Nina, fearing he might take further action, quickly agreed, "Okay."Nash seemed pleased with this, "You’ve been having stomach issues lately but how come you seem to have gained weight?"Nina froze. This was not the first time Nash had brought this up.She quickly diverted the topic, "Maybe it’s because I haven’t been resting well lately, my face looks a bit swollen. Also, hormonal imbalances can lead to weight gain..."Nash furrowed his brows, "Did not you hire Serene to reduce your workload? Why is there still so much pressure?""Maybe I’m just too much of a perfectionist." That was all Nina could say, and she did not even dare to look at him.Nash seemed displeased, "Why does it sound like you don't want to deal with these matters by my side and are deliberately finding excuses?""No." Nina was somewhat anxious, but she dared not show it too obviously.She clearly did not want Nash’s attention on her, yet the conversation had turned this way again. Nina felt a headache comin
He took a sip, bitter yet sweet. Only Nina could brew this cup of pure black coffee so skillfully.Nina hesitated for a moment, but was still quite moved, "How long will it be roughly until you finish this busy period?"Aside from their immediate families and closest friends, hardly anyone knew she was married to Nash. Beyond their marriage certificate, they did not even have a photo together, let alone gone on a honeymoon.If Nash decided to take her to Frangelia, she could consider it their honeymoon trip. That would be a way to live without regrets in this lifetime.Nash was silent for a few seconds, then slowly responded, "At most, a week later.""Okay." That was a wait she could manage.Since she did not have to go to the office tomorrow, she could look for a hospital to have a proper prenatal check-up. With Yvonne around, she could use Yvonne as a shield.Nina dared not drift off too much, "Then you go ahead, I’ll head back to my room."After Nash nodded, Nina left the st
Unexpectedly, just as they entered the foyer, they saw Nash's mother, Sally, sitting on the sofa with a dark expression.“You all stir up public opinion, and yet you seem quite carefree yourself.”At the Harris Corporation’s banquet, Nash had defended Nina, and the incident was still trending.Nash gave Nina a look. Nina understood but still greeted Sally, “Mom, breakfast is ready. If you haven’t eaten yet, I can have the helper prepare a portion for you.”In the villa, the helpers knew their duties well. Since Nina had not gone to the kitchen herself, the helper would prepare breakfast when it was time.However, Sally did not even look at Nina, “Nash, I’m talking to you!”Nash responded calmly, “The fact that Nina and I are married will come out sooner or later. Besides, everyone talks.”So many people, so many mouths. He did not see the need to bother.Sally’s chest heaved visibly. She suppressed her anger, “I heard your little aunt invited you to a masquerade?”Nash’s tone
Nash did not want to engage further, "Nina's already taken care of delivering the items for you. If you need anything else, just give us a call."The implication was clear which was not to come over unless absolutely necessary. Nash's dismissiveness was palpable. It seemed Sally would have to step up her efforts with Miranda!Sally did not want to argue with Nash there, "I am the lady of the York family, your father's wife."But Nash could not be bothered to continue the conversation, walking away without another word.—Nina carried the health supplements to the hospital to see Miranda. When Miranda heard the door open, she thought it was Nash.So, when she saw Nina, the joy that appeared on her face instantly froze. “Why is it you?”Nina calmly responded, “My mother-in-law wasn’t feeling well, so I came to deliver this as a favor.”Saying this, Nina walked to Miranda’s bedside and placed the health supplements on the nightstand. Nina left the room as soon as she put down the
The voice was so familiar that it made Nina tense up. She turned around, trying to conceal her emotions.To her surprise, it was her college classmate, Mike Denver. She remembered Mike well.Three months ago, he had joined York Corporation's technical department, and Nina had personally interviewed him. Beyond their shared college background, Mike not only aced the interview but also met all the qualifications impressively.Nina managed a small smile. "What a coincidence." Perhaps her desire to keep the baby made her feel guilty, as if she were a thief."I took the day off for a health check at the hospital and did not expect to run into you here. Hey, Nina, are you going to our class president's baby boy's first celebration next Friday?" Mike glanced at Nina as he spoke slowly.The class president was a down-to-earth and honest guy from a small town in the countryside. He was renowned around campus for his unwavering helpfulness and kindness to all, ever ready to lend a hand to
Then she phoned Yvonne. Yvonne's voice sounded sleepy, and Nina felt apologetic. "I'm sorry if I disturbed your rest. But I'm on my way to the mall now, near your place. I'll find a spot and wait for you there.""Okay," Yvonne didn't decline.Upon reaching the mall, Nina located a popular boba tea shop and ordered two drinks. When Yvonne arrived, she spotted Nina from a distance, seated at a small cream-colored round table, cradling a cup of milk tea."Why did you decide to call me out today, and to such a trendy spot? What's your motive?" Yvonne teased Nina with a sidelong glance. Despite her playful tone, she pulled out a chair and seated herself opposite Nina.Nina smiled, "No particular reason, just wanted you to join me for a stroll, and then... Nash told me that Quincy has already settled the matters with the exhibition center."Yvonne's mood had been fine, joking around with Nina, but the mention of Nash reminded her of the veiled threats in his words and Nina’s leniency to
