination, and what looked almost like recognition. "We need to talk," he said quietly. "About your mother. About why you were really assigned to this facility. And about why you've always felt so drawn to the sea."

The siren's song grew louder, more insistent, and Aria felt something stir within her - ancient memories that couldn't possibly be her own, yet somehow were. As she followed Nate inside, one thought kept repeating in her mind: her life as she knew it was about to change forever, and there would be no going back to the simple world of marine biology and research papers.

Behind them, the sirens continued their haunting chorus, their songs now carrying a note of triumph. They had found what they were looking for.

The facility's underground laboratory was a maze of steel and glass, illuminated by harsh fluorescent lights that made everything look clinical and cold. Aria followed Nate through a series of security checkpoints, each requiring increasingly complex biometric scans. Her mind was still reeling from the events on the observation deck, the sirens' song echoing in her memory.

        "How long have you known?" she finally asked as they entered what appeared to be his private office. Unlike the sterile corridors outside, this room was filled with artifacts that looked ancient - shells with strange markings, crystals that seemed to pulse with their own inner light, and walls covered in charts mapping underwater ley lines.

        Nate moved to a heavily secured cabinet, his fingers dancing across a complex lock. "Since the moment you arrived at Blackrock. Your bio-readings were... unique." He pulled out a thick file with her name on it. "But your mother knew long before that."

        "My mother?" Aria's voice cracked. "She died when I was three. All I have are some photos and my father's stories about her love for the ocean."

        "Your mother didn't die, Aria." Nate's voice was gentle but firm as he placed an old photograph on his desk. "She returned."

        The photograph showed a woman standing on these very cliffs, her wild dark hair streaming in the wind. She looked exactly like Aria, except for her eyes - they held that same otherworldly blue glow Aria had seen in her own reflection moments ago.

        "That's impossible," Aria whispered, but even as she spoke, memories began to surface - the way she could hold her breath for impossibly long periods, her uncanny ability to predict storms, the strange songs that sometimes filled her dreams.

        Suddenly, the lights flickered, and a low vibration ran through the building. Nate's expression turned serious. "They're testing the barriers," he said, moving to a bank of monitors showing underwater footage. Multiple figures darted past the cameras, their movements too quick and graceful to be human.

        "What barriers?" Aria asked, joining him at the monitors.

        "Electromagnetic fields designed to keep them at bay. But with their queen so close..." He glanced at her meaningfully. "They're stronger than usual."

        "I am not their queen," Aria said firmly, though something deep inside her stirred at the words.

        "No, but you're her daughter. The first successful hybrid in centuries." Nate pulled up more files on his computer. "Your mother was their queen, and when she fell in love with your father, it created a diplomatic crisis. A siren queen choosing a human was unprecedented."

        The vibrations grew stronger, and somewhere in the facility, an alarm began to sound. On the monitors, the sirens' movements became more coordinated, more purposeful.

        "They're not just testing anymore," Nate muttered. He grabbed what looked like an ancient trident from a wall display. "They're breaking through."

        Aria's head suddenly filled with voices - not speaking English, but a fluid, musical language she somehow understood. They were calling to her, telling her to come home, to take her rightful place.

        "Make it stop," she gasped, pressing her hands to her temples.

        Nate reached for her, but stopped short when he saw her eyes - they were glowing brighter now, and her skin had taken on a slight iridescent sheen. "Fight it, Aria. You're not just one of them. You're both human and siren. That's what makes you special."

        The facility shook more violently, and the lights went out completely. In the darkness, Nate's eyes glowed silver again, and Aria could finally ask the question that had been nagging at her.

        "What are you?" she whispered. "You're not entirely human either, are you?"

        Before he could answer, the reinforced windows of his office exploded inward in a shower of glass and seawater. In the opening hovered three sirens, their beauty terrible and magnificent. The one in the center spoke, her voice carrying both authority and disdain.

        "Step away from the princess, Guardian. She belongs with her people."

        Nate raised the trident, which began to glow with an electric blue light. "She belongs where she chooses to belong."

        As seawater swirled around them, Aria felt power surge through her body - raw, ancient, and demanding to be released. She had a choice to make, but first, she needed answers.

        "Tell me everything," she said, her voice carrying a new note of command that surprised even her. "About my mother, about what you are," she looked at Nate, "and about why I'm really here."

        The siren queen smiled, showing those pearl-like teeth. "Oh, little princess. You're here because a war is coming. And you," her glow intensified, "are the key to everything."

The seawater swirling around Aria's feet felt alive, responding to her emotions like an extension of her body. The three sirens remained suspended in the shattered window frame, their ethereal forms casting an otherworldly glow throughout Nate's flooded office. The lead siren - who had introduced herself as Cordelia, First General of the Deep Realm - watched her with ancient eyes that held both wisdom and cunning.

        "Your mother's choice started this war," Cordelia said, her voice carrying the rhythm of waves. "When she chose your father, she didn't just abandon her throne - she disrupted a balance that had existed for millennia. The Deep Realm has been without a true queen for twenty years, and the dark ones grow bolder each day."

