If it weren’t for Nina’s reluctance to endure both the pain of labor and the recovery from a C-section, Nash would have insisted on going that route. After understanding the reasons behind it all, he was frustrated.He even tried to persuade her, “Even though there’s an epidural option, this constant pain is exhausting. How about we go through it just once and be done with it? If you’re worried about scars, I’ll get the best cosmetic team to take care of it. What do you think?”The daily contractions at night and occasional pain during the day were taking a toll. If Nina didn’t get enough rest, she wouldn’t have the energy to deliver the baby. It was a never-ending cycle of discomfort.But Nina was firm. “No, I want a natural birth. The baby is just taking its time. It’s not like it’s not coming out at all, and all my check-ups have been fine, haven’t they?“Natural birth recovery is much quicker. I don’t want to be bedridden for seven days after a C-section, unable to move.” She h
The baby's face was so tiny! Her cheeks were pink and wrinkled, her little fists clenched, and her mouth slightly open.The more Nina looked, the more she fell in love.She couldn’t help but think back to the day Orion was born. She had fought so hard to bring him into this world, only to have him taken away after a brief glance and be told that he had died.Five years…This time, she was determined to raise this child herself.“What should we name her?” Nina asked Nash, though she already had a name, Grace York, in mind.As she whispered the name softly, Nash kissed her forehead. “How about we give her your last name instead?”“Really?” Nina was surprised. It was still more common for children to take their father’s last name, and only recently had it become more accepted for them to take their mother’s.Nash smiled. “When have I ever lied to you? What about naming her Nira Walker?”This child was a gift from the heavens, a chance for them to make up for the past.Nina repea
Nina wasn’t willing to be separated from her newborn daughter.“Dad, it’s fine. She’s just a baby. Even if she cries, it won’t be that loud. When Orion was born, I didn’t get to be there for him, but this time I want to take care of Gemma myself. Lately, Nash and I have been so focused on everything else, and we haven’t been able to give Orion the attention he deserves. I’m going to need your help with him.”Hearing this, Pharaoh immediately placed Gemma back by Nina’s side.With a tender gaze, Nina wrapped her arms around her baby girl.“You’re being too polite. Orion is my grandson, and I’m here to spend time with him. You just take care of yourself and let the night nurse or Nash handle anything you need. You can count on me to take good care of Orion,” Pharaoh promised.Orion walked over to the bedside, leaning on the railing as he gently touched his baby sister’s cheek. “She’s so small, Mommy,” he said, his voice full of wonder.Nina felt an overwhelming sense of happiness
Freya’s eyes filled with tears, her emotions stuck in her throat, making it impossible to speak. All she could do was stand on her tiptoes and plant a kiss on Micah’s cheek.Micah grinned and leaned closer. “Just a kiss on the cheek?”Freya’s face turned red. “There are people around.”His eyes twinkled with amusement as he whispered in her ear, “Alright, but remember, tonight I expect you to be just as bold.”“You’re impossible,” Freya said, her heart racing, unsure of how to respond.Thankfully, they reached the exam room, and with no one waiting, the doctor asked Freya to go in first.About ten minutes later, Freya emerged, her eyes red and watery.Micah rushed over to her side, gently supporting her as he asked in a low voice, “What’s wrong?”Without a word, she handed him a piece of paper.Micah, assuming it was bad news about her health, began to comfort her, promising that he would always be there for her.Freya’s eyes welled up again. “Just read the results first.”A
Before Orion could respond, the woman continued, "Look at them, doting over your sister. They haven’t even looked your way."She clearly had ulterior motives.Freya stepped in, pulling Orion aside and shooting back at the woman, “Ma’am, that’s not how it is. My sister and brother-in-law adore both their children equally. Please don’t spread nonsense.”The woman sneered, sizing up Freya with disdain. “You’re not Mrs. York, so how would you know? It’s obvious they favor the daughter more. Was there this much fuss when Orion was born? I don’t recall seeing any of this.”Orion scoffed, “Just because you didn’t see it doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. And unless you’re my parents, how would you know how much they love me?”Freya gave him a discreet thumbs-up.The woman, still not ready to back down, opened her mouth to say more, but Orion cut her off.Raising his chin, his eyes met hers with a defiant gleam. “I’m guessing your parents didn’t care much about you, did they? That’s probabl
Since their shared ordeal, the bond between Quincy and Lydia had become an unspoken understanding. They confirmed their feelings for each other and worked side by side. In a relationship, maintaining a healthy balance was crucial. Too much distance would breed longing, but too much closeness could lead to conflicts. However, they rarely argued and faced every challenge together, both in and out of the office.After work, they would have dinner, watch movies, and even commute together. Quincy felt that, at this point in his life, it was time to give Lydia a meaningful commitment. It was a promise not just to her but also to their future together.“Quincy has been with Mr. York for so many years, he’s practically family. Proposing tonight feels so right, like seeing a flower finally bloom!”“Quincy is Mr. York’s right-hand man, and we’ve all witnessed his impressive abilities firsthand!”“This really is a double celebration! Mr. York’s most trusted ally finding happiness, what
