Chapter 4

Quinn woke up in the early dawn, only to realize Nicholas was no longer in the ward. Only the breakfast he'd left behind remained on the table.

"Something came up in the company, so I had to leave first, Quinn." On her phone was a message from him, sent an hour ago.

Quinn wondered if he was that eager to see Jasmine.

Nicholas only returned during the night, with a camera in his hand. He looked at her excitedly. "I found a perfect place for wedding photos today, Quinn. How about we go take some together? I've always felt the previous ones weren't perfect enough. I want to personally capture our happy moments this time."

…

Quinn only realized that they were at a desolate mountain, with no one around after they reached their destination.

"Look at the stars here, Quinn! Aren't they so much more beautiful than anywhere else?" Nicholas said as he took out her wedding dress.

He received a call just as Quinn was about to get changed.

As he answered the call, she watched the way his smile gradually morphed into a worried frown. She could vaguely hear Jasmine's name as well.

"Don't fret, I'll come over now!" Nicholas hurriedly ended the call. He then drove away before Quinn could say anything.

She watched the car speed away from her sight without any ounce of hesitation. He did not even give her phone back.

Quinn chuckled bitterly before she started making her way down the mountain, resigned.

Her health wasn't great, to begin with, and it was very cold on the mountain. However, she only put on a thin shirt in order to go with Nicholas' photoshoot.

Quinn walked for over four hours before she could finally hail a taxi. Her body was heating up by the time she arrived home.

Just as she was ready to head to bed, she saw the entertainment news on her computer. "Rising star Jasmine Shaw caught in a scandal—Nicholas York personally clears the air."

Quinn clicked into the video and saw the way Nicholas firmly stood in front of Jasmine.

He said, "It's true that our relationship goes beyond just superior and subordinate. But Jasmine isn't a mistress—we've known each other for ten years. Also, the new endorsement was originally intended for her."

Quinn's heart sank instantly upon hearing his words. What was initially her endorsement somehow had gone to Jasmine now.

Besides, her endorsement had already been publicly announced. Now that Nicholas was saying this, everyone would think that she was the one who stole Jasmine's endorsement.

As expected, war erupted in the comment section.

Someone commented: "Does that mean that Quinn was the mistress instead?"

Another wrote: "You could tell she wasn't a good person from the fact she gave up on her research career to enter the entertainment industry."

Someone else replied: "She was even shameless enough to steal Jasmine's endorsement! "

The video was still playing on the computer by the time Nicholas came back.

He paled and anxiously started explaining, "I'm sorry, Quinn. I didn't mean to leave you on the mountain. I was just so worried. After all, this matter could greatly affect the company.

"We're about to get married anyway, and you won't need to do this kind of work anymore. Just consider this time a small sacrifice for me and the company, okay?"

Quinn looked up at Nicholas. "Back then, it was you who asked me to quit my research career and enter the entertainment industry for you."

He replied, "I'm sorry, Quinn. I know it's unfair to you, but this will be the last time. Please don't be mad, okay? I'll let you get back to work once things calm down."

Quinn kept quiet, no longer wanting to talk about it. After all, she decided to let go of both this career and Nicholas.

…

Quinn developed a high fever that night. To make things worse, she received news that Thomas Brooke, her maternal grandfather, fell ill.

As she was his only relative in Heathridge, she had to hurry over.

Quinn struggled to get up, but she passed out just after taking a few steps.

She found herself in the hospital when she regained consciousness, feeling much better than the night before.

Upon remembering Thomas, Quinn pulled out the IV drip and prepared to leave. However, she was stopped by Nancy Jones, the nurse.

Nancy said, "Mr. York asked us to make sure you don't go anywhere, Ms. Sullivan. He's already dealing with your grandfather's situation. After he brought you to the hospital last night, he went straight to your grandfather."

Stella arrived shortly after Nancy finished speaking. "Nicholas told me you're in the hospital. He was worried so he called to ask me to take care of you.

"Nicholas has already rushed your grandfather to the best hospital for heart treatment. He's currently taking care of your grandfather over there, and I heard he hasn't gotten any rest. He even said he'll come to visit you later.

She continued, "He had also canceled your upcoming appointments—forking out a huge amount just for cancellation fees. To be honest, I'm starting to believe he really does love you."

Quinn chuckled bitterly when she heard Stella's words. Even she couldn't figure out what kind of feelings Nicholas had for her as well.

But even so, she hadn't changed her mind. Betrayal was still betrayal—and she had never been someone who could tolerate it.