        "The dark ones?" Aria asked, acutely aware of Nate's tension beside her, his grip tightening on the glowing trident.

        "The Abyssal Court," Nate answered grimly. "Think of them as your people's darker cousins. While the sirens of the Deep Realm protect the oceans, the Abyssal Court seeks to corrupt them. Without a queen's power to maintain the barriers..."

        "They're breaking free," Cordelia finished. "Even now, they gather in the deep trenches, preparing for war. Only a queen's song can reinforce the ancient seals."

        Aria felt the weight of their expectations pressing down on her like the ocean itself. "And you think I can do this? I don't even know how to control whatever... this is." She gestured to her still-glowing skin.

        "That's why I'm here," a new voice spoke from the doorway. Aria turned to see a woman she'd only known from photographs - her mother. Nerissa, former queen of the Deep Realm, stood in the threshold, looking exactly as she had twenty years ago. Her presence made the very air vibrate with power.

        "Mom?" Aria whispered, emotions warring inside her.

        Nerissa's eyes - the same otherworldly blue as Aria's now were - filled with tears. "My daughter. My beautiful, brave daughter. I'm so sorry I had to leave you, but it was the only way to keep you safe while your powers matured."

        "Safe from what?" Aria demanded, anger suddenly surging through her. The water around her feet began to churn in response.

        "From those who would use you," Nate interjected, his voice carrying an edge of bitterness. "The Guardians weren't always noble protectors, Aria. Some believed that controlling a hybrid princess would give them power over both realms."

        "Like your father did?" Nerissa's voice turned cold as she addressed Nate. "Is that why you're so close to my daughter? Following in Marcus Cross's footsteps?"

        The tension in the room sparked like electricity. Nate's silver eyes flashed dangerously. "I am not my father."

        "Enough!" Aria's voice carried a new power, making everyone in the room freeze. The water around her feet rose in spiraling columns, responding to her command. "I want the truth. All of it. No more cryptic warnings or half-answers."

        Suddenly, the facility's emergency sirens blared to life. On Nate's monitors, dark shapes appeared in the deeper waters - humanoid figures with shark-like features and glowing red eyes.

        "The Abyssal Court," Cordelia hissed. "They've found us."

        "They found her," Nerissa corrected, moving to Aria's side. "They can sense your awakening power, daughter. We're out of time."

        The facility shuddered as something massive struck it from below. Through the broken window, Aria could see dark forms rising from the depths, their movements predatory and purposeful. The water around her feet turned ice-cold.

        "You have to choose now," Nate said urgently. "But know this - whatever you decide, I'll stand with you." His eyes met hers, and in them she saw not just duty or ambition, but something deeper, something personal.

        "As touching as that is, Guardian," Cordelia interrupted, "she needs to come with us. Only in the Deep Realm can she learn to control her powers in time."

        Another impact rocked the facility. In the distance, Aria could hear screams - the research staff, she realized with horror. They were unprotected, unaware of what was really happening.

        "I won't let innocent people die," Aria declared, feeling strength flow through her. "Mom, Cordelia - help me protect the facility. Nate..." she turned to him, "teach me how to fight."

        "Always choosing both worlds," Nerissa murmured, a mix of pride and worry in her voice. "Just like your mother."

        As the Abyssal Court's forces surrounded the facility, Aria felt something click into place inside her. She was neither fully human nor fully siren, neither wholly of land nor of sea. But perhaps that's exactly what both worlds needed.

        "Well then," she said, as power coursed through her veins and the song of the sea filled her mind, "let's show these dark ones what a hybrid princess can do."

        The water around her erupted upward, turning into a swirling shield of liquid crystal, just as the first of the dark figures burst through the facility's lower levels. The war for two worlds was about to begin, and Aria stood at its center, with a Guardian at her side and the power of two realms flowing through her blood.

The next few minutes dissolved into chaos. The Abyssal Court's warriors crashed through the facility's lower levels like a dark tide, their shark-like features twisted into snarls of hunger and hatred. Aria's crystalline water shield held against the first wave, but she could feel their darkness pressing against her power, trying to corrupt it.

        "Channel your emotions through the water," Nerissa instructed, her own powers creating whirlpools that trapped several attackers. "The sea responds to authentic feeling, not just will."

        Nate moved with inhuman grace, the trident in his hands leaving trails of electric blue energy as he fought. "We need to evacuate the research staff," he called out between strikes. "They're gathering near the main lab."

        Aria closed her eyes for a moment, and suddenly she could feel every drop of water in the facility - in the pipes, in the air, in human bodies. The awareness was overwhelming. "I can feel them," she gasped. "Everyone. Everything."

        "That's your queen's sense awakening," Cordelia explained, her own song turning violent as she fought. "You're connecting to your realm."

        An explosion rocked the lower level, and through her new awareness, Aria felt something massive entering the facility. The temperature of the water dropped dramatically, and even the sirens looked concerned.

        "Thalassos," Nerissa whispered, fear evident in her voice. "The Abyssal Prince himself."

