Nina walked over and took the dress out of the gift bag. It was a dark green evening gown with a flowing skirt and a strapless cut, crafted from luxurious fabric that felt like a dream against her skin. She had been browsing fashion magazines lately and instantly recognized it as haute couture from a top designer.Although she could not recall the designer's name, she knew their clothes typically started at a hundred thousand dollars. Suddenly, she remembered the dress Nash bought for Miranda for two hundred thousand dollars.Glancing at him, she remarked, "That must have cost quite a bit."Money was just a number to Nash and what mattered was Nina's happiness. "I thought it would suit you perfectly when I saw it," he replied."And was the one you bought for Miranda just as fitting for her?" Nina blurted out without thinking, instantly regretting her words. How could she bring up such a sensitive topic, embarrassing them both?She bit her lip, expecting Nash to scold her for being
Yet Nina still sensed something off. Nash's seemingly casual remark carried a hint of indifference and a touch of resignation. Maybe she was reading too much into it. She could not shake the habit of analyzing Nash's emotions from his words, caring about his ups and downs. She should not worry so much.Entering the Gibson residence, they found it already bustling with people, around a dozen or so. Some were dressed in suits, others in military uniforms, all looking quite distinguished. Grandpa George wore a simple suit, not a new one, but rather giving off a vintage vibe, just as Nash had mentioned. Grandpa George was indeed a thrifty man.Grandpa George seemed to be enjoying himself with the others, but upon seeing Nash and Nina approach, his face lit up. "Ah, Nash is here, and Nina too," he exclaimed, rising from his seat with the help of a cane to greet them.Nina quickened her pace subconsciously, not wanting Grandpa George to exert himself. "Grandpa George!""Nina," Grandpa
Nina could not help but wonder why she had never heard him bring it up before. Maybe because there was always an unspoken agreement between Nash and Nina not to pry too much into each other's business. It was just a matter of mutual respect. Besides, he probably could not fully disclose everything. She quickly averted her gaze. Out of the blue, someone chimed in to ease the tension, saying, "Mr. George, we get where you're coming from. We're not here to gossip. It's just that the truth is evident. Even Vice Commander Frank is also feeling indignant on your behalf. After all, you're our elder, and you haven't been in the know for long, right? Honestly, it looks like Nash doesn't have much respect for you." Nina felt like these folks were really going after Nash. She looked at Nash again, noticing his silence. Knowing him, he typically would not tolerate such gossip in his presence. It seemed like he was likely concerned about Grandpa George's dignity, especially since these were als
"Nina, this drink is for you." At the same time, Frank handed a glass of wine to Nina. Nash wrapped an arm around her shoulder and took the glass from Frank's hand. "She's allergic to alcohol, so I'll drink on her behalf."Nash quickly downed the drink in his hand. Others chimed in, "Wow! Look at Nash here. Back in the camp, he was tough as nails, always ready to face any challenge. Now, all soft-hearted for his sweet wife. Ah, the iron-blooded man has gone tender!""You bet.""Nash, since you've introduced her to all of us, when are you planning to have a proper wedding ceremony? You two haven't had one yet, right? When the time comes, I'll give you a big wedding gift. We'll come to toast to your happiness!"Nina watched as they laughed. She could tell that despite some initial discontent towards Nash, Grandpa George's words had smoothed things over. Some of these people were genuinely caring.She maintained her smile throughout. Nash's lips curved slowly as he spoke, "I'll mak
Eve walked directly to Nash's side. "Previously at Zoe's party, we did not get a chance to talk properly before you left. You're staying for a few more days this time, right?" She took Nash's arm, leaving Nina behind.She did not act like this at the banquet. Back then, she did not know what kind of person Nina was. Plus, she had promised Zoe to help Nash out. She had treated Nash like a real brother for years and was willing to assist him. Now that Nash had a wife, she should treat her as a sister-in-law, but she just could not warm up to Nina.She had heard from friends that Nina was a tough character. At work, she used her position to oppress others, and she was even arrogant about it! She heard that Nash's mother did not like her. She did not know Nash was married, but thinking about facing such a formidable sister-in-law in the future, she did not want to be mistreated. If they got divorced, that would be even better."I can't stay for long," Nash pushed Eve's hand away gentl
She immediately nestled into Grandpa George's embrace, seeking comfort. Grandpa George held her face, examining it carefully. It was just a minor cut, nothing serious. "The wound is small, you'll be fine, Eve. Don't cry in front of so many people.""Grandpa," Eve sniffled, "You have to stand up for me."Before Grandpa George could respond, Frank spoke up, "Eve is injured. From childhood to now, Mr. George has never let her suffer. Anyone who dares to bully her, I won't let them off!"Nina glanced at Frank, who was quite robust. If he really got physical, she would be nothing. She felt a shiver run down her spine instinctively. However, Nash held her hand and looked at Frank coldly. "Do you think there's no one who will stand up for Nina?"Nina glanced at Nash, somewhat surprised. No matter what others said about him, he always remained silent, never once retorting. But whenever she was bullied, he would stand up for her without hesitation, no matter who the offender was.Frank a
Without further ado, Nina did not say anything more and agreed with Grandpa's wise words. It was easy to hurt others, but it often backfired. "I'm sorry, Nina," Eve apologized."It's okay, I forgive you!" Nina responded graciously.Grandpa George was satisfied with how things turned out. At least Eve had not made a big mistake this time. "Knowing your mistake is good. What's important is that you don't repeat it. That's what makes a respectable person. No more of these antics in the future," he instructed.Eve obediently promised, "Got it, Grandpa. I'll make sure to get along well with Nina from now on." With that, she linked arms with Nina, wanting to assure Grandpa that she and Nina got along and that such incidents would not happen again.Seeing this, Grandpa George smiled. "Good, keep in touch with her."Nina felt a bit uncomfortable with Eve's sudden warmth. Such sudden affection must have an ulterior motive. Fortunately, Eve did not have any ulterior motives. She was just
Nash walked over and joined her in the breeze, his tone casual as he said, "I've gotten used to it. There's no point in trying to change things now. It's all the same."All the same? What did he mean by that? Nina thought she knew him well, but she realized there were still many secrets about him. She observed his side profile intently and inquired, "Did they treat you like this before? Isolated you?"But why, though?It was evident that these people were older than Nash. They dote on Eve so much, why couldn't they be more understanding toward Nash? He must have been very young when he was in the military.Nash replied, "I rarely meet with them anymore, so you don't need to worry too much.""You've never told me about your time in the military."Nash glanced at Nina. "I spent some time in the military, but it wasn't official. At that time, nobody cared, and Grandpa George took me in."Nina was surprised. "Why? Didn't your family take care of you?"Nash shrugged it off. "They
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