The two of them teased each other, each laughing at the other's clumsiness. After walking quite a distance, Nina glanced back at the cliff, feeling like she had missed something.Nash noticed her hesitation and joked, "You’re not thinking about staying another night, are you? Not worried about running into that snake’s husband?"Nina thought for a moment, "Seven-Leaf Clover thrives in damp places and venomous snakes often guard it. Could the Seven-Leaf Clover be inside the cave?" She was only speculating, though. The cave was always dark, and the books mentioned that the Seven-Leaf Clover needed some sunlight to be considered top-quality. It thrived in the shade but also needed sunlight.It was almost like people, needing the company of others, yet craving solitude.A contradictory existence.Nash considered her suggestion and realized she might be right. He offered, "I’ll go back up and check. You can wait here.""No, let’s go together. If that snake’s husband shows up, we c
Nash held Nina close, and she could hear the steady, strong beat of his heart against his chest.Ever since they arrived, Nash had stayed by her side. At first, when she spotted the Seven-Leaf Clover, she thought about going alone. After all, she felt like she had not done enough for Orion. But then, Nash had shown up.As the thick fog began to clear, they started their journey back.The Yaren Tribe was in turmoil, and Pharaoh, along with the others, was deeply worried about Nash and Nina's safety, especially Nina’s. They did not want her to suffer even the slightest harm."You! That was my list of herbs, and I know the best and quickest ways to find them. You’re unfamiliar with the area. What were you thinking, running up the mountain?" Pharaoh scolded, his concern clear. The herbs he listed were to save Orion, and in his haste, he had put the list aside when Nina arrived, wanting to give them an update.If something had happened to Nina, he would never have forgiven himself.
Wilfred noticed the dust on Nina’s clothes and the redness in her eyes. She was willing to do anything for Orion, acting swiftly and decisively. He had wanted to accompany her, but Nash had already taken that role, leaving him to stay behind and assist Pharaoh in saving Orion. When the Yaren Tribe was attacked, he and Pharaoh were both busy tending to the injured. Now, Pharaoh was in the lab, and Wilfred was by Micah’s side.Hearing Wilfred’s update, Nina finally let out a sigh of relief. Micah was going to be okay. She also noticed Freya, who was steadfastly watching over Micah. Freya had once seen Nina as a rival, but now she was staying by Micah’s side, clearly devoted to him. Nina realized there was no need for her to linger and play the third wheel.Nina and Nash quietly left, and Wilfred, finding it inconvenient to stay as well, told Freya, "If you need anything, just call me. I’ll be right outside.""Alright," Freya nodded, and Wilfred stepped out.Freya remained by Mi
But it was impossible. Wilfred quickly snapped out of his thoughts and returned to reality. He knew he could never be Nash. He was Wilfred. Even if he could not stand by Nina’s side as a lover, he could be a friend, a brother. He had dedicated his life to her, and that would have to be enough.......When Nash returned to the bedroom with the medicine, Nina had already finished her bath. Her damp hair fell loosely around her shoulders, filling the room with a faint scent of roses.Nash quickly wrapped a towel around her hair. "Lower your clothes a bit so I can apply the medicine.""Okay," Nina complied, and Nash carefully began applying the ointment, his touch gentle.He even blew softly on her skin to ease any sting from the medicine. He was so worried that the medication might irritate her wounds, that she might feel pain. But in truth, this kind of pain was nothing to Nina. She recalled her early days as a war journalist, how clumsy she had been amid the chaos of war.On
It was a clear reality, even if she refused to acknowledge it. Everyone around her knew that Pharaoh was her biological father. Pharaoh was helping her save her child because of their blood connection. Otherwise, he would not care who she or Orion was. If they were to die in front of him, he would not even blink."Maybe we should wait outside for the results," Nash suggested, gently guiding her toward the door, worried that staying might overwhelm her, leading to unnecessary worries.But Nina was resolute. "If he’s not poisoned, then I have to stay. I’m not leaving until he wakes up."Her determination was unyielding, and Nash knew there was no changing her mind. He would stay with her, no question.Unexpectedly, Pharaoh gave Nash a look.Nash placed a reassuring hand on Nina’s shoulder. "I’ll be right back.""Okay," she nodded.Nash followed Pharaoh outside the lab. Pharaoh hesitated for a moment before speaking "Regarding Nina, I hope you can put in a good word for me. Even
Orion shook his head but held onto Nina’s hand even tighter. In the next moment, he slowly raised his hand.Nash immediately reached out, understanding what Orion wanted. The emotion welled up in Nina, and her voice broke as she spoke, "Orion, I promise you, once you’re better, we’ll go back to the place where your dad and I grew up. I’ll take you to school and pick you up every day."I’ll take you to see your grandparents. It’s nothing like the place you’ve been, with war all around. You’ll be able to play every day and eat all the delicious food you want."Orion nodded, his strained voice barely above a whisper, "Okay."Pharaoh heard Nina’s words, and though it stung, he could not blame her. He understood that Nina’s upbringing had been vastly different from the values of the Yaren Tribe."I’ll go make you something to eat," Nina said, gently patting Orion’s hand before standing up.Nash hesitated for a moment, noticing the sadness in Pharaoh’s eyes. He gave Pharaoh a meaning