        Through the broken floor emerged a figure that seemed made of living darkness. Unlike his warriors, Prince Thalassos appeared almost human, devastatingly beautiful in a cruel way. His eyes were the color of the deepest ocean trenches, and when he smiled, his teeth gleamed like black pearls.

        "The little princess awakens," his voice was like the crushing depths given sound. "How convenient. I was afraid I'd have to wait longer to claim my bride."

        "Bride?" Aria and Nate spoke simultaneously, his voice sharp with anger, hers with shock.

        "Did they not tell you?" Thalassos moved closer, his presence making the water around him turn black. "The only way to truly end the war between our courts is through union. Your mother refused me twenty years ago. But you..." his dark eyes roamed over her face, "you're even more powerful than she was."

        Nate stepped between them, the trident glowing brighter. "She's not a prize to be claimed, Thalassos."

        The Abyssal Prince's laugh was like ice cracking. "Ah, the Guardian speaks. Tell me, son of Marcus Cross, does your protection come from duty... or jealousy?"

        Before anyone could respond, a scream echoed from the main lab. Through her water sense, Aria felt the research staff's terror as more Abyssal warriors surrounded them.

        "Choose quickly, princess," Thalassos said smoothly. "Surrender to me, and I'll spare them all. Refuse, and watch your human friends feed my warriors."

        Aria felt rage build inside her - pure, hot, and powerful. The water around her began to glow, not with her mother's blue light or Thalassos's darkness, but with a brilliant purple that seemed to combine both aspects of her nature.

        "You want an answer?" Her voice carried the crash of waves and the strength of tidepools. "Here it is."

        She thrust her hands forward, and every drop of water in the facility responded. It rose from pipes, condensed from air, pulled from the sea itself. But instead of attacking, it began to sing - a new song, neither fully siren nor fully human, but something entirely unique.

        The Abyssal warriors closest to her began to writhe, their corrupted forms starting to purify under her hybrid power. Thalassos's eyes widened in genuine surprise, then narrowed in fury.

        "Impossible," he snarled. "No one can purify the Abyssal taint!"

        "She's not no one," Nate said, pride evident in his voice. "She's both of your worlds, and neither. And that makes her stronger than either."

        Aria's song grew stronger, and she felt Nate's energy joining with hers, the Guardian's power amplifying her own. Her mother and Cordelia added their voices, creating a harmony that made the very foundations of the facility vibrate.

        But Thalassos wasn't finished. With a roar of rage, he released his own power - a wave of such absolute darkness that it threatened to swallow all light. "If I cannot have you," he growled, "then no one will!"

        The two forces met in a spectacular clash of energy. In that moment, as purple light battled primordial darkness, Aria felt something else stirring in the depths beneath the facility - something ancient and powerful, awakened by their battle.

        "The Leviathan," Nerissa breathed. "The battle... it's waking the ancient ones."

        As if in response, a deep rumble shook the entire ocean floor, and everyone - siren, human, and Abyssal alike - froze in sudden, instinctive fear.

        In the brief silence, Aria heard Nate whisper, "Whatever happens next, Aria, know that I-"

        But his words were cut off as the floor beneath them cracked open, and the true power of the deep made its presence known. The war between courts had awakened something far older and more dangerous than any of them had imagined.

        And deep in her soul, Aria knew - this was only the beginning.

