CHAPTER 4: CHAPTER 4: WHO DID POPPY HALE MARRY?

Poppy Hale didn’t look up.

Unaware of how grim Declan Hawthorne’s expression was at that moment, she only felt his gaze upon her, causing all her muscles to tense up, wanting to escape.

After saying that, she turned and left the pantry.

Watching Poppy’s seemingly relieved back, Declan squeezed the coffee cup in his hand tightly.

She used to never drink iced Americano, complaining about its bitterness and sourness.

But now she’s drinking it.

Staring at Poppy’s disappearing figure, complicated emotions filled Declan’s bloodshot eyes. He took a deep breath to calm himself down, ending it with a curse under his breath.

Back in the office, Declan took out his phone and dialed Mason Rivers’ number.

"Declan, what’s up?"

"Who did Poppy marry?"

On the other end, Mason seemed taken aback, unclear about Declan’s question, but honestly replied, "I don’t know."

"She got her certificate abroad, claiming... she found out she was pregnant, so she just got married. I’ve never met her husband."

"When did this happen?"

Mason hesitated for a moment before grudgingly saying, "It was... after you two broke up. I heard Poppy went abroad with her husband..."

Mason dared not say more.

Just after breaking up with Declan, she got married and pregnant quickly.

Even if Declan didn’t like Poppy back then, he might still care if he was made a fool.

Mason wanted to explain further, but Declan hung up first.

Hearing the busy tone on the other side, Mason breathed a sigh of relief.

If Declan kept asking, Mason wouldn’t have known how to respond.

After some thought, Mason decided to text Poppy.

"Declan asked about your husband."

Poppy replied quickly.

"Unfortunately, my husband is probably not gay."

Mason: ...

Is that the point?

Initially wanting to ask how these two met again, Mason thought better of it and decided not to get involved.

-

Until the end of the workday, things remained calm for Declan as he finished his emails.

Poppy, recalling last night’s events, decided to leave work on time.

Amber Yates saw her shutting down her computer and asked in surprise, "You’re not working overtime today?"

"No, going home to be with my daughter."

The two chatted and laughed into the elevator, not expecting to run into Declan, whom they hadn’t seen all day.

Amber and Poppy immediately stopped laughing, standing cautiously to the side.

Fortunately, Declan didn’t notice them, wearing Bluetooth earphones and seemingly on a call.

"I know, I’ll definitely be home for dinner tonight."

"Mm, don’t worry, I remember to buy you flowers."

His gentle tone, like a ripple in water, showed his obvious tenderness.

Three years ago, Poppy only heard Declan’s patient coaxing while in bed.

Most likely, the person on the other end of the call was the one who left marks on his neck.

The elevator ride ended quickly, and Declan exited first.

Amber patted her chest.

Enviously, she said, "President Hawthorne was talking to his girlfriend, right? So gentle. Even the toughest men turn soft when they’re with their loved ones."

Poppy was slightly startled and instinctively replied, "Probably."

Politely declining Amber’s offer for a ride, Poppy squeezed onto the subway.

People came and went on the subway.

Thinking about Mason’s message.

Probably it was Morgan Sloan who casually mentioned Poppy’s family situation when introducing employee information.

Previously a leader, assuming Poppy had a privileged background because of her looks and unique demeanor, never considered her for promotion or raise opportunities.

It was Morgan who helped her fight for it, and Poppy was very grateful.

But Declan asking about her husband surprised Poppy.

Poppy’s husband didn’t exist.

When she took Mr. Hale abroad for treatment, she met a fellow patient on the plane.

The last wish of both sets of parents was to see their children get married.

Poppy and the fellow patient’s son agreed in front of their fathers to be together.

Both patients passed away soon after, and she and the other son hadn’t contacted each other since.

As for her marital status, Poppy casually mentioned being married to outsiders.

At the time, Poppy had given birth to Florence Lynch.

This society sympathizes with women whose irresponsible husbands don’t care for their children after marriage.

Unmarried women who give birth without finding the child’s father are criticized.

Poppy didn’t care about what was said about her, but she didn’t want her daughter scrutinized.

Even if not needed, a child requires an in-name-only father.

No matter what, she would never let Declan find out about Florence.

In a family like the Hawthornes, knowing about Florence might result in them taking her away or humiliating her and her daughter, or mistreating her child...

All were possibilities.

Florence was a daughter; even if taken back, the Hawthornes wouldn’t value her.

Poppy had seen too many scenes of wealthy families fighting over children, leaving a thorn in her heart.

No matter Declan’s intentions, she didn’t care.

She only cared about her daughter.

-

Hawthorne Family.

With a bouquet of blooming roses in hand, Declan handed them to Mrs. Hawthorne waiting at the dining table.

He said sparingly, "For you, flowers."

Mrs. Hawthorne accepted them with delight, complaining, "What do you mean for me? Since you returned to the country, you haven’t come home; have you forgotten about your mother?"

Declan said, "I need to wash my hands."

Turning to the bathroom.

"You rascal!" Mrs. Hawthorne snorted, then smiled as she handed the flowers to Rachel Rivers beside her, "Here, these are from Declan, they’re for you. Fresh flowers should go to young people, I’m too old for them!"

Rachel’s face was filled with shy delight.

She didn’t reach for the flowers, her gaze lingering on Declan, who had just washed his hands, "Auntie, since these are from Declan, it’s not appropriate for me to accept them. Besides, you’re still in your prime; where is the old?

Mrs. Hawthorne’s eyes crinkled in laughter.

Rachel’s words were much more pleasing than Declan’s cold remarks.

"Accept them; they’re really meant for you."

Hearing that Rachel would join them for dinner, Mrs. Hawthorne made a last-minute decision to have Declan bring flowers home.

Declan had everything—except emotional depth. He seemed uninterested in this area, which worried Mrs. Hawthorne.

Declan was the eldest son and grandson of the Hawthorne family.

The only son of the main Hawthorne branch, with three sons and five grandchildren, none of whom were married.

The younger ones were understandable, but the older ones said they couldn’t marry before Declan.

Mrs. Hawthorne had only one son, and she hoped he would soon start his own family.

Rachel’s eyes were full of Declan.

His refined demeanor, highlighted by the vest he wore after taking off his suit jacket, underscored his perfect build and noble gestures.

"Declan, can I accept this bouquet?"

"Don’t call me that lightly."

Declan looked up at Rachel’s blushing face, "The flowers aren’t for you. If you want some, go buy them yourself."

Rachel bit her lip pitifully and suddenly asked, "Declan, do you still remember Poppy?"