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Chapter 14
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A Gentle Kiss Chapter 15
Nanette forced a smile. "Mom, do you really expect me to wait for Sterling to kick me out? What have I been to him these past two years? Do you think I hold any status at all?"She then placed her luggage back in her small room, barely having time for breakfast before rushing off to work. Helena simply watched her leave, her eyes wide with disbelief.The only thought in her mind was that their good days seemed to be coming to an end.Nanette arrived at the hospital just in time for her shift. After checking on the patients, she spent the entire morning in the reproductive center's outpatient clinic. With many patients to see, she did not step out of the clinic until almost 1:00 pm.When she finally exited the outpatient building, Nanette tiredly pressed her temples. By the time she reached the cafeteria, most of the food was gone. Fortunately, Harley had already reserved a meal for her and was waiting for her.While they were eating, Nanette received a call from Ivanka. As she gla
A Gentle Kiss Chapter 16
"Mom, Dad's medical fees are linked to your bank card. How could it be frozen?"While Helena was tidying up the house, she immediately dropped the mop and grabbed her phone upon hearing Nanette's words.She tried wiring two dollars to Nanette, only to receive a notification that her bank card had been frozen. At that moment, Helena completely lost it. "What's going on? Did someone steal my card?"Though she had transferred most of her money out after seeing Nanette come back with her luggage, she still left several thousand dollars in the account.Harrison was still her husband, after all. Since Nanette had yet to finalize her divorce with Sterling, Helena thought she could not do anything too cruel.Nanette remained unaware of Helena's inner calculations and gently reassured her, "Mom, don't panic. Just go to the bank and ask about it. I'll head to the hospital and talk to the inpatient department to see if I can delay the payment for a few days."Just as Nanette finished maki
A Gentle Kiss Chapter 17
Sterling frowned while pressing a hand against his stomach. "Nanette, do you think I have a good temper?""Sterling, I'm warning you, don't involve my family in our issues. I have my limits too. You're flaunting Isla around all the time without giving her a proper title. Don't you think that makes you a jerk?"Nanette was not someone who wore her emotions on her sleeve. Although her relationship with her family had always been somewhat distant, it did not mean she did not care about them.The Woods did not provide her with unconditional love, but they did give her a complete home and an opportunity to change her fate through education.Especially Harrison, who often showed her affection behind Helena's back. For that alone, Nanette felt grateful to them!Sterling smirked, his pale face taking on a mischievous look. "You can just admit you're jealous."Nanette laughed in frustration. "Wow, you really think highly of yourself, Mr. Hanson."Sterling's anger flared. The woman who us
A Gentle Kiss Chapter 18
Sterling's expression darkened. Was there anything more hurtful than being told he was impotent right in front of him? Moreover, she was openly discussing their private matters with an outsider—something the old Nanette would never have dared to say.Seeing Sterling glare at her, Nanette scoffed. "What's wrong? Did I say something wrong? Or should I set up a separate bed for you two so that your darling can give it a try?""Nanette, I know you hold a grudge against me, but I genuinely care about Sterling as a brother. We finally found each other again, and I just want to treat him well."Nanette curled her lips into a smirk at Isla's words. "In that case, I won't interrupt your little brother-sister bonding time. Just the thought of it makes me nauseous and reminds me of one word—incest."Hearing Isla refer to Sterling as her brother was unbearable!As Nanette walked away, Sterling furrowed his brows together. "Put the medicine down and go back for now. I need to rest."Seeing hi
A Gentle Kiss Chapter 19
Not daring to waste a moment after receiving Sterling's orders, Mason clarified the situation and immediately called Sterling back."Mr. Hanson, Mr. Lackett said it was Madam Ivanka's instructions. He also mentioned that Helena's account only had a few thousand of dollars in it and that there were no issues. I've already asked Mr. Lackett to help restore it."Sterling found this outcome unsurprising. He reminded Mason in a low voice, "Check if this card is linked to the hospital.""Mr. Hanson, there's no need to check. Mr. Lackett already informed me that it is linked to the hospital."Mason always worked meticulously, so how could he not have asked this question?Sterling felt puzzled. How could there only be a couple of thousands?Over the years, Nanette had taken money from him, with Helena taking a significant portion. How could there only be a couple of thousands left?"Look into all other bank accounts under Helena's name."After giving the order, Sterling glanced at the
A Gentle Kiss Chapter 20