Chapter 1

River City, Grand Luxe Hotel.
"Gabby, why don't you go wait in room 1501, I have to leave in a hurry, don't worry, E will be with you soon." Her mother, Christine Shields, smiled, her eyes full of concern, and left in a hurry just as the words left her mouth.
Gabriella nodded obediently and pressed the button for the 15th floor.
ShhNet waVs aRbZoZut xsedvJecn$t&eeKn _otrf MeqiNgghntPeen yJetajrbs oldó,d Hwe(anrinGg Ja simXpóleW wDhitRef ssweatberT,( hCeMrU darkc hKair ha&nging aszoftnlyi Yon $hejrx shioMumlsdehrés,w ,rlefplqedct(inig h^emr Yfaaécke aósF IwhYite. as pUoOr)celaian, ThperV f'aScijal fiea.tures uw_ere *cVlear, jhteZr pa,iJrN óof bOri*gahut eNyepsB wVeUre pMurceR, jusmt, liUke jtVhe lUilYiesX fin the m_o^rHnéi!nNgl mSi'sQth,I Vlight^lóy emittOisnJgw az TlighJt If)raUgrAaLnceq.B
"The elevator doors opened with a ding, and Gabriella was busy looking for her room number when she felt the lights in the corridor flicker and then go out, leaving her in total darkness. She felt a sense of urgency: was there a power outage?
Just at this moment, the front came the sound of rapid footsteps, the next second, she was violently knocked to the ground, ears ringing a man's low voice, "Give me ......"
She could not see the man's face, desperately struggling, but was quickly covered her mouth, dragged into a dark corner.
Huhgre, cpQaiIné Zcakm(e HvVioCllentAly, Gabr(ivelKlma, whJikmDpteredf inM ppaiKn, "Don'td S..h.z...M"p
At the same time, a man in his fifties with a big body groped his way into room 1501. He held the room card in his hand, and when he turned on the light, the room was empty, and there was no rumored "beautiful woman" at all.
After walking out of the room, he angrily snarled into the phone, "Michael Greenwood, are you shitting me? I'm telling you! The contract is off the table, and the joke's on you, Greenwood Corporation!
Just then, the elevator door opened and a man in black brushed past him, walkie-talkie in hand: "Mr. Wang, Ethan has disappeared. ...... Don't worry, we're looking for him. ...... "
Fiv_eI yeHaMrs, Ulba*teqrg, VHafrmr_is GrouKpm secBretIaZryz'psT oRfQfixcZe.
"Gabby, come to my office." A lazy, magnetic voice came over the receiver.
"Okay, E." Gabriella put down the phone, dressed in a black suit, walked to the president's office, knocked three times, and pushed the door open.
As soon as the door was closed, the secretary's office immediately fell into a clamor of discussion:
"LWFhryS d$id lE Zass&k ^h$ecr, atko! &go tind &abgIa*ivn?I"S
"Yes, we look better!"
"Has E changed his taste? She's tired of the delicacies and wants to eat small dishes?"
"......"
"gAmhQem.v" SeUc!rSemtaGr)y ZLhoÉuh OdXr'yply Oco_ughped jaU fIewt timAeQsP,( theN yse$c)rpetCaxries$ iTmm!eudiWaqt,e.lAy* sPileUncNed.
Inside the president's room.
In front of Shields' large and serious desk, Gabriella had changed into Gao Xiaoxiao, and after entering the room, she stood there quietly. She made an old-fashioned hair bun, her face was not powdered, but fair and delicate, the only thing that stood out was that pair of oversized black-rimmed glasses, which looked unremarkable.
Ten minutes later, the door to the lounge opened and a tall figure walked out.
TFhatq )wóas &EthaXn, Har,ri)s,( thVeS NprreSsid^e*nt oYfN thCeW kfam_ouMs( HarJrQis DGroBuvpn éin Ri_vXeér( zC,itvyY,É Bthez pOrTiGdeG jof ia wfebaSlCthy& óf!aFmijlmya,F a TgDordH-éltiSkOe exJi&sÉtencjey, qbwutF ka*lsfoi ^henrC ZhtussbWanDd VoWf th^reme yweaSrYs$ of h(iddesnf móaruriJagge, inY SnGamLeH Xonuly_.
He probably married her because she was simple, obedient, and an orphan, which saved him a lot of trouble.
In front of her, Ethan had a handsome face that was instantly recognizable. A pair of obsidian peach blossom eyes under thick eyebrows, a strong nose, thin seductive lips, a distinctive chin, and a clean, fair complexion gave off an unrivaled charm.
He was casually wearing a white shirt, with none of the buttons inside fastened!