"Those things are in the past. Let's not dwell on them anymore," Nash said, noticing Nina's low spirits. "Now we're together as a family, and Orion's health is slowly improving. That's what matters most." Mentioning Orion's recovery brought some comfort to Nina. Yes, instead of constantly revisiting painful memories, it was better to focus on the present.The chicken broth was ready soon after, and as she was lost in thought, Nina absentmindedly reached out to grab the hot pot."Ah!" The searing heat made her quickly pull her hand back, and she pressed her fingers against her ear to cool them down."Are you okay?" Nash asked, rushing to check her injury.As he leaned forward, Nina also looked up, and their lips brushed lightly against each other. The sensation was soft and warm.For a moment, Nash relished the warmth of that accidental touch, wishing time would freeze, but his concern for Nina's injury quickly took over."It's nothing serious, just a little red and swollen," Ni
"Bring them in immediately," Pharaoh ordered, despite his distaste for Salterra.However, given the bond between Nina and Nash, and the fact that they share a child, Pharaoh was willing to extend some courtesy to Salterra for Orion’s sake. The two nations could maintain a good relationship, but if Dominic ever dared to mistreat his precious daughter, Pharaoh would not hesitate to retaliate.......Meanwhile, Nina had taken Orion to the back garden.The pollen season had passed, and the flowers in the garden had been carefully selected, allowing her to bring her son here without worry."Mom, these flowers are so beautiful. I’ve never seen them before," Orion exclaimed, his eyes wide with wonder. It was a rare outing for him.He breathed in the fresh air deeply, looking around with curiosity, marveling at everything he saw.If only he could come out every day. He did not want to be confined to a bed anymore, but he kept that thought to himself. He knew how hard his parents were
Yelena quickly lowered her arm, letting her sleeve fall over the mark to cover it. “It’s nothing. Here’s your cocktail. Please enjoy.” “Yelena.” Hunter grabbed her wrist without warning. He pulled up her sleeve, revealing the deep, ugly scars on her arm. His brows knitted together instantly. “Who did this to you?” The force behind it was brutal—downright inhuman. Yelena remained silent. Who else could have done this besides Liam? But she had agreed to this. She had willingly accepted Hunter’s request and entered Liam’s world. She had no right to complain. Her silence gave Hunter all the confirmation he needed. “Liam did this to you, didn’t he?” Yelena nodded. “It’s nothing. The wounds have already started healing. They look worse than they feel. Give it some time, and they’ll fade.” “Wait here.” Hunter stood abruptly and walked away. Yelena had no idea what he was doing, but since he told her to wait, she didn’t argue. A few minu
Then again, it made sense. How could a normal person possibly empathize with a lunatic? If Yelena could understand Liam, that would make her just as twisted. *For the next few days, Yelena stayed home to recover. During that time, Liam came back a few times, bringing her flowers and food. Like a child showing off a treasure, he placed the food in front of her. “Yelena, these are your favorite honey crullers. I got them fresh from the bakery. Try them and see if you like them.” “I’m not really hungry.” She didn’t want to eat anything he gave her. She couldn’t even stand looking at him. But she had made a promise. So, she had to force herself to stay. Liam’s expression darkened. “Are you really not hungry, or do you just not want to eat what I give you?” For someone like him, once he had lost his temper once, the second time would only come faster and smoother. With a heavy thud, he slammed the honey crullers onto the table. “Yes, I hit y
If Liam had been a normal person, Hunter never would have sent her here in the first place. But of course, Yelena could only think that. She wasn’t suicidal enough to say it out loud. Instead, she reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone. “I was really just messaging an old classmate. If you don’t believe me, go ahead—check my phone.” She wasn’t worried. Whenever she contacted Hunter, she deleted each message immediately. She had even forged an entire fake conversation just in case Liam ever got suspicious. So, no matter how thoroughly he checked, there would be nothing for him to find. Liam narrowed his eyes. “Is that so? Then why do I still feel like you’re lying? Women like you—nothing but liars, every last one of you.” Then, he struck her again. Yelena screamed. The pain was relentless, merciless. She had no idea how long it lasted—only that by the time he finally stopped, she was barely breathing. Her body slumped against the floor