Nanette sat aimlessly in the park near the hospital. She was unsettled by Sterling's unpredictable attitude. She did not want to guess or analyze it any further.As she stared at the children playing nearby, Riley Fowler approached and sat down beside her."I thought that was you from over there.""Dr. Fowler, are you on duty today?""Yes. What are you doing sitting here?"Nanette managed a smile. "I thought the weather was nice, so I decided to sit here for a while before checking on my dad.""Your dad's condition is stable, and there's a caregiver with him. You can relax."Riley was Harrison's attending physician and had treated Nanette well over the years."Thank you, Dr. Fowler!""Nanette, we're colleagues, and there's something I've been meaning to tell you. Honestly, there's no need to keep your father alive in this condition."Harrison had been in a vegetative state for over three years, showing no signs of response. He relied entirely on a respirator and nutrition sol
A Gentle Kiss Chapter 21
"Mom, I'm not stupid. I know how much I give you every month. Over the past two years, you must've received at least two to three million.""Nanette, I feel like I've raised a thankless child. Are you saying that I can't spend a single penny?"Seeing the way Helena looked at her, as if she wanted to eat her alive, Nanette patiently replied, "I'm not saying you can't spend it, but that money is for Dad's medical expenses.""Sterling is so wealthy that your dad's medical expenses wouldn't even cover the cost of a shirt for him. Which woman wouldn't be secretly delighted to marry such a man? And yet, you're the one making a fuss about divorce."Aside from your looks, what do you really have? Just go back and sweet-talk him. A little generosity from him could take care of you for a lifetime."Nanette always knew Helena's stance, but hearing it directly still sent chills through her. If even her adoptive mother thought so, it showed just how mismatched she was with Sterling.To put it
A Gentle Kiss Chapter 22
"No, I followed that bitch, Nanette, here. She's having dinner with Riley." Shelby pointed to Nanette's location.Isla ground her molars as she looked at Nanette, feeling a sigh escape her. Why did all the men in the world seem to revolve around Nanette?Seeing Shelby's displeasure, Isla turned her gaze and smiled. "So, I suppose Nanette has already lined up her next partner, which is why she's making a fuss with your cousin about the divorce."Knowing that Shelby liked Riley, Isla intentionally provoked her."She wouldn't dare! Hasn't she looked at herself in the mirror? How dare she have her eyes on Riley? Does she think everyone is as foolish as my cousin, who spends his money on her whole family for nothing?""Her pitiful and delicate appearance is what attracts men the most. Oh, by the way, I just heard some news today—Nanette's ex-boyfriend is back and staying at this hotel.""She has an ex-boyfriend?""They were quite close from high school through university. They were r
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A Gentle Kiss Chapter 40
"Mom, I asked the store associate myself yesterday. It couldn't have been wrong. It's likely Sterling thought her gift was too low-class, so he swapped it for this bracelet," Isla whispered defensively."You couldn't even handle this small matter properly, yet you dream of becoming Sterling's wife?" Willa's reproach left Isla feeling deeply aggrieved. The possibility of Sterling changing the gift last minute was real. Why was it her fault?At times, Isla felt her obsession with Sterling was far outmatched by Willa's fixation on him as a son-in-law.Nanette caught the hushed exchange between mother and daughter out of the corners of her eyes. Her lips curved into a faint smile as satisfaction warmed her heart. There was nothing more gratifying than instant karma.People often thought staying silent meant she was soft, someone who could be pushed and trampled.As the banquet commenced, Iris' gaze rarely left the bracelet.Sterling leaned in, whispering in Nanette's ear, "Nanette,
A Gentle Kiss Chapter 39
Iris was not naive. She loved the gift but could not accept it as doing so would feel like betraying her thoughtful and beautiful granddaughter-in-law. Besides, the item was obviously expensive, far from the "little trinket" Isla claimed it to be."Ms. Lynch, if Father Wickham blessed this for you, it means you're destined to have it. Keep it safe," Iris said with a knowing smile.Nanette chuckled silently. Iris was not just some old woman; she was sharp and not easily swayed. Turning toward Sterling, she put on a sweet smile and said, "Honey, hand over the birthday gift I prepared for your grandmother. I'm sure she'll love it."Iris' eyes lit up with anticipation. "If Netty picked it, then it must be perfect for me."Sterling froze for a moment. Was the gift she prepared not in her bag? He had tried to hand her the gift he had prepared before they got out of the car, but she had refused to take it. What was she playing at now? Still, he could not refuse her request. At least it
A Gentle Kiss Chapter 38
Faye, though dissatisfied with Iris' attitude, kept her resentment bottled up. She knew her family background was not a match for the Zegarra family, so she dared not openly express her anger.Catching the shift in the atmosphere, Nanette smiled faintly and added fuel to the fire, "Faye is right. Troy's destined for big things, unlike Sterling, who spends his days caught up in endless tabloid scandals."Her voice dropped, tinged with mock helplessness as her eyes flicked toward Sterling, feigning hesitation.If Iris already knew the truth, Nanette saw no reason to hold back. She was more than ready to play her role in this facade of marital bliss.Iris was naturally aware of Sterling's reputation. Now, with Nanette's remark, her displeasure deepened. She picked up her cane and knocked it against the floor for emphasis."You brat! Apologize to Netty this instant, or I won't let you off today."Ivanka was visibly irritated and chimed in, "Mom, everyone's watching. Why make a scene?