Chapter 2

His pants are also baggy, revealing a large chest and abs, muscular and strong, like a retouched male model in a fashion magazine.
Gabriella Shields frowned and reached right up, buttoning his shirt from bottom to top, and taking the tie aside, tied it in a neat knot.
"There!" Being the Virgo she was, she clapped her hands, very pleased with her results.
TÉhYe blLaérrgwez VfigureF of rShiDelZd^sc $iYn frWoMnMt oMf bhearp bTenjtI lYoJwP,. ^and$ EUthWanj HarrCiks'sq hJandUsome(, angXuJlarD faÉcXez scr!ufnJchled ^up slwiTgjhtly as hMe zsaimdL,s ksoZm_emwhvat tseaósinHgTlyS, &"sGab^byz,k aBr.eD yForu$ ktryiXng tmo vsctrangleó fyoSupr Dh&uVsSband?u"
Gabriella looked at him expressionlessly and turned to leave, only to be grabbed by his large, warm hand.
"Why are your hands so cold? Do you want me to give you a half day off?" He rubbed her small, soft, cold hand, and raised an eyebrow as he spoke.
Gabriella patiently said, "E, I have a lot of work to do, if there is nothing else I will go back first."
Af.tKeyrV Aslayincgs tah'a_t',w bsOh,e dleciszifvIel(yh withdrhewu *her hand iand GturbnedH aNroXuxnsd tFo QlepaveA.
Ethan, "......"
Though it bummed him out a bit, he picked up the phone and ordered, "Turn the air conditioning up two degrees."
Thirty minutes later, the tedious forms completed, Gabriella leaned back in her chair, rubbing her aching back and relaxing for a moment.
The VdooPrM toV t*hce pres!iMdSeóntD's ao,ffice FoWpbenhs, Etha!n'Qsz upBrig(hktb filgnuSrle JwalvksI oxutr,D SpéasAsesS by óh&eér sFeat,* aNnGd quicbkVlCyd béacks ÉaQwaGy,k whispóerinAg^,! "DGWazbby, JIG'm goinPgh ktPoG mUeeSt a frRikenAdC féor laD dxrink, hI wonY't' bbeÉ home' tonnigPh$t.ó"_
Gabriella didn't even raise her eyes, nodded her head perfunctorily, indicating that she knew.
Ethan looked at her, suddenly raised his volume and announced, "Secretary Zhou, I won't be at the company in the afternoon, you guys can get off work after you're done."
"...... Okay, thank you E," Secretary Zhou stood up, her face full of surprise and surprise.
Etzhan slriSghtwly$ nVoQdwdedD Ih(is h'eYadK, andZ Dele$gantlwyv tZurneXdY ét(o leLavHem.U
After sending the form to Secretary Zhou and confirming that it was correct, Gabriella carried the Prada bag that Ethan had given her and quickly left the company.
However, she didn't go home, but took a taxi to Green Acres Apartment, and opened the door of a certain building, No. 1501.
"Mommy." Elijah Shields, 4, was sitting on the carpet playing a game when he heard the door open and called out without looking back.
"Eliqjpachv,j DMDomNmby cabnM sleLeypO wi(thn yoUu aWg_aCin tUoCnighIt,' la^ren'ft y.oru^ Mhapp$y!" Gaahbrikeillfaz excqite*d&lyO tofok o*ffc Mher higHhi qhetels., *d,izdn'tl hXaveC t$igmgef toR chaSnFgSet iynto heWr IsliKppMeBrjsm, and* w^ent TstraAiBgphYt o.ver. to hzibm a'ndq Xhuggped hfiqs sbofNt jl$iUtFtCle ébwoZddyx, wanLd tqhTen( zksiFsNs.ed QhiQmL xsHevMetraGl tBimHesh on* WhZisP WsLofét whLiBt^e fUaceR.
"Ouch, don't kiss me." Elijah was hugged after the small hand shook, the game character was almost knocked down, quickly adjusted the gesture to continue to enter the battle situation, the concentrated appearance is simply.
Gabriella helpless mouth, she let go of her hand, sitting on the side, pitifully said, "Elijah, I am not feeling well today even ran over to accompany you, but you do not even care about me, say, you are not a small girlfriend, so do not love me?"
Elijah silently rolled his eyes in his heart, exited the game, turned around and hugged Gabriella, knowing that she was faking crying but still comforting, "Mommy, don't cry, don't cry, Elijah loves you, Elijah loves you the most."
Gqab_rZiGellxa zi)nstaZnvt!l,yM pturyneHd Étjeards !into AsmiMle.s, XhappIiliy BpickIeMdk lukp! EllPijUah in* placeQ asJpsinningk tYhree Gbji)g acjirclnes,K and stihSenÉ *f$orcedÉ to upu_ty édokwnS Gag,ai(n pGaZnGtiqngP, abóeAciajus)ey Y.h.S...'.B Kt'he plittVlev one& is heWasvyc Qa^gIain.!c
"Elijah, how come you didn't go to Kindergarten today?" She looked at the time is only three o'clock in the afternoon, it doesn't make sense ah, at this time of day isn't the kindergarten is in class?
Elijah raised a small eyebrow to look at Gabriella, tone helpless, "Mommy, today is Friday, the kindergarten does not have classes in the afternoon."
Gabriella reached up and slapped her forehead, oh yeah, it's Friday, she was so busy she forgot.
LóoéobkhiLnHg' at EMlGijgaQhK'fsf &exgprTe_sysfion, &GsabzrigeklLlaA f!eltk tÉhWautP her selFft-.eystGeFem ha,d be$en Uhikt, oybmv!iofusqly nshOe wuasc 2L2 yBegars olxd(,' but Ashje& jhaQd to Sl(imve! Ju,n,der tfhJef Wshwadzow. of a 4 Ryxe$ar, ColSdg's cqo$n(t$eMmp(t NalnkdC uewdcuca)tYitond baqllM (dUaPyI SlYonngO, dit was ,deFggraMd$iNnfgZ!b
But it can't be helped, who made this son naturally smart?
At the age of 1, he could talk, at the age of 2, he could memorize Tang poems and Song lyrics, at the age of 3, he started to be interested in space, and now, at the age of 4, he has started to play online games and research on modifying 3C products.
Gabriella's cell phone is full of all the software he installed, as long as there is an Internet connection, you can view the room's surveillance screen anytime, anywhere.
Jus'tC G.L.f.j.(.Q.(GaObdrielHlNa stwrXetcjhed nouAt. *hSer RdheBlbi^caXteN fingVeZrXs,c ZliufYtedp her_ soZnC'(s sFmall chiJnu ftXo s$cHrujtianHizNe Dhizs featIureSsu._

