"Call me Nina," she said.Before, it was just a name, and she had not spent much time with Wilfred. She did not know that Ivy was the Pharaoh's daughter's name. Now that she knew, a sense of powerlessness overwhelmed her."I've always called you Ivy. From the moment I met you, you were Ivy. Even though you're Nina now, Ivy, no one can change your past. We are born with many things beyond our control, but we must strive to understand them fully," Wilfred said, looking at her.Understand fully? Nina wanted to laugh but could not."I know about the Pharaoh and his followers—how they killed, burned, and looted, and how he turned you into this! He did it all for his own selfish desires."The scenes Nina had witnessed played in her mind like movie clips, one after another. She could not imagine how she had survived in the Yaren tribe as Ivy."I'm tired, Wilfred. I want to sleep. When Nash comes back, wake me up." She turned over and lay back on the camp bed.Wilfred stayed by her side
Nina couldn't bring herself to say what she felt, but Nash understood.He cupped Nina's face and kissed her deeply, as if trying to merge her into his own body. But at the critical moment, he pulled away."Rest here for a few days. I'll arrange everything for your departure.""Alright," Nina replied, breathless, watching Nash leave the tent.Nash had further preparations to make. Deploying forces for Nina's sake had convinced the Yaren tribe to surrender, but it had also led to disciplinary action against him. He was now on three days' suspension.Unable to explain everything to Nina himself, Nash sent James to update her on the situation.Nina understood. However, she hadn't seen Scarlett yet."Where's Scarlett?" she asked instinctively."She's in another tent, Ms. Nina. Don't worry, she's doing well. Captain has enlisted her as a soldier to help her regain some of her memories through muscle memory training.""Take me to her.""Of course," James said, leading the way.With
Nina shook her head. "You shouldn’t take me out to relax, you have your own work to do. I can't keep affecting you."Nash was confined because of her, and she believed he should stay with his unit. They had plenty of time in the future."Foolish girl, how could you be a burden? It's me... I'm sorry. I'm still not strong enough, still too negligent. I failed to protect you, that's why you got hurt."There was a glint in Nash's eyes, and his voice grew hoarse with emotion.It pained Nina to see Nash apologizing. She put her hand on his lips. "Don't say that. I understand. I'll take Scott and Scarlett back."To her surprise, neither Scarlett nor Scott wanted to leave. Scarlett was thriving as a soldier, enjoying her new life. Scott found a sense of peace around Nina, even with their limited interactions.Respecting their wishes was essential, but Nina felt it necessary to insist with Scott. She approached him to explain."I don't know why you don't want to go back, but you have fam
"This isn't my territory. I don't make the rules," Nina replied hoarsely, pursing her lips.She understood Wilfred's feelings and intentions, but she saw him only as a friend."Then I'll go talk to Nash," Wilfred said earnestly, waving at Nina before heading off to find Nash.In a few minutes, he found Nash in his tent, standing in front of a map. Dressed in his military uniform, Nash exuded an air of authority that set him apart. It was not just the uniform. Nash had an inherent quality that made it clear why Nina was so captivated by him.Wilfred hesitated for a moment before approaching Nash. "Nina has a problem. You know that, right?"Nash paused, lowering his marker, and met Wilfred's gaze. Though he said nothing, his intense, dark eyes spoke volumes."It seems you do," Wilfred observed."Yes," Nash finally replied.Wilfred continued, "She likely experienced strong empathy in the slave camp, absorbing others' pain and suffering until she believed their experiences were her
Nina held the flowers close, inhaling their scent. Soon, Nash approached her, his eyes filled with tenderness. "It's a shame we don't have a phone to capture this moment," he said. "Now I understand why people like to take pictures everywhere. They want to freeze these beautiful moments."Nina chuckled. "Look at our situation. After everything we've been through, my perspective has changed."She had always been cautious, working as Nash's secretary, strictly adhering to his instructions, and hiding their relationship from everyone. Now, with all they had endured, the thought of taking photos seemed trivial.Nash smiled and sat down beside her, pulling her into his embrace. "Nina, I know I've let you down in so many ways. I'm working hard to take care of everything so I can be the Nash you deserve.""Mm, I know," Nina murmured, leaning into his chest as they watched the sunset together.Gently stroking her hair, Nash said, "Nina, Micah and the Pharaoh are here. The Yaren tribe ha
Nina had never seen the Pharaoh without his mask. But now, the Pharaoh stood beside Micah, his eyes deeply fixed on her.She averted her gaze. "I don’t plan on returning to the Yaren tribe," she said calmly, not intending to acknowledge the Pharaoh or her connection to the tribe. Her tone was cold and detached.Nash put his arm around her shoulder. Though he said nothing, his determined look made it clear that he supported her decision completely. He would stand by her no matter what.The Pharaoh, trembling, took a step towards Nina. "Ivy…" he croaked, his voice choked with emotion.Nina waved him off. "My name is Nina," she corrected. His voice made Nina feel uncomfortable, as if a heavy stone was pressing on her chest, making it hard to breathe. Emotions and attitudes can change over time, but this reunion was difficult for both of them.The Pharaoh had imagined many scenarios of their reunion, including the possibility of Nina's coldness. But now, facing it, he couldn't deny ho
"We would like to stay here for a while," Micah proposed, seizing the opportunity.Nash understood the real reason behind Micah and the Pharaoh wanting to stay. They hoped that proximity would allow them to win Nina over. Before Nash could respond, Micah gestured for him to follow outside. Without a word, Nash signaled his subordinate to take care of the Pharaoh while he and Micah stepped out.Once outside the tent, Micah spoke frankly, "My father was deceived by Seth. He truly cares for Ivy. Given how close you and Nina are, could you help mediate between them?"Micah looked at Nash with a hopeful glint in his eyes. Nash had not forgotten how Micah had helped both him and Nina during their time in the Yaren tribe. Without Micah's assistance, their safe exit would have been impossible.However, Nash was not Nina. He could not make decisions on her behalf. He had already done that once previously and faced her resentment. After everything they had been through, he could not risk h
Wilfred spoke slowly, his gaze growing more resolute. He suddenly remembered Ivy from years ago, how warm and beautiful her smile was. Most importantly, she had once brought warmth and protection to him. Without her, he would not have survived. Even though his life was nearing its end, being by Ivy's side was the greatest comfort to him now.Pharaoh listened to Wilfred and then realized something. After a moment of silence, he spoke softly, "Don't forget, I was the one who turned you into a healer."Pharaoh could make Wilfred a healer, and he could also just as easily restore him to a normal state, allowing him to live a regular life. He now understood that those experiments only led to more madness. To him, his children were the most important."Really?" Wilfred's eyes showed a glimmer of joy and excitement. When he had left, it was because he knew his life was nearing its end. Although he wanted to stay with Nina, he had no identity or healthy body and didn't want to bring her s