This was her rival, Mia Lloyd. Whenever she held an art exhibition, Mia would quickly follow suit. If she released a design, Mia would too. Whatever she did, Mia would imitate. Some salespeople just gravitated towards those who seemed more influential. How could Nina allow someone to take clothes out of Yvonne’s hands that she had picked for her?Nina immediately pulled out the black card Nash had given her from her purse. "Charge it, I'm buying this dress." Holding Yvonne’s hand, Nina came out of the fitting room. Clearly, there was no need to try it on. The intention was to outclass Mia in every respect.When Mia and the salesperson saw the black card, their eyes widened, especially Mia, who was infuriated. "You, just a mere secretary, dare to flaunt your boss’s black card here?" She was the top VIP here! As for Yvonne, while talented, she could not compete with Mia in terms of wealth and influence. And Nina was just a secretary! “Watch your mouth!” Yvonne could not hold
"Stop arguing! Whether someone got hit or is a mistress, it has nothing to do with us! We should mind our own business!""A mistress flaunting a black card? That's hilarious. I wondered how she became the CEO's secretary at such a young age; turns out it's all thanks to her 'bedroom skills'!""Nina is quite something. Last time at the banquet, Mr. York was furious defending her, and you guys don’t know, she even pushed out Mr. York’s first love!""Really? If Nina is so capable, why didn’t Mr. York marry her?""Is it that easy to become the wife in a wealthy family?"...As the online discussion unfolded, blame shifted towards Nina, with some going as far as creating a photoshopped black and white obituary photo of her, depicting her in a derogatory light.Meanwhile, Miranda seemed especially satisfied with the turn of events. During this period, she orchestrated a scene, deliberately unwrapping the package of health supplements Nina had sent her. These were collagen supplements
Unfortunately, Ben couldn’t see through any of this. Summer, however, wasn’t the least bit intimidated. Shaking her head confidently, she said, “I’ve never done anything to upset him. I don’t believe that just exchanging a few words with him would make him kick me out.”Mrs. Lucas opened her mouth, about to say something, but seeing Summer’s confident demeanor, she hesitated. Maybe, just maybe, Ben might actually feel too awkward to reject her outright. And if a little covert manipulation were added into the mix…Suddenly, Mrs. Lucas had an idea. Hearing it, Summer’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Mrs. Lucas, that’s an excellent plan! We should act quickly before he does anything else irrational.” “Alright.” Though the plan was solid, the two of them decided to put it into action three days later. Meanwhile, Ben hadn’t been to the office lately, but he was still keeping track of all the firm’s cases. He was also trying to reach Winnie, but while her phone would ring,
Ben wanted nothing more than to wring Jamie's neck after hearing her cold, cutting words. “I don’t need your lectures,” he growled. Human nature? Didn’t she think he knew enough about it already? He had seen it in every case he handled, and he had learned it the hardest way through her betrayal. When he fell for Jamie, it had been with the intent to marry her, to share a future. But she had stabbed him in the back without hesitation. And yet, when he tried to hate her, tried to wish for her downfall, he couldn’t bring himself to follow through. “Stay here and reflect on your actions, Jamie.” Ben knew her well enough. If she cried, begged for forgiveness, he would soften. But she didn’t. Instead, all she cared about was that child, the child he refused to acknowledge. “Fine,” he thought grimly. “Let’s see how long that bastard can survive.”*Meanwhile, Ben’s mother, Mrs. Lucas, had failed to convince him to cut ties with Jamie. This left her in a tough spot, especial
Ben would never believe the truth, and his mother would never allow Charlie’s existence. Instead of creating chaos and an irreparable fallout, Jamie chose to keep it hidden. She thought that once Ben’s anger subsided, he would eventually let her go.“Even if you figure out who the father is, what difference does it make?” Jamie met Ben’s intense gaze calmly. “We’ve already said everything that needed to be said. Can’t we stop making each other’s lives miserable?”"Your mother offered so much money. Why wouldn’t I take it? I’m not a fool. I gave you up for one million before. After these past four years, do you really think there’s any love left between us? Do you honestly expect me to cry and beg for you?”Jamie’s voice was steady as she stared calmly at Ben. She had been scared at first, but over time, she had come to terms with her reality. Ben wasn’t going to kill her. And as long as she stayed alive, there would eventually come a day when he’d let her go. Right now, his anger wa