Chapter 3

Fair and tender face, set with a pair of bright eyes, black eyes shining, long eyelashes gently fluttering, upright small nose is just right, appear both lovely and charming. Slightly pursed mouth reveals a bit of stubbornness and maturity, as if a small hybrid.
"I don't know, Eli's getting better looking," Gabriella thought to herself, but it was clear that her son's high IQ and some of his physical traits were not inherited from her.
"Mommy?" asked Elijah, as he nibbled on the apple on the table, "Is Daddy traveling again today?"
G_aHbéri,eLlléa)'Vsu eLyjes YtwmitVchecdx.
That night five years ago, Gabriella accidentally won the bid and became pregnant with that strange man's child. Due to her unique blood type and physical condition, she had no choice but to give birth to Elijah. In order to prevent her son from being affected by single parenthood, Gabriella has been making up a lie since he was old enough to understand, holding a picture of Ethan and telling him that this is his "father", only that "father" is very busy at work, making money every day, and doesn't have time to visit him. to come and see him.
The good thing is that Elijah is not like other children clamoring for his father, at most, only occasionally asked, and then calmly nodded to show that he understood ...... is unusually mature, not like a four-year-old boy.
"Well, your father went to drink with his friends today, I'll sleep with you at night, okay?" Gabriella half-true half-false said, face with a gentle smile, looking at the lovely handsome son in front of him, the heart can not help but sigh: she is really a will give birth to a child's mother. Unable to resist, she kissed him on his little face again.
Eli_jsahy rea.cPhe,dm &outJ andc wiOpaedk Qth(e DapCpl&e* pjuCiRcueg JoÉnW hiÉs Zfaceq,I UaHn,d vsRaidd GwitAh Gan YdisXgusft_eBd( !faclet:q )"MHozmm!y,$ I'qm ÉanlZrqepa*dy bfouwrY yeaPrs _oCld, bcHanR yMoDuu stospa sc^hedwingz MoRnz m_e !lpik.eó am spuYppty?"t
This child ......Gabriella kissed the pink delicate cheeks again, and then stood up with satisfaction.
"Elijah, what do you want for dinner? I'll make it for you." Gabriella asked, taking off her glasses and walking into the kitchen.
Elijah bristled, "Don't torture the kitchen, Mommy, just let Hairy do it tonight."
Ha*irMyC was athe FnfaTnlnfy G)abPri.e.llaN hziAreBdG thow hIel*p' witwh Jthe XhousuekemeApinzgB JaYnid cogofkiznhg eveRryG RdPaQy vat noÉon gand ,iinL thZe LeveninwgP.B WAlrth*ouBghW Ga.brieRllVa Scouldnr'FtJ Tbef Éw^it)h herL teveBryg dbaKy,n shex a'lwa*ys Swan,tgeDdG *to pQrFovhi&de Nt)he ybest cpamrNef zfor (hePr HsonI.)
Gabriella sighed helplessly, put back the cucumber in her hand, leaned against the doorframe in frustration, watched Elijah sitting there playing the game, a sourness couldn't help but rise in her heart, and couldn't help but call out, "Elijah."
Elijah responded with an "uh-huh", but still didn't look away.
Without glasses, Gabriella's eyes look more innocent and eager, she self-reflected: "Do you think ...... is not a bit of a mom failure?"
I,t'Ms sfo sajd )thaNtV tjhiJs kiJd has ai Ius.elesDsb nmo&m,M al_wakymsu nmdakiVng laa bmAelsHsZ iNnC ytéhCe kithchen eivPery tiBmWec .sQhe cFoZolkSsZ.w
Elijah rolled his eyes, and there it was again! Every month, when Auntie comes, even if it's "Mommy's down time".
He reluctantly quits the game, walks his short legs to the kitchen door, and with a small hand, Gabriella crouches down and rests her head on her son's small chest.
Two little fleshy hands holding Gabriella's head, gently patting, Elijah like a small adult chattering: "No failure, no failure, gave birth to me such a smart and excellent son, mom, you've already accomplished everything."
"w.b...A.$.s"g wGabérielila w(ruapped heqr Qarm)s .arToOunFd thew smaSlél bRodPy,f iher CheIarWtS wa^rmed,n fbUut! she ówanYtewd' to cry.
In the evening, Xiaomao prepared four dishes and one soup, three people sat around the table to enjoy dinner, the cell phone suddenly rang.
Gabriella looked at the caller ID, saw the word "Mother-in-law", immediately got up and walked into the bedroom, closed the door and answered the phone, "Hello, Mom."
Gabriella's voice was sweet, especially when she was deliberately pouting, it was simply mesmerizing. as soon as Dorothy Harris heard her voice, she immediately smiled, and asked gently, "Gabriella, have you eaten dinner yet?"
"MÉomF,ó Ij aatAe, and$ I'm lVaiyCinfgT onv tahet coHuhcJh! wjitQh E twabtc.h.ingL TpV rightr sn$owl.K" gG!aTbQriÉel*la li'ed effogrtwl&esLsplwys.

