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Chapter 8
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A Gentle Kiss Chapter 9
After a moment of hesitation, Nanette answered the phone. "Yes, Mrs. Hanson?""Meet me at the Starry Café," Ivanka's commanding voice sounded. She left no chance for Nanette to ask questions.As she looked at the call that had already ended, Nanette smiled wryly. Sterling must have signed the papers, and she was being asked to pick them up.After all, she had embarrassed him last night. How could he endure being slapped by a woman?If he did not have a rule against hitting women, she doubted he would have let her off so easily.Half an hour later, Nanette arrived at the café and immediately spotted Ivanka and Isla chatting and laughing together. Nanette had never seen such a warm side of Ivanka. It was obvious who she liked and who she disliked.Even when she and Sterling first married, Ivanka had already disapproved of her. She had never shown warmth toward Nanette.Had she not witnessed Ivanka's attitude toward Isla, Nanette would have thought she was always a person with shal
A Gentle Kiss Chapter 10
Sterling paused upon hearing Steven's words, momentarily halting his fiddling with the lighter. He glanced sideways at Steven, his expression as cold as ever.Raising an eyebrow, Steven smirked as he stroked his chin. "Judging by your expression, is it because of Nanette?"Steven had witnessed the way Sterling had once poured his heart into caring for Nanette, and he found it baffling that Sterling went on to torment her for the past two years."I truly wonder. What do you want, exactly? If you want to be with Nanette, you should treat her well and keep your distance from Isla. If you're done with your marriage, why not just give her some money to move on? For you, Mr. Hanson, that would hardly be a burden."Sterling shot him a blank stare, poured a drink for both of them, and replied with impatience in his voice, "Mind your own business. My affairs don't concern you."After taking a sip of his drink, he leaned back and pinched the bridge of his nose. The tension in his jaw reveal
A Gentle Kiss Chapter 11
Seeing the man next to her, Nanette's mind slowly cleared. "Sterling, why are you here? How did you get in?"Sterling's voice remained indifferent. "Getting in is easy considering how rundown this place is. I'm just here to sleep.""Are you out of your mind? Did the bite from last night not hurt enough?"Sterling ignored her. He gripped her waist and pulled her down slightly. When he said he was there to sleep, he truly meant it; he made no further advances toward Nanette."Sterling, you really should see a doctor. If you're sick, go get treatment! Why are you making my life difficult?"The dim bedroom felt eerily quiet, and Sterling's tired voice reflected his impatience. "Keep it down. I'm very tired!""Sterling, don't pretend to be asleep. Stop with the act or I'll knock you out for real."Maybe he was genuinely exhausted or perhaps the effects of the alcohol had gotten to him. Either way, Sterling appeared not to have heard her and quickly fell asleep. No matter how much Nan
A Gentle Kiss Chapter 12
After seeing Zeke off, Nanette settled on the couch to handle some online consultations. Ever since she obtained her medical license, she opened a Facebook account and had been answering questions online.Due to the current climate, infertility rates continued to rise. Some couples spent their life savings to have a baby of their own.All she could do was provide a little help, answering common questions free of charge. If it brought some peace of mind to others, it was a way to honor her profession as a doctor.Since she had not been online for such an extended period, she seemed to have an influx of patients.Yoyo: [Thank you for your advice the last time! I followed your suggestions for the tests, and the local doctor said I could conceive naturally.]Candy: [Dr. Wood, I've gone through three rounds of IVF, but each time ended in a miscarriage within two months. Is there still hope for me to have my own baby? I feel so exhausted!]Moon: [I have a question. After giving birth,
A Gentle Kiss Chapter 13
Nanette looked at Sterling in confusion, unable to understand what this crazy man wanted to do next.Sterling suddenly stood up and took long strides until he was right in front of her.He wrapped his arm around Nanette's waist, pulling her closer. He leaned down to whisper in her ear with a cold smirk on his face, "Your husband rises from the dead every day and sleeps beside you at night. Do you think his haunting will leave an effect on you?"At that moment, Nanette realized Marley must have told Steven what she said in the morning.Since Steven and Sterling were as thick as thieves, it was no surprise that he would inform Sterling.Keeping her composure, she met Sterling's dark, deep gaze and gave a small smile. "Does it really matter if I only see my husband a few times a year? What's the difference between having him and not having him?"Sterling's eyes narrowed as he looked at her. "Nanette, you're becoming increasingly interesting."As he spoke, he tilted her chin and lowe
A Gentle Kiss Chapter 14
Sterling's dark eyes were fixed on Nanette, cold as if touched by frost.He was handsome, with well-defined features. Nanette once adored that face. However, now that she had woken up to reality, it became clear that he did not love her. Continuing to cling to him would only lead to mutual suffering."You've helped me before, and I appreciate it. That was why no matter how unreasonable you were in the past two years, I always endured it."But I'm a person too; I get hurt, and I have feelings. Our relationship started as a mutually beneficial arrangement. Now that I'm no longer willing and you have someone you like, let's part ways gracefully."Nanette pried his hands off her and took a step forward, but the front door slammed shut with a remote control."Miriam, don't let anyone leave." After saying this, he pulled Nanette back inside, ignoring her struggles.Mason shook his head as he watched the scene unfold. He had been by Sterling's side for four years and thought he understo
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
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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