The next second, there was only silence on the phone.Ben sent the phone number to his assistant. “Investigate thoroughly.”A thought suddenly struck him. He couldn't let Jamie continue to roam freely outside.*Four days later, Ben's mother came to visit. “You refuse to take over the family business, and now you're going against me by keeping Jamie around again?”Ben didn’t respond, but her anger only grew. “Ben, you’ve seen for yourself what kind of person Jamie is. Why are you still so obsessed with her? The fiancée I arranged for you is far better than the one you’ve chosen!”The Larson family was also one of the prominent families in Birkham. While the Lucas and Larson families couldn’t rival the York family, the Lucas family still held its position as the second most influential family in the city. On top of that, they were relatives of the Scott Lucas. Even Scott, who had initially resisted marriage, eventually followed his parents’ wishes and entered into a family
Jamie closed her eyes briefly, sinking further into despair. She didn’t even notice when Ben had left the room. Her thoughts were scattered, her mind drifting in and out of focus.Though she wanted to leave the hospital, she was constantly watched, making it impossible. By afternoon, a nurse came in to change her dressing.Jamie glanced up absentmindedly. “It’s fine. I don’t need it.”“This is under Dr. Lawson’s direct orders,” the nurse replied gently but firmly. “I can’t afford to cut corners. Since you’re still admitted, please cooperate.”Jamie lifted her gaze slightly, her tone subdued. “I’d like to get some fresh air.”“Of course, once we’re done changing your dressing, I can take you outside. Just make sure not to strain your muscles,” the nurse said patiently.The weather was exceptionally pleasant that day. As she sat in the wheelchair outside, Jamie made several calls to Winnie. The phone was still off, as if Winnie had made up her mind to disappear completely from her
“You're the patient, and I'm the doctor. Taking care of you is my job,” Jay said with a light smile, handing her the utensils. “Go ahead, try it.”Jamie was indeed hungry. She hadn’t felt like eating, but she couldn’t refuse his gesture. Besides, she needed to regain her strength quickly if she hoped to find Charlie. She picked up the utensils and was just about to take a bite when footsteps sounded outside the room. The door swung open, revealing Ben. His expression darkened instantly, his face stormy as he took in the scene before him. “So, Dr. Lawson, is this how you treat all your patients, or is this a special case?” Ben’s tone dripped with sarcasm. “Just giving an old classmate some extra care. What’s the harm in that?” Jay replied, his words laced with subtle defiance. The room's atmosphere froze, tension thick in the air. Ben’s sharp gaze flickered between Jamie and Jay before finally settling on Jamie’s pale face, his expression unreadable. Jamie, sensing th
“Wake up, Charlie.” Winnie held him tightly, panic overwhelming her. She wanted to take him away, not harm him! Just then, the sound of a car pulling up broke through the darkness. Footsteps approached, slow and deliberate. A tall man emerged from the shadows and stopped in front of her. Tears streaming down her face, Winnie looked up. The man’s sharp, angular features were obscured by the dim light, adding to his air of mystery. But she immediately recognized him. It was the same man who had told her the truth about Jack Green being Ben Lucas. Winnie glared at him with fierce determination. “Why are you here? Are you happy now that things have come to this?” “You foolish woman, do you think being deceived feels any better?” the mysterious man sneered. “The truth is nothing but a bloody wound. I’d rather…” Winnie’s voice faltered, unable to continue. “Stop lying to yourself,” the man said with a slight shake of his head. “What do you want?” Winnie asked
Jamie couldn’t help but suck in a sharp breath. “Stop pretending.” Ben's harsh words cut through the air, as cold and unrelenting as ever. Jamie couldn’t straighten up for a long moment. She gritted her teeth, determined to ignore the pain radiating from her wound, spreading like fire through her body. Sweat dripped from her forehead onto the pale hospital bed, leaving tiny dark stains. “I don’t need to play games with you,” she said finally, her voice frail but resolute. “It wouldn’t work, and I don’t want to. I just want my child back.” Ben’s sharp gaze faltered for a moment before he replied in a cold tone, “Focus on recovering first.” With that, he turned and left the room. Jamie slumped against the edge of the bed, exhausted and broken. *Meanwhile, Winnie drove aimlessly, following random road signs, unaware of where she was heading. The road grew increasingly desolate, with the sun sinking below the horizon and barely a soul in sight. “Where are we, Aunt
Perhaps due to her injuries, Jamie couldn’t muster much strength, and her resistance felt as feeble as a kitten pawing at someone.Jay gently guided her back to the hospital bed. While examining her injuries, his expression turned serious. “All these years, I’ve attended every class reunion, but I’ve never seen you. Did you move abroad?” Jamie shook her head slightly. “Life’s been messy. Nothing worth mentioning.” “If there’s anything troubling you, tell me. Maybe this old classmate can help,” Jay said softly, his eyes full of concern. Though time had barely left its mark on her face, her eyes carried a deep weariness, dulling the radiance she once had. It was clear she had endured more than her fair share of hardships over the years. Jamie remained silent for a moment before shaking her head again. “I’m fine, Jay.” Instinctively, he asked, “So, did you become a lawyer?” The question hit her like a sharp sting. Her lips trembled for a second before she forced a weak