Mr. Fay’s dark eyes seemed to pierce right through Quincy. “No matter how successful you are in your career, you're still just someone working for others. My daughter deserves the best. Just because she chose to gain some experience on her own doesn’t mean she’s an ordinary person.”His voice remained calm, almost devoid of emotion, but the words were sharp and cutting.Quincy had earned respect from many due to his outstanding abilities and his close association with Nash York. People regarded him highly, partly because of Nash and partly because of his own competence. Nash, known for his high standards, wouldn’t keep anyone around who wasn’t exceptional.But in Mr. Fay’s eyes, Quincy was still not good enough.Quincy remained composed. “I’ve known Lydia’s background since the day she joined us. We both earned our positions through hard work. If you think my current job isn’t good enough for her, I can start my own business. But I owe everything I have today to Mr. York, and I pla
Lydia wrapped her arms around Quincy. “I joined York Corporation to gain some experience. And with your help, I’ve learned so much. But I always knew I’d leave one day. Quincy, I want to see you reach your full potential, not be limited by someone else’s shadow. Do you understand what I’m saying?”She wanted him to succeed, but if he chose to stay, she wouldn’t push him. Still, she couldn’t help but wonder why he would limit himself when he had the ability to go so much further.“I understand, but Lydia, I’ve committed to following Mr. York for life. I’ll do my best to gain your father’s approval. But if, in the end, he still doesn’t accept me...”Before Quincy could finish, Lydia’s face turned serious. “Quincy, you’ve been through so much. Just because my dad says no, you’re going to give up?”She was frustrated. They had been through so much together. And now, just because her father disapproved, he was ready to walk away?Quincy pressed his lips together and spoke softly, “It’s
“There’s a surveillance camera overhead, just so you know,” Ben said coldly, his gaze sharp as a blade. “I get it that you’re here to stick up for Summer. But let me be clear: whatever happened between the Lucas family and the Larson family is none of your business.”He held up the empty glass, his tone unwavering. “That drink was a warning. Don’t even think about testing my limits.”Jamie was his limit—his bottom line. He wouldn’t allow anyone to harm or disrespect her.Lila’s voice rang out, dripping with mockery as she addressed the gathering crowd. “Did everyone hear that? He’s threatening me with a drink as a ‘warning.’ Anyone here would agree this behavior is out of line. And all because I said a few words?“Ben Lucas, someone like you will get what’s coming to you!” Lila snapped, her voice sharp and bitter. “Doesn’t anyone wonder why someone who was doing so well as a lawyer suddenly gave it all up to become a CEO? Doesn’t everyone know lawyers aren’t supposed to engage in b
Jamie and Ben didn’t care about anyone else’s opinions.“You really think you and Ben can last?” The woman’s tone dripped with disdain. “Don’t forget, your statuses are worlds apart. If Ben didn’t care, why would he keep bringing you to events like these? Clearly, he does care.”Jamie noticed the woman’s provocative glare. Her elegance and poise were unmistakable, but her words revealed a heart filled with malice.With a calm but cutting tone, Jamie responded, “Even if Ben does care, that’s his business, not yours. And let’s be honest, you’d never have the courage to say this in front of him, would you? So, what’s the point of saying it to me?”Jamie didn’t even bother to take the woman seriously. Her relationship with Ben was her own, and she knew better than anyone how much he valued her.The woman sneered. “Oh, trust me, I’d say it to his face. But I assumed you had some self-awareness. Clearly, I was mistaken. You’re pathetic, Jamie.”With that, she spun on her heels and walk
“I was with Nash and the others today,” Ben said as he leaned back into the couch. “Jamie, tomorrow I want to take you to an exclusive high-society gala. If there’s anything you want or need for the occasion, just let me know.”For Jamie, the idea of attending such events held little appeal. What truly mattered to her was simply being by Ben’s side. Yet, Ben seemed determined to introduce her to this world, using his connections and influence to elevate her standing and help her thrive.But Jamie’s heart leaned toward a simpler life, one focused on family and the small joys within their home.“You’ve already given me everything I could ever want—friends, a safe life, love. I don’t feel drawn to these events. Can I skip this one?” she asked gently. Spending time with Charlie and bringing him over to play with Orion sounded like a better plan.Ben’s gaze softened. “If you really don’t want to go, I’ll respect your choice. But skipping out might not look great. There will be more occa