Suddenly, footsteps sounded behind Yelena. She spun around, her heart hammering in her chest. Liam was walking toward her, a faint smile on his lips—but the coldness in his eyes told a different story. Memories of his past cruelty flashed through her mind, sending a shudder down her spine. She forced herself to stay calm. “Who are you messaging?” He was getting closer. So close that when he finally stopped, they were nearly pressed against each other. Then, without warning, his fingers clamped around her chin, gripping tighter and tighter. Pain shot through her jaw, and Yelena winced. “No one. Just an old classmate. I ran into her a few days ago while I was out.” “Oh? Is that so?” Liam’s voice softened, almost gentle. To anyone watching, he might have seemed like a kind, easygoing man. But Yelena knew better. He would never let her off that easily. And sure enough— In the next second, he grabbed a fistful of her hair and yanked her hea
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.“Haven’t I been just fine lately?“Or do you think my hand isn’t injured enough? If that’s the case, go ahead—do it yourself. “You already know I wouldn’t fight back no matter what.” Without warning, Yelena stretched out her injured hand, an act that instantly enraged Liam. “What the hell is wrong with you?” He snapped. “I was just making a casual remark. Is that really what you think of me? I already told you—I’m not going to lay a hand on you.“It wasn’t intentional before, and you know it. We both do. Stop acting like you’re above all this when we both know who sent you here.” Yelena felt a pang of sadness. They had spent so much time together, yet this was how he treated her—always choosing to hurt her. “I know—I wasn’t someone you chose, and none of this was intentional. But after all this time we've spent together...“I thought maybe I was a little different to you. But I guess I was wrong. Nothing has changed at all.
“Why do you even care about what happens to other people? Haven’t I made myself clear enough already?“Whose card is this—yours or mine?” His assistant immediately apologized upon hearing Caleb’s tone. “I hope you won’t hold this against me. I really wasn’t thinking clearly at the time—I should have considered this more carefully.” Caleb didn’t bother responding. After hanging up, he focused entirely on investigating Vera’s brother. *Meanwhile, Vera was deeply worried. If things had been somewhat under control before, now they were completely off track. The situation on both sides was far more complicated than she had anticipated. “Don’t worry. That’s exactly how it is. If you don’t want to go in person, I can go for you—but it won’t be cheap,” the private investigator said.Since Caleb had warned her about the private investigator, Vera started testing him, probing for inconsistencies. And sure enough, his story had too many holes. “Why are you so sure my b
As Caleb spoke, he looked at Vera with a hint of helplessness. After all, her hand had been injured because of Luna. “Don’t feel guilty about this. Honestly, it’s nothing to me.“And I’m not the type to carry burdens over things like this.“Besides, it’s been so long. If this had happened back then, I might have cared. But now? I just don’t think it matters anymore.” Vera’s voice was steady and sincere. But Caleb’s expression darkened. “Why would you say that? Why do you think it doesn’t matter? Do you really see me as just the same as everyone else?” For some reason, at this moment, Caleb took it personally. Vera couldn’t help but laugh. “Of course not. You’re different from the rest—so obviously, I wouldn’t see it the same way.“You’ve helped me so much. The least I can do is acknowledge that, instead of stubbornly nitpicking about what’s right or wrong, don’t you think?“Besides, whatever happened between you and Luna, that’s none of my business. It’s in
“I didn’t mean to just now. Besides, you’ve been acting all sneaky lately—so really, who else is to blame?” Seeing Yelena in tears, Liam, who had been furious just moments ago, felt a small pang of guilt. He was never good at expressing emotions. But watching her like this made him a little uncomfortable. “Go get your hand treated. Otherwise, people who don’t know any better might think I’ve been abusing you.” With that, he turned and walked away. Yelena watched his retreating figure, feeling a bit helpless. This wasn’t something she could decide on her own. Installing surveillance? It wasn’t as easy as it sounded. Liam was naturally suspicious. If he caught wind of it, the consequences would be disastrous. But she had no choice. She had a mission to complete, and there was more at stake than just this moment. Letting out a deep sigh, she finally decided to head to a clinic to get her hand treated. *“What happened to you? That’s a serious injury. You
And just like that, the conversation fell into a brief silence. Meanwhile, on the other side, Hunter received a call from Yelena. “What did you just say?” Yelena told him that her hand was broken, and on top of that, Liam seemed to be getting suspicious. She wasn’t sure what to do, so she called Hunter for advice. “I don’t really care what happens to you, but at the very least, take care of yourself.“Otherwise, if something else goes wrong later, I’ll have to step in and clean up the mess. Don’t you think so?” Hearing this, Yelena was a little taken aback. “It’s not just about my injury. The real problem is, I’m scared of what he might do now.” Sure, she had taken the two hundred thousand dollars, but she had to stay alive to spend it. At this rate, she wouldn’t even make it through in one piece. “I already told you—protect yourself. If you need anything else, I’ll try to provide it. But right now, I need you to do something for me.” Hunter had been look