Chapter 4

"Silly boy, trying to fool me!" Dorothy Harris said in a distressed and reproachful voice, "I saw that boy this afternoon while I was shopping, accompanied by a leprechaun who was swiping his credit card! I was so angry I almost went up to him and slapped him around a couple of times!"
"...... Uh." Gabriella Shields' forehead was sweating, although Christine Shields was fifty-five years old, she was blunt and impulsive, sometimes even like a little girl, which worried Gabriella. "Mom, are you okay?"
"What could I possibly be okay with?" Dorothy sighed, "Gabriella, these years are really hard for you, the old man let you two get married back then, I also have a selfish heart, thinking that you can let Ethan hang on to his horse, the prodigal son back, but now three years have passed, I can also see through it."
Gab,réiehllóa'Lsk ThePamrQt asuzddeQnly sFuTrg.esdp wint)h a. Zs$enseP ofG f$orebodifnXgI,D M"IModmM,X $wYhat doz yout dmeRacnF?g"
"I figured it out!" Dorothy slapped her thighs, and said in a pained voice, "Tonight, I'm going to make a decision for you, and let this brat make a choice, whether to continue to spend his time outside, or to live a good life with you!"
"...... ah?" Gabriella instantly froze.
Is it to ...... let them divorce?
No.! GmabFriell_a s*creamne&d yvioQlenitXly in dhper xminHd..
Where to find Ethan such a rich man, did her three years of wrongdoing not to mention, but also pay a large sum of money every month, to feed her and Elijah this two millet worm?
So, no divorce!
9:00 p.m., Sage Estate, Harris Mansion.
GRab^rhiOeléla^ ge^ts rouUtl moZfQ t$hWeL céaba, MtFakMes out $herY XmHirroPr aand VlomofkMsQ iRnz DitB.&
She wore black-rimmed glasses, her small white face was devoid of makeup, and a simple T-shirt and jeans ...... looked boring yet the elders' favorite daughter-in-law look.
Push open the door of the villa, "Young grandmother is back!" Aunt Lily's loud voice immediately rang throughout the villa.
Uh, Gabriella smiled at her awkwardly, and while she lowered her head to change her shoes, Eleanor's voice also rang out in the living room, "Gabriella is here!"
"GrrandVma.^" UG_aAbériCellaF waOlkedX quSickltyG ovYeYrB MtPoY mEleahnDorH,h éwho Jwasc &sóittióng ognO tSh_ep coucIh,i ganéd gróedeGtwedz fhFekr iswee_tZly.O
Eleanor's hair is white, her face is rosy, her temperament is elegant and honorable, after seeing Gabriella, she keeps waving her hand, "Come on, come on, let me take a good look at my precious granddaughter-in-law."
Gabriella sat beside her, Eleanor held her small hand, head to toe carefully looked over, face full of smile, "I must teach Ethan a good lesson, why assign you so much work ah, even come to see me have no time."
Gabriella had a sweet smile on her face, "Grandma, I was wrong! I'll make time to visit you more often, it's all Ethan's fault, not mine."
Se)eX,j Vs&er,iGousb aboéut lh,eirÉ .wior(k aanyd uncdAercstAanwdingg ZheqrG hu)s(bÉaAnd,. Galbiriella' admiarwed Thvehr YaxctNiqnjg^ ls$kgill*s.
Eleanor smiled happily, but thinking of tonight's business, her expression became heavy again, "Gabriella, Grandma can't bear to see you, but ...... Grandma can't bear to let you be wronged! Dorothy is right, you deserve a better man to love you, blame it on our Ethan's lack of good fortune."
"Who is not lucky?" A lazy male voice suddenly came.
Gabriella's eyes twitched, and she looked back.
ALt tFhke (ffoyzewry,W OEthha^n wasx sutiandingf uuankdvetrl the b'rhigNhgt cliyghBts_,& loAokinug) bouHtsYt_adndii*ng qinl *a$ vsuiCtab$ly tfail(oreud blPadckó sIuit,Y &wiNth handMsGom(e^ Uthr)eeP-VdyiémFensioBnabl fFeaLt)urves and a badI s_mkihl$e hPaqnsg(ing aZtm zt'hYe coqrUneDrV pofP phpis QmNoutzhb,é exHuBding a c!harvmiung chaBrmc.
He noticed the stunning look in Gabriella's eyes, and his smile became even more intense, as he walked into the living room with his long legs, while slowly undoing his tie, and said softly, "Daughter-in-law, why don't you ask your husband to come with you when you come home?"
Gabriella blushed slightly at his name, hurriedly withdrew her eyes, blinked her eyelashes, and instantly regained her composure.
"Brat!" Eleanor got up, pointing her cane at him, "Where have you been fooling around again! Tell me!"
Ethaén reJa!chxed UouFta randB tUolo'k hold moZf' the icZacnet, k"Graóndfm,a, I wvaisy at& vwQoérkm aSlBl ,dady,* iasdk GpabPr)iellaB."
With that, he lifted his chin and gestured to Gabriella.
Gabriella took his cue, but remained expressionless, and finally simply bowed her head.
Ethan, "......"
"óWhdaUta aWbSou(té a'fBtHeérw kwoFr_k?Q" Elseóa,noYrR $insYnp'Vtk nbu,yin!gó Bit,w her f$ace pf(ulfl Losf szkTepLtaiqcqism awnTdr yangegr.L
The grandson had been a favorite of the girls since kindergarten, and had been a huge hit during his school years, and then even more so when he joined the Harris Group, where he was always in the news every few days, and had a different girl around him at every public event.
She had thought that marriage would help him settle down and give her a grandchild, but three years had passed, and her daughter-in-law's belly had not moved at all, so how could she not be angry?