A Gentle Kiss Chapter 37
Nanette excelled in her professional life. Her expertise and skills stood out, so she had no reason to bow down to anyone, especially not Faye, who, aside from her seniority, was otherwise incompetent.The three people seated in the hall—Ivanka, Faye, and Anthony—felt their faces flush with embarrassment when Nanette ignored them entirely. Being disregarded in front of so many relatives only soured their mood further, intensifying their dislike for her.Sterling furrowed his brows as he looked at Nanette, expecting her to follow etiquette. However, she remained calm and composed, her lips curving into a polite smile as her gaze settled on Iris, who was walking in from the backyard."Iris!" Nanette's voice was sweet and warm as she stepped forward to support Iris, her expression radiating affection.This silent display of favoritism was a slap in the face to the three people in the hall, whose expressions immediately darkened.Although Iris had been in relatively good health in the
A Gentle Kiss Chapter 36
When Nanette leaned close to whisper in Sterling's ear and Sterling slightly inclined toward her, the gesture was unusually attentive. It was completely opposite from their usual fiery clashes.When the four of them came face-to-face, Shelby wore a look of disdain. "What bad luck, running into this wretched woman right after stepping out."Isla's voice was soft and soothing as she tried to calm Shelby. "Shelby, don't say that. Today is your grandmother's birthday. We should all be in good spirits."Sterling's tone turned sharp as he issued a warning, "Watch your behavior when you're here. If you upset Grandma, you'll be the first to be thrown out.""Ster, I'm your cousin. Aunt Ivanka brought me along to keep her company. How can you speak to me like this?" Shelby retorted.Nanette, wearing a poised and composed smile, interjected with a polite yet pointed remark, "Mind your words, Shelby. With that sharp tongue of yours, it wouldn't take much to upset Grandma. Imagine the embarras
A Gentle Kiss Chapter 35
"What are you zoning out for?" Sterling's impatient tone snapped Nanette back to reality.The car drove on in silence. Sterling sat upright, absently fiddling with the wedding ring on his left hand.As the vehicle turned onto a rural road, it hit a bump that caused Nanette to lose her balance and lean to the side. Instinctively, she reached out to steady herself, her hands fumbling along the seat.Watching her awkward struggle, Sterling sighed and extended his arm to steady her by the shoulder, pulling her into his embrace.The familiar scent of tobacco mixed with a cool, clean fragrance surrounded her. It was a scent she knew well."Still so clumsy," Sterling muttered disdainfully, reminding Nanette of the first time they had shared a car.Back then, being small and frail, she often tipped sideways during sudden jolts or turns. Sterling had similarly reached out to steady her, pulling her close. That was the first time they had been in such close proximity.Nanette tilted her h
A Gentle Kiss Chapter 34
Nanette had waited in silence on countless lonely and helpless nights just wishing and hoping.The cold wind seeped through her collar, and Nanette shivered. Even though her memories here were not all good, this place was still the only one that gave her a sense of belonging. She could not bear to lose it.At that moment, Sterling was not in the study. He was standing on the balcony in the living room, smoking. When he saw Nanette standing blankly in the front yard, hesitating to come inside, he slid the balcony door open."Feeling confused? Do you think standing in the cold like that will help clear your head?"His icy voice flowed through the night, sharp and cutting.Nanette looked up. At that moment, Sterling was leaning lazily against the window frame with a cigarette in hand, which he brought to his lips.Seeing her still unmoving, he stepped outside, his strides confident yet casual."Seeing me again bothers you that much? You seemed happy enough earlier while you were wi
A Gentle Kiss Chapter 33
From the orphanage to university, Harvey had always been like an older brother to Nanette. He would save the best food for her and face any challenges head-on to protect her.Nanette was eight when she was adopted by the Woods. At the time, Harvey was already ten, an age where adoption was unlikely, so he remained at the orphanage and grew up there.Due to the orphanage's limited resources, Harvey could not continue his education beyond middle school as the institution struggled to support over a dozen younger children. To avoid putting the orphanage director in a difficult position, he voluntarily gave up his studies.For two years, he stayed at the orphanage, helping the director care for the younger children. He also worked part-time at restaurants, washing dishes and preparing vegetables. Any money he managed to save, he secretly slipped to Nanette.When Harvey was 17, a kind benefactor reached out to the orphanage and offered to sponsor his education. This generous person even
A Gentle Kiss Chapter 32
"Childhood sweethearts are even more dangerous. If we hadn't shown up last night, who knows what might have happened?" Shelby blurted, hitting a sore spot.Isla tugged at her sleeve, desperately signaling her to stop talking."Oh, Isla, why are you so scared to tell the truth? My cousin doesn't even like her. In my eyes, you're already my sister-in-law," Shelby continued, completely oblivious to the storm brewing on Sterling's face."Shelby, don't say that! Your cousin has always seen me as a younger sister," Isla replied, trying to deflect."If you ask me, you and my cousin were childhood sweethearts too. If you hadn't left Saint Wis for a few years, maybe your bond with him would've been stronger, and Nanette wouldn't have had a chance to appear in the picture." Shelby's casual remarks seemed to ignore the tension entirely.Sterling shot her a glare and said in a voice that was laced with cold sarcasm, "Shelby, have you forgotten your place? Why are you spewing so much nonsense