As soon as Ben spoke, Caleb and Hunter gave him exaggerated thumbs-up. “Married with a kid, and you’re still feeling lost? You’re a real genius,” Caleb teased.Nash patted Ben on the shoulder, his tone reassuring. “You’ve got a kid now, no need to overthink it. Just do your best for her. Besides, wasn’t Jamie doing great last time she was with Nina?”Ben paused, reflecting on Jamie’s recent state. Ever since she had started focusing on what she truly wanted, stepping back from exhausting tasks, she seemed much more at ease and full of life.Caleb said, “I’m heading out of town next month for a conference. If it weren’t for that, I wouldn’t even be here today.”“I’m flying abroad tomorrow,” Hunter added quickly.Clearly, this meetup was a rare opportunity to gather before everyone got busy again.Nash glanced at the two of them with a smirk. “And you two have the nerve to tease Ben? What about you guys? When are you settling down and having kids?“Don’t tell me, by the time our k
The senior judge on the panel smiled warmly and said, “Attorney Lewis, your defense was exceptional. Your understanding and application of legal principles left a lasting impression. Your arguments were clear, your logic airtight, and you provided a fresh perspective on this case.”Other judges nodded in agreement, offering Jamie high praise for her performance. As the competition concluded, Jamie stepped off the stage to the sound of applause from the audience. Her confidence had carried her through, but the moment was disrupted by an unexpected outburst. Attorney Gray, the female lawyer she had just defeated, clenched her fists and blurted, “This is unfair!”Her microphone was still live, and her voice echoed throughout the venue, silencing the room. “This case was obviously easier for you to argue,” Attorney Gray continued. “You have connections—this is favoritism! Why hasn’t the competition been stopped despite all the online rumors?” The remark caused a ripple of mur
Jamie took a deep breath and said firmly, “The competition is about to start. I’ll rely on my expertise to make it to the end. Even if I don’t succeed, I’ll have no regrets.”With those words, she turned and walked away, her determination unwavering.As the match began, whispers rippled through the crowd, and judgmental stares followed her every move. The rumors surrounding her had painted her in an unfavorable light, and the disdain from the audience was palpable.Jamie, however, paid no mind to the negativity. With legal codes in hand and confidence in her knowledge, she stepped onto the stage and began her defense, her voice calm and commanding as she addressed the mock case.“During the altercation,” Jamie started, “evidence shows that the aggressor retained mobility and the ability to continue the attack. Miss Russell’s actions to neutralize the threat were necessary and should not be classified as excessive self-defense.” Her delivery was poised, her argument well-structure
It was obvious that someone was deliberately stirring the pot, with influencers and media outlets amplifying the negativity. Jamie stared at the barrage of critical comments online, her heart growing heavier with each passing moment.She knew the best course of action was to ignore baseless accusations and focus on the task at hand—her next competition round. With the match scheduled for the next day, she resolved to give it her all. Jamie refused to let the rumors distract her. The next day, she arrived at the competition venue with her confidence intact, ready to tackle the challenges ahead. The preliminary rounds were grueling, with one debate following another, testing her endurance and resolve.Just as she was catching her breath, Attorney Freeman sauntered over, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Well, well, looks like we’ve got someone who used connections to get in. Makes you wonder why the rest of us even bother trying, doesn’t it?”His words immediately drew the atten
After his shower, Ben stepped out wearing only a towel wrapped around his waist. As he searched the house, it didn’t take long for him to guess where Jamie might be. Sure enough, the soft glow of light beneath the study door confirmed it. Pushing the door open, Ben strolled in confidently, his toned body glistening with droplets of water trailing from his hair down to his chest and well-defined abs. He looked like a proud peacock showing off its plumage. Jamie, however, didn’t even glance up. “You should go to bed. I’m still reviewing cases,” she said, her eyes glued to the stack of papers in front of her. “You’ve already gone through these cases several times,” Ben said, standing right in front of her. “It’s still not enough!” Jamie sighed, flipping another page. “What I lack compared to others is practical experience. That’s not something you can make up overnight.” Ben leaned closer, his gaze steady. “There’re still a few days before the next round. Take a break! You’
“Then I'll bring Charlie over more often,” Jamie said with a warm smile. “Thank you, but let’s wait until after your competition is done,” Nina replied graciously. She appreciated Jamie's kindness but was thoughtful enough to acknowledge Jamie’s current commitments. By the time they left, the sun had set. Charlie was bursting with excitement on the ride home, chattering non-stop about everything that had happened that day. “It sounds like you and Orion really hit it off. Should we come back more often?” Jamie asked, her tone lighthearted. “Of course! Orion’s my friend now, and friends should meet often,” Charlie said seriously, his face full of determination. Jamie ruffled his hair affectionately, her heart full of warmth. “I’m glad you’ve found a good friend. I’ll make sure we visit more often.” She hoped Charlie’s companionship would help Orion heal from his loss. When they arrived home, Ben was already waiting at the door. “You’re back late. I’ve been waiting fo