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