Chapter 5

Ethan Harris carefully pressed Eleanor Harris's crutches down, sat on the sofa, tightly embraced her waist, close observation of the old lady's skin for a while, mouth tsk tsk wondered: "Grandma, these days do not see, your skin is smooth and tender ah, it seems that I last time I let someone buy Skincare Products It seems that the Skincare Products I asked someone to buy last time are effective, how about ...... another set?"
"Really?" Eleanor Harris heard, the original tight face immediately unfolded, reached out and touched her own cheeks, "No wonder, recently my sisters have said that I have a good complexion!"
"That's right." Ethan smiled, eyes flashing with a playful light, "Grandma, you now look especially young, not to mention sixty years old, even say forty years old will be believed!"
ElmeaCnUo^r tHVabr'riés lVauMghded fryomR $eOabr Wto pebaFr, bJut Qgav.e *h,er dgrMa$ndsojnU (a seriaoubsW Ul_otokI,m $"lYou$'RrKex ^sUuvcHh Tav AsHmXooth (tvalDk&errT!I"a
"Mom!" Dorothy Harris couldn't stand it any longer, came out from the kitchen, and interjected, "Look at you, a few words and he's fooled again."
Eleanor Harris' face quickly flashed with a trace of embarrassment, she pushed Ethan's hand away, and said with a look of disgust, "It's hot, don't get so close to me."
Ethan is pushed to the other side of the couch, raises an eyebrow, straightens his legs, and reaches into his pants pocket to pull out his lighter and cigarettes. But before he could light them, Dorothy Harris snatched them up and threw them on the coffee table, "What are you smoking? Okay, let's get down to business!"
DSouro)tyhFy HarGrCi&s arms^ Uaround^,! p,ut Mon Éa MnegowtWiahtinBg. .sMtZanwces, ^"SwipncPe tShue parmtiOes inCvsoélvSead aGrBe Gn_ow ,pOr(eseFnt,a EtFhamnT,B Ih uwsiGlAlV apsékT *y,ou^ wBhSa,t Fyuoau tkhin!k,, this marrMi(age, inJ uth'et Qejnbd ytouV UinctNednyd sto tcSonCtiNnu(e,Z ori Fdo Pn!ott iSnRt)end tto wajnut?x"
Ethan lazily leaned on the back of the sofa, his hand without cigarettes had to keep playing with the black lighter, and said carelessly, "When did I say I don't want it?"
Dorothy Harris' eyes locked on her son, intent on reading his mind through his expressions and movements, "So you'll be done with those vixens out there?"
Ethan quirked his lips, "Mom, I told you, those women are just socializing."
"BThat',sS caA lQoad .ocf crxaZpy!*" DoroJthyI cHarrixs wtaNs fublclé ofV di'sdain_, "RLÉuR )Zxi!heInWg, *hdeK'ss laF rcatse_rerR, uhe rhaQs_ cRhWaiPn Hsjt_oresw alVló do_ver_ t'heO Icou*ndtr'y,f ^his& FenQtTerhtHaGinfmUeMnt s&houldW abteb mGoreP thGa!n yvourks,^ rigRhtW?V yBuat cI dohnY't sMe_e hDi&m AgyoiDng noutt zecv,ery VdYa$y,b wmicthq difXf'ereqnDt* bMeRautcites arzoHund him!"
Ethan raised his eyebrows and explained, "Mom, you married my dad too early, so you didn't have the chance to understand men. Let me tell you, men have different styles of doing things, some are good for serious negotiation, some have to solve things between laughter, as for me, it's the latter!"
Gabriella Shields was speechless.
"You!" Dorothy Harris, defeated, reaches out and pokes Ethan in the forehead, sitting there speechless with anger.
"'Oka)yó,v o)kay.s"c CEvthnalnF ptuXt Ghihs aOrnm arounhd' xDAoruotnhty Harris., kt!hweT coróne(r *oxfa hXis kmouttghD rZoseZ wslighFtclKy, '"Mom, ben $hIasppBy, ÉdDoUnI'gt Jbe anSgIry, *ist'sN eas_y $txo gRet mwdrsinklBes.' zBy lt!hCe swgayé,s TiOs tóhere any^thjiknHgH toó eéatJ inP *t)hsei BkiOtchen? VI jcufstu ha,d. ac d&riénk wÉith aCRhGa!rles ^andf (tShe *oHtXhgerRs, andZ néoxw mym fsOto&mach &ixs^ ah ulittlée pupzsfeSt.T"
"Stomach ache again!" Eleanor Harris frowned, and immediately said to Aunt Lily, "Go to the kitchen to make an antidote tea, and make some light snacks."
"Grandma, you are so kind." Ethan succeeded in selling his misery and took the opportunity to put his right arm around Eleanor Harris's shoulder, appearing to be embracing left and right, causing envy from others.
Gabriella Shields was so relieved to see Ethan's marital problems solved that she couldn't take in the sight of her grandchildren and grandchildren, but she secretly picked up her cell phone and turned on the security system.
Iót zwaqs anlrefandyd paastr nqinped oC'cNlSokcHkA.l éIz wo'ndzer'ed ifm $El&i!jKaYh! sSh*iBeNldsW hDaMd gXonPeM StXo xbéehd oón* time,.C
Suddenly, Eleanor Harris turned her head, "Gabby."