Nina nodded. "Makes sense."Yvonne said, "Then let's first see if your boss can fulfill his promise as agreed. If not, we'll follow the steps I suggested. Anyway, once you get divorced, you're out, and who cares about the rest.""Okay."They would cross that bridge when they came to it.---Nash headed to the York Corporation."Nina, could you get me a cup of coffee?"After dealing with a stack of documents, Nash appeared somewhat fatigued. In a moment of absentmindedness, he instinctively called out, pinching his brows, only to realize the situation.Nina was not present at the York Corporation. She was currently with Yvonne.The office felt unusually quiet without Nina around. Yet, Nash found himself oddly expecting her presence.In a matter of seconds, however, he caught a whiff of rich coffee aroma, tinged with a hint of rose petals."Mr. York, this is your favorite coffee."A respectful voice sounded by his side as Serene approached, holding the coffee.Serene was a b
The smile faded from Nash's lips."Bang!"Serene fell heavily to the ground, looking somewhat disheveled and genuinely in pain. At that moment, tears welled up in her eyes.However, all Serene could do was apologize to Nash, "I'm sorry, Mr. York, I seem to have twisted my foot. I... I really should be more careful!""You really should!" Nash did not pay much attention to Serene. "With your little tricks, do you think you can really hook me?"Serene was speechless. Nash saw right through her. But of course, Serene could not admit it now. "Mr. York, you've misunderstood me. I just accidentally spilled the coffee when I fell. Look, it's because the heels of the shoes I bought are too low-quality."Serene's voice was somewhat hoarse, and her whole demeanor seemed embarrassed. Her shoes' heels had indeed come off.Nash did not even glance at them.His voice was cold. "It's good not to have such thoughts, but do you think this is acceptable?""I'm sorry, Mr. York. I know I'm your
From then on, Leo would always show up at her art exhibitions and even buy her paintings at high prices, among other things. Doing all this despite her disinterest, that was what you would call obsession!Nina was at a loss for words at the moment. Just then, her phone chimed with a notification. She and Yvonne both reached for their phones simultaneously. It was a message from their university class group chat, sent by Mike."Next Monday, our classmate, Peter Lark, is hosting a banquet at the Scarlet Leaf Bistro to celebrate his son's first celebration, and it's also our class reunion. Hope everyone can make it.""Kind of absurd, isn't it? Why doesn't Peter make the announcement himself? Why does Mike have to do it?" Yvonne quipped beside her.At that moment, many in the group chat began to question this as well. Mike replied, "Our class president is currently in the hospital and not in a convenient position. I organized this on his behalf. Everyone, if you have any concerns, let'
Nina chuckled, "There's no affection between Nash and me. Even if you get rid of Miranda, someone else will still appear."Yvonne's expression darkened. "Then I won't say anything."The nanny did not take long to cook, but Nina did not eat much and felt drowsy.The next day, Nina and Yvonne went to the art exhibition. Yvonne was already a somewhat famous artist, but even disguised, she was still recognized by someone.The crowd was overwhelming. Yvonne had no choice but to let go of Nina. "Nina, you go back first."With that, Yvonne quickly walked away. Without Yvonne, Nina felt bored alone there.Unexpectedly, at the exit, she saw Nash walking towards her.Their eyes met, and for a moment, it felt like time stood still but Nina quickly snapped out of it. She did not say anything and tried to walk around him, but Nash blocked her path."Nina, are you avoiding me?" he asked softly."No. I just realized I haven't been working lately, so I shouldn't stay by your side," Nina repli
Seeing Nina in this state, Nash could not help but furrow his brows. "Didn’t you go to the hospital for a check-up?""Yeah, they gave me some medicine and I'm taking it."A shiver ran down Nina's spine, her throat constricted. She avoided meeting Nash's piercing black eyes, afraid he might see through her.Nash's frown deepened. "It's been a day or two since you went. What did they prescribe? Let me ask Caleb. If it doesn't work, I'll have him bring you something else."The doctor prescribed calcium and folic acid tablets, which Nina had already swapped out. If she showed them to Caleb, being a doctor, he'd spot the switch right away!Nina had to change the subject. "It's only been a day or two, like you said. It's not that quick. And didn’t you give me a box of stomach medicine last time?"Nash recalled.Seeing Nash's silence, Nina swiftly placed the coffee on his desk. "This time I didn't add rose petals. See if you like it. Oh, I just remembered, I need to go to the room to t
Nina was stunned.Nash had never been this gentle with her before. If it weren't for the three years in the agreement and the presence of Miranda, she might have reignited the desire to stay by his side because of his actions and words.Nina nodded. "I know Caleb won't bite, but I really didn't find any major issues. Nash, why don't you trust me? Do I look sick to you?"Or do you think I look pregnant?"This time, Nina took the initiative.Although Nash had mentioned it before, she had always denied it. This time, she brought it up first, hoping Nash would dispel the idea.Nash did not respond.However, his gaze fell on her again because of Nina's words.He had noticed she had gained weight recently. But these days, he felt her complexion was not as good as before, and she seemed a bit thinner."I'll have the helper make you something delicious to replenish your energy later. I've made an appointment. You'll stay here for now," Nash said slowly, his voice husky.Nina nodded.
She whipped up oatmeal, flipped pancakes, and even simmered some chicken soup. Once everything was done, the helper assisted in setting it all out on the outdoor dining table. Nash happened to descend from upstairs, and Nina called out to him, "Come on, breakfast's ready."In that moment, sunlight draped Nina in a beautiful golden hue, making her appear radiant. Nash felt like everything was right again, as if they were back to their old selves. But it was only fleeting because after breakfast, they had to head to the district court to schedule an appointment.Nash was not really feeling breakfast, but he could not avoid it. Nina was a skilled cook, and everything she made was delicious and comforting.After breakfast, they headed out together. Nash did not call for the driver or Quincy. He drove himself, with Nina in the passenger seat, just like the day they got their marriage certificate. Though the weather was not as good that day.At the district court, there were not many peo
Nina was not pleased, but she had no choice. "Yes, I'm very happy," she replied, though her words did not match her true emotions.Nash had already seen through everything. "Your idea of a better method involves hiring a lawyer, doesn't it?" Nina did not deny it. But after a moment of silence, she told Nash, "Mr. York, our paths diverge here." She was going to consult with a lawyer. Nash sensed her intentions and was not about to be so kind as to give her a ride. He simply remarked, "York Corporation has a lot on its plate.""Oh," Nina responded tersely, deciding not to say anything more.At York Corporation, one went to the CEO's office while the other returned to their workstation. Serene was taken aback to see Nina. "Nina, I thought you weren't coming in today."Nina's attention was drawn by Serene's voice. Serene looked sharp in her professional attire, especially given Mr. York's favoritism toward her. Moreover, Nina had brought Serene in, fully aware